You Are in Switzerland, My Dear

By: Ayman Okeil

I have had the pleasure of visiting Switzerland over thirty times, and each visit never fails to amaze me. It’s not the famous landmarks like the Palace of Nations, the Snow-Capped Alps, Lake Geneva, or even the delectable Swiss chocolate that impress me the most. What truly astounds me is Switzerland’s remarkable transformation from a small, economically disadvantaged country with challenging geographical features like mountains and unsuitable plains for agriculture, to a prosperous federal state with thriving industries, exceptional commercial goods, and the world’s most coveted timepieces. It has evolved from a nation embroiled in revolution for over half a century to become one of the safest countries in the world.

I recall a story of a Greek woman who, while parked in front of a hotel entrance in Geneva, expressed her fear of having her belongings stolen. To her surprise, she was told, “You Are in Switzerland, My Dear.” This incident made me ponder the secret behind this country’s renaissance and how it managed to turn setbacks into unprecedented luxury and prosperity. Through my observations, I can confirm that the Swiss citizen holds the key to this transformation, not the geographical location, turbulent history, or the duration of the revolution. With a population of over eight million, as per the latest statistics from the Federal Statistical Office in Switzerland, the Swiss people are a diverse mix of cultures, races, and nationalities. Scholars and visionaries such as Einstein, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Carl Jung, who excelled in the fields of science, philosophy, and economics, are among their ranks.

Switzerland’s choice of neutrality in international politics, following the path of peace establishment as an alternative to war, has played a significant role in its development.

The Swiss citizen knows not the meaning of self-flagellation and takes pride in both themselves and their country, even in the darkest of times. They start their day with a smile and abide by rules, applying them to themselves before demanding them from others. Realism is a distinguishing trait of the Swiss citizen, who scrutinizes their surroundings with the same precision they use to adjust their watches. This behavior is noticeable when you visit Switzerland as a tourist, as the Swiss excel in the art of hospitality and service. It is worth mentioning that well-known areas in Switzerland heavily rely on tourism, both in the summer and winter seasons, making it a significant source of national income. The Swiss recognized the value of tourism and transformed the snow and harsh winters, considered a curse in other countries, into a blessing and an attraction for skiing enthusiasts. As soon as winter arrives, thousands of tourists flock to Switzerland to indulge in this sport.

Switzerland has managed to achieve several sustainable development goals six years ahead of 2030 Agenda’s timeframe. They surpassed targets related to eradicating poverty, eliminating hunger, and many other goals. Now, international mechanisms need to share Switzerland’s successful experiences in achieving these goals with other nations. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the Swiss hold a deep love for their country, evident in their productivity and pride in the beautiful nature bestowed upon them by God. Understandably, the average Swiss citizen ranks first in terms of average wealth per adult, with a value of $685,000, as reported in the World Wealth Report released in January 2024 by Credit Suisse. This achievement is a natural outcome of individuals who cherish their country, dedicate themselves to their work, and commit their lives to defend it, each in their respective field of expertise.