Seven secrets to nation’s performance

Hard work

The Swiss work longer each week ( 40.7 hours) than their counterparts in France and Germany. The effective retirement age is 66.1 years. It has a flexible labour market with strong integration of foreign labour.

High savings

The Swiss have a higher ratio of savings to national income ( 38 per cent) than their German and French counterparts. Switzerland runs Budget surpluses and has US$ 650 billion in foreign reserves.

Global economy

Switzerland is highly integrated into the global economy, with a strong foreign sector ( 70 per cent of GDP), no capital controls and 2.5 million jobs in Swiss firms abroad.

World champions

Switzerland's home- grown multinationals range across multiple industries. Here are just some of the brands: pharmaceuticals ( Novartis, Roche); watches ( Swatch, Rolex, Jaeger LeCoultre); machines ( + GF+, ABB, Schindler); financial services ( UBS, Credit Suisse, Swiss Re); food ( Nestle, Lindt); high tech ( Logitech).

Diversified markets

Switzerland is diversifying, moving more into Asia.

Search for excellence

Highly rated education levels; Three universities in top 100; high competitiveness and strong R& D ( 3 per cent of GDP).

Modern economic governance

Swiss federal Government ensures a stable economic framework; continuous dialogue between government and private sector, which independently sets its own strategic goals. Source: Jean- Pierre Roth, former chairman, Swiss National Bank ( Switzerland’s central bank)