Editing Switzerland (section)

== Culture ==
{{Main|Culture of Switzerland}}
{{See also|Music of Switzerland|Swiss folklore|Alpine culture}}

[[File:Vals06.JPG|thumb|[[Alphorn]] concert in [[Vals, Switzerland|Vals]]]]
Swiss culture is characterised by diversity, which is reflected in diverse traditional customs.<ref name="FDFA-Culture">{{Cite web |title=Culture |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/gesellschaft/kultur.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230322171159/https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/gesellschaft/kultur.html |archive-date=22 March 2023 |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Federal Department of Foreign Affairs |language=en}}</ref> A region may be in some ways culturally connected to the neighbouring country that shares its language, all rooted in western [[Culture of Europe|European culture]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=AFS Intercultural Programmes Käfigturm |url=http://delche.ec.europa.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/Homepage_Dokumente/Presse_und_Information/Reden/2008-11-13_European_Year_of_Intercultural_Dialogue_2008__AFS_Intercultural_Programmes_Kaefigturm.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110221195550/http://delche.ec.europa.eu/fileadmin/user_upload/Homepage_Dokumente/Presse_und_Information/Reden/2008-11-13_European_Year_of_Intercultural_Dialogue_2008__AFS_Intercultural_Programmes_Kaefigturm.pdf |archive-date=21 February 2011}}</ref> The linguistically isolated [[Romansh language|Romansh]] culture in [[Graubünden]] in eastern Switzerland constitutes an exception. It survives only in the upper valleys of the Rhine and the Inn and strives to maintain its rare linguistic tradition.

Switzerland is home to notable contributors to literature, art, architecture, music and sciences. In addition, the country attracted creatives during times of unrest or war.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Switzerland Culture |url=http://www.traveldocs.com/ch/culture.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100505140718/http://www.traveldocs.com/ch/culture.htm |archive-date=5 May 2010 |access-date=8 February 2023 |website=Travel Document Systems |language=en}}</ref> Some 1000 museums are found in the country.<ref name="FDFA-Culture" />

Among the most important cultural performances held annually are the [[Paléo Festival]], [[Lucerne Festival]],<ref>{{Cite news |title=Lucerne Festival |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/l/lucerne_festival/index.html |access-date=15 December 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304111649/http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/subjects/l/lucerne_festival/index.html |archive-date=4 March 2016 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> the [[Montreux Jazz Festival]],<ref>{{Cite web |title=Montreux Jazz Festival |url=http://www.montreuxjazz.com/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041224131448/http://www.montreuxjazz.com/ |archive-date=24 December 2004 |access-date=26 August 2013 |website=Montreux Jazz Festival |language=fr}}</ref> the [[Locarno International Film Festival]] and [[Art Basel]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Festivals |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/gesellschaft/grossanlaesse/festivals.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230417092823/https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/gesellschaft/grossanlaesse/festivals.html |archive-date=17 April 2023 |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Federal Department of Foreign Affairs |language=en}}</ref> In addition, Switzerland has held the Eurovision Song Contest thrice, in 1956 (the inaugural edition, held in Lugano), 1989 (Lausanne), and 2025 (Basel), and won thrice, through [[Lys Assia]] in 1956, [[Celine Dion]] in 1988, and [[Nemo (singer)|Nemo]] in 2024. 

Alpine symbolism played an essential role in shaping Swiss history and the Swiss national identity.<ref name="Zimmer-2004" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Alps |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/umwelt/geografie/alpen.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323164907/https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/umwelt/geografie/alpen.html |archive-date=23 March 2023 |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Federal Department of Foreign Affairs |language=en}}</ref> Many alpine areas and [[ski resort]]s attract visitors for [[winter sports]] as well as hiking and [[mountain biking]] in summer. The quieter seasons are spring and autumn. A traditional pastoral culture predominates in many areas, and small farms are omnipresent in rural areas. Folk art is nurtured in organisations across the country. Switzerland most directly in appears in music, dance, poetry, wood carving, and embroidery. The [[alphorn]], a trumpet-like musical instrument made of wood has joined [[yodel]]ing and the accordion as epitomes of traditional [[Music of Switzerland|Swiss music]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Cultural creativity in Switzerland |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/gesellschaft/kultur/kulturschaffen-schweiz.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324100137/https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/gesellschaft/kultur/kulturschaffen-schweiz.html |archive-date=24 March 2023 |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Federal Department of Foreign Affairs |language=en}}</ref><ref>[http://www.europe-cities.com/en/648/switzerland/culture/ Culture of Switzerland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090130054142/http://www.europe-cities.com/en/648/switzerland/culture/ |date=30 January 2009}}. europe-cities.com. Retrieved on 14 December 2009.</ref>

=== Religion ===
{{Main|Religion in Switzerland}}
{{Pie chart
|thumb = right
|caption = Religion in Switzerland (age 15+, 2018–2020):<ref name="RelOverview2020">{{Cite web |date=21 March 2022 |title=Religion |url=https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home/statistics/population/languages-religions/religions.assetdetail.21784427.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230126174429/https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home/statistics/population/languages-religions/religions.assetdetail.21784427.html |archive-date=26 January 2023 |access-date=10 August 2022 |publisher=[[Federal Statistical Office (Switzerland)|Swiss Federal Statistical Office]] |type=official statistics: population age 15+, observation period 2018–2020 |location=Neuchâtel, Switzerland}}</ref>{{efn|name=national-survey}}
|label1 = [[Catholic Church in Switzerland|Roman Catholicism]]
|value1 = 34.4
|color1 = Purple
|label2 = [[Protestant Church of Switzerland|Swiss Protestantism]]
|value2 = 22.5
|color2 = DodgerBlue
|label3 = [[Protestantism|Other Protestants]]
|value3 = 2.7
|color3 = DeepSkyBlue
|label4 = [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Eastern]] or [[Oriental Orthodox Churches|Oriental Orthodoxy]]
|value4 = 2.6
|color4 = Orchid
|label5 = [[Christian Catholic Church of Switzerland|Old Catholics]]
|value5 = 0.1
|color5 = #AFDBF5
|label6 = Other Christians
|value6 = 0.3
|color6 = Turquoise
|label7 = [[Irreligion|Unaffiliated]]
|value7 = 29.4
|color7 = WhiteSmoke
|label8 = [[Islam in Switzerland|Islam]]
|value8 = 5.4
|color8 = Green
|label9 = [[Hinduism in Switzerland|Hinduism]]
|value9 = 0.6
|color9 = Orange
|label10 = [[Buddhism in Switzerland|Buddhism]]
|value10 = 0.5
|color10 = Yellow
|label11 = [[Judaism in Switzerland|Judaism]]
|value11 = 0.2
|color11 = Blue
|label12 = Other religions
|value12 = 0.3
|color12 = Red
|label13 = Undetermined
|value13 = 1.1
|color13 = Black
}}

Christianity is the predominant religion according to national surveys of Swiss Federal Statistical Office{{efn|name=national-survey|Since 2010, statistics of religious affiliation in Switzerland provided by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office are based on a national structural survey of 200,000 people aged 15 years and older (corresponding to 2.5% of the total resident population). Data are [[extrapolation|extrapolated]] to obtain statistical results for the whole population (aged 15 years and older). These results are estimates subject to some degree of uncertainty indicated by a [[confidence interval]], but by merging samples (pooling) from several years it is possible to get more accurate results, including total number of Protestants and information about minority religions. Note: The figures of the structural survey are not entirely comparable to data collection before 2010 based on census figures (counting every person living in Switzerland) or to annual official numbers of church members.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Methodological basis for research and regional partners [Accuracy of results; Cumulated data-pooling] |url=https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home/statistics/population/surveys/se/methodological-basis-research-regional-partners.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220518200712/https://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/en/home/statistics/population/surveys/se/methodological-basis-research-regional-partners.html |archive-date=18 May 2022 |access-date=10 August 2022 |publisher=[[Federal Statistical Office (Switzerland)|Swiss Federal Statistical Office]] |location=Neuchâtel, Switzerland}}</ref>}} (about 67% of resident population in 2016–2018<ref name="SFOReligions" /> and 75% of Swiss citizens<ref>{{Cite web |year=2015 |title=Wohnbevölkerung nach Religionszugehörigkeit 1910–2013 |url=http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/01/05/blank/key/religionen.Document.21755.xls |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151015170031/http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/01/05/blank/key/religionen.Document.21755.xls |archive-date=15 October 2015 |access-date=14 October 2015 |website=www.bfs.admin.ch |publisher=Swiss Federal Statistical Office |language=de |format=XLS |location=Neuchâtel}}</ref>), divided between the Catholic Church (35.8% of the population), the Swiss Reformed Church (23.8%), further [[Protestant]] churches (2.2%), [[Eastern Orthodoxy]] (2.5%), and other Christian denominations (2.2%).<ref name="SFOReligions" />

Switzerland has no official [[state religion]], though most of the [[cantons of Switzerland|cantons]] (except [[Canton of Geneva|Geneva]] and [[Canton of Neuchâtel|Neuchâtel]]) recognise official churches, either the [[Roman Catholicism in Switzerland|Catholic Church]] or the [[Swiss Reformed Church]]. These churches, and in some cantons the [[Old Catholic Church]] and Jewish congregations, are financed by official taxation of members.<ref>{{Cite web |year=2013 |title=Die Kirchensteuern August 2013 |url=http://www.estv.admin.ch/dokumentation/00079/00080/00736/index.html?lang=de&download=NHzLpZeg7t,lnp6I0NTU042l2Z6ln1acy4Zn4Z2qZpnO2Yuq2Z6gpJCDdYR6fGym162epYbg2c_JjKbNoKSn6A-- |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120125112400/http://www.estv.admin.ch/dokumentation/00079/00080/00736/index.html?lang=de&download=NHzLpZeg7t%2Clnp6I0NTU042l2Z6ln1acy4Zn4Z2qZpnO2Yuq2Z6gpJCDdYR6fGym162epYbg2c_JjKbNoKSn6A-- |archive-date=25 January 2012 |access-date=5 April 2014 |website=www.estv.admin.ch |publisher=Schweizerische Steuerkonferenz SSK, Swiss Federal Tax Administration FTA, Federal Department of Finance FDF |language=de, fr, it |type=Document |format=PDF |location=Bern}}</ref> In 2020, the Roman Catholic Church had 3,048,475 registered and [[church tax]] paying members (corresponding to 35.2% of the total population), while the Swiss Reformed Church had 2,015,816 members (23.3% of the total population).<ref>{{Cite web |year=2022 |title=Kirchenmitgliedschaft in der römisch-katholischen und evangelisch-reformierten Kirche nach Kantonen (2020) |trans-title=Church membership in the Roman Catholic and Evangelical Reformed Churches by cantons (2020) |url=https://kirchenstatistik.spi-sg.ch/entwicklung-der-kirchenmitgliedschaft/#close |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200429222506/https://kirchenstatistik.spi-sg.ch/entwicklung-der-kirchenmitgliedschaft/#close |archive-date=29 April 2020 |access-date=10 August 2022 |publisher=SPI |type=church statistics |location=St. Gallen}}</ref>{{efn|name=church-membership|Precise statistics about the membership of churches among the total population in Switzerland is only available for officially registered and [[church tax]] paying members of the [[Catholic Church in Switzerland]] and the [[Protestant Church of Switzerland]] (''[[Landeskirche]]n'').}}

26.3% of Swiss permanent residents are not affiliated with a religious community.<ref name="SFOReligions" />

As of 2020, according to a national survey conducted by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office,{{efn|name=national-survey}} Christian minority communities included Neo-[[Pietism]] (0.5%), [[Pentecostalism]] (0.4%, mostly incorporated in the [[Schweizer Pfingstmission]]), [[New Apostolic Church|Apostolic communities]] (0.3%), other Protestant denominations (1.1%, including [[Methodism]]), the [[Old Catholic Church]] (0.1%), other Christian denominations (0.3%). Non-Christian religions are [[Islam in Switzerland|Islam]] (5.3%),<ref name="SFOReligions" /> [[Hinduism]] (0.6%), [[Buddhism]] (0.5%), Judaism (0.25%) and others (0.4%).<ref name="RelOverview2020" />

Historically, the country was about evenly balanced between Catholic and Protestant, in a complex patchwork. During the [[Reformation]] Switzerland became home to many [[Protestant Reformers|reformers]]. [[Geneva]] converted to Protestantism in 1536, just before [[John Calvin]] arrived. In 1541, he founded the ''[[Republic of Geneva]]'' on his own ideals. It became known internationally as the ''Protestant Rome'' and housed such reformers as [[Theodore Beza]], [[William Farel]] or [[Pierre Viret]]. [[Zurich]] [[Reformation in Zurich|became]] another reform stronghold around the same time, with [[Huldrych Zwingli]] and [[Heinrich Bullinger]] taking the lead. Anabaptists [[Felix Manz]] and [[Conrad Grebel]] also operated there. They were later joined by the fleeing [[Peter Martyr Vermigli]] and [[Hans Denck]]. Other centres included [[Basel]] ([[Andreas Karlstadt]] and [[Johannes Oecolampadius]]), [[Bern]] ([[Berchtold Haller]] and [[Niklaus Manuel]]), and [[St. Gallen]] ([[Joachim Vadian]]). One canton, Appenzell, was officially divided into Catholic and Protestant sections in 1597. The larger cities and their cantons (Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Zurich and Basel) used to be predominantly Protestant. [[Central Switzerland]], the [[Valais]], the [[Ticino]], [[Appenzell Innerrhoden|Appenzell Innerrhodes]], the [[Canton of Jura|Jura]], and [[Canton of Fribourg|Fribourg]] are traditionally Catholic.

The [[Swiss Constitution]] of 1848, under the recent impression of the clashes of Catholic vs Protestant cantons that culminated in the [[Sonderbundskrieg]], consciously defines a [[consociational state]], allowing the peaceful co-existence of Catholics and Protestants.{{citation needed|date=September 2022}} A 1980 initiative calling for the complete [[separation of church and state]] was rejected by 78.9% of the voters.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Volksabstimmung vom 02.03.1980 |url=http://www.admin.ch/ch/d/pore/va/19800302/index.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010153145/https://www.admin.ch/ch/d/pore/va/19800302/index.html |archive-date=10 October 2017 |access-date=8 February 2023 |website=www.bk.admin.ch |language=de}}</ref> Some traditionally Protestant cantons and cities nowadays have a slight Catholic majority, because since about 1970 a steadily growing minority were not affiliated with any religious body (21.4% in Switzerland, 2012) especially in traditionally Protestant regions, such as Basel-City (42%), canton of Neuchâtel (38%), canton of Geneva (35%), canton of Vaud (26%), or Zurich city (city: >25%; canton: 23%).<ref>{{Cite web |year=2014 |title=Ständige Wohnbevölkerung ab 15 Jahren nach Religions- / Konfessionszugehörigkeit, 2012 |url=http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/01/05/blank/key/religionen.Document.21757.xls |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106215454/http://www.bfs.admin.ch/bfs/portal/de/index/themen/01/05/blank/key/religionen.Document.21757.xls |archive-date=6 January 2012 |access-date=5 April 2014 |website=www.bfs.admin.ch |publisher=Swiss Federal Statistical Office |language=de, fr, it |type=Statistics |format=XLS |location=Neuchâtel}}</ref>

=== Literature ===
{{Main|Literature of Switzerland}}
[[File:Jean-Jacques Rousseau (painted portrait).jpg|thumb|upright|[[Jean-Jacques Rousseau]] was not only a writer but also an influential philosopher of the eighteenth century.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023|reason=Certainly true, but the source we had for this statement is no longer available.}}]]
The earliest forms of literature were in German, reflecting the language's early predominance. In the 18th century, French became fashionable in Bern and elsewhere, while the influence of the French-speaking allies and subject lands increased.<ref>{{EB1911|inline=y|wstitle=Switzerland/Literature|display=Switzerland § Literature|volume=26|page=263|first=William Augustus Brevoort|last=Coolidge|author-link=W. A. B. Coolidge}}</ref>

Among the classic authors of Swiss literature are [[Jeremias Gotthelf]] (1797–1854) and [[Gottfried Keller]] (1819–1890); later writers are [[Max Frisch]] (1911–1991) and [[Friedrich Dürrenmatt]] (1921–1990), whose {{lang|de|Das Versprechen}} (''[[The Pledge: Requiem for the Detective Novel|The Pledge]]'') was released as a Hollywood film in 2001, starring Jack Nicholson.<ref name="Literature">{{Cite web |title=Discover Switzerland |url=http://www.swissworld.org/en/culture/literature/german_speaking_authors/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090611004600/http://www.swissworld.org/en/culture/literature/german_speaking_authors/ |archive-date=11 June 2009 |access-date=23 June 2009 |website=www.eda.admin.ch |language=en}}</ref>

Famous French-speaking writers were [[Jean-Jacques Rousseau]] (1712–1778) and [[Germaine de Staël]] (1766–1817). More recent authors include [[Charles Ferdinand Ramuz]] (1878–1947), whose novels describe the lives of peasants and mountain dwellers, set in a harsh environment, and [[Blaise Cendrars]] (born Frédéric Sauser, 1887–1961).<ref name="Literature" /> Italian and Romansh-speaking authors also contributed to the Swiss literary landscape, generally in proportion to their number.

Probably the most famous Swiss literary creation, ''[[Heidi]]'', the story of an orphan girl who lives with her grandfather in the Alps, is one of the most popular children's books and has come to be a symbol of Switzerland. Her creator, [[Johanna Spyri]] (1827–1901), wrote a number of books on similar themes.<ref name="Literature" />

=== Media ===
{{Main|Media of Switzerland}}
{{more citations needed section|date=February 2024}}
[[Freedom of the press]] and the right to [[free expression]] is guaranteed in the constitution.<ref name="Media">[http://www.ch.ch/private/00085/00090/00479/00480/index.html?lang=en Press and the media] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204150520/http://www.ch.ch/private/00085/00090/00479/00480/index.html?lang=en |date=4 December 2008}} ch.ch. Retrieved on 25 June 2009</ref> The [[Schweizerische Depeschenagentur|Swiss News Agency]] (SNA) broadcasts information in three of the four national languages—on politics, economics, society and culture. The SNA supplies almost all Swiss media and foreign media with its reporting.<ref name="Media" />

In Switzerland, the most influential newspapers include the German-language {{lang|de|[[Tages-Anzeiger]]}} and ''[[Neue Zürcher Zeitung]]'', as well as the French-language ''[[Le Temps]]''. Additionally, almost every city has at least one local newspaper published in the predominant local language.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-28 |title=Media |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/wirtschaft/taetigkeitsgebiete/medien.html |access-date=2024-05-30 |website=www.eda.admin.ch |language=en |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530183516/https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home/wirtschaft/taetigkeitsgebiete/medien.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2012-05-07 |title=Switzerland media guide |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17982246 |access-date=2024-05-30 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=30 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530183516/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17982246 |url-status=live }}</ref>

The government exerts greater control over broadcast media than print media, especially due to financing and licensing.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}} The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, an [[European Broadcasting Union|EBU]] member, whose name was recently changed to [[Swiss Broadcasting Corporation|SRG SSR]], is charged with the production and distribution of radio and television content. SRG SSR studios are distributed across the various language regions. Radio content is produced in six central and four regional studios while video media are produced in [[Geneva]], [[Zurich]], [[Basel]], and [[Lugano]]. An extensive cable network allows most Swiss to access content from neighbouring countries.{{Citation needed|date=October 2023}}

=== Sports ===
{{Main|Sport in Switzerland}}
[[File:Allalinhorn 4027 2007 04 17.JPG|thumb|left|Ski area over the glaciers of [[Saas-Fee]]]]
[[Skiing]], [[snowboarding]] and [[mountaineering]] are among the most popular sports, reflecting the nature of the country<ref>[http://www.europe-cities.com/en/672/switzerland/sport/ Sport in Switzerland] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100916001155/http://www.europe-cities.com/en/672/switzerland/sport/ |date=16 September 2010}} europe-cities.com. Retrieved on 14 December 2009</ref> Winter sports are practised by natives and visitors. The [[bobsleigh]] was invented in [[St. Moritz]].<ref>[http://www.fibt.com/index.php?id=39 A brief history of bobsleigh] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513011356/http://www.fibt.com/index.php?id=39 |date=13 May 2011}} fibt.com. Retrieved on 2 November 2009</ref> The first [[FIS Alpine World Ski Championships|world ski championships]] were held in [[Mürren]] (1931) and St. Moritz (1934). The latter town hosted the [[1928 Winter Olympics|second Winter Olympic Games]] in 1928 and the [[1948 Winter Olympics|fifth edition]] in 1948. Among its most successful skiers and world champions are [[Pirmin Zurbriggen]] and [[Didier Cuche]].

The most prominently watched sports in Switzerland are [[Football in Switzerland|football]] and [[Schweizerischer Eishockeyverband|ice hockey]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=1 July 2014 |title=Meist gesehene Sendungen SRF seit 2011 |url=http://www.srf.ch/medien/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Hitliste_seit_2011.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160714130318/http://www.srf.ch/medien/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Hitliste_seit_2011.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2016 |access-date=13 June 2016 |publisher=[[Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen|SRF]] |language=de}}</ref>

The headquarters of the international football's and ice hockey's governing bodies, the [[International Federation of Association Football]] (FIFA) and [[International Ice Hockey Federation]] (IIHF) are located in Zurich. Many other headquarters of international sports federations are located in Switzerland. For example, the [[International Olympic Committee]] (IOC), IOC's [[Olympic Museum]] and the [[Court of Arbitration for Sport]] (CAS) are located in [[Lausanne]].

Switzerland hosted the [[1954 FIFA World Cup]] and was the joint host, with Austria, of the [[UEFA Euro 2008]] tournament. The [[Swiss Super League]] is the nation's professional football club league, with clubs including [[BSC Young Boys]] performing consistently in European club competitions. Europe's highest football pitch, at {{convert|2000|m|ft}} above sea level, is located in Switzerland, the ''Ottmar Hitzfeld Stadium''.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gilbert |first=Sarah |date=8 June 2014 |title=The world's most amazing football pitches – in pictures |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2014/jun/08/the-worlds-most-amazing-football-pitches-in-pictures?CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2 |url-status=live |access-date=9 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714190244/http://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2014/jun/08/the-worlds-most-amazing-football-pitches-in-pictures?CMP=EMCNEWEML6619I2 |archive-date=14 July 2014}}</ref> One of Switzerland's most successful footballers is [[Xherdan Shaqiri]] of [[FC Basel|FC Basel.]]

Many Swiss follow [[ice hockey]] and support one of the 12 teams of the [[National League (ice hockey)|National League]], which is the most attended league in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hockeyarenas.net |url=http://www.hockeyarenas.net/index.php3?ctID=ch&size=0&page=0701&c=eu&ctID=eu&atType=0&show=25&tdSaison=2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120114160452/http://www.hockeyarenas.net/index.php3?ctID=ch&size=0&page=0701&c=eu&ctID=eu&atType=0&show=25&tdSaison=2011 |archive-date=14 January 2012 |access-date=3 November 2011 |publisher=Hockeyarenas.net}}</ref> In 2009, Switzerland hosted the [[2009 IIHF World Championship|IIHF World Championship]] for the tenth time.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 May 2009 |title=IIHF World Championships 2009 official website |url=http://www.iihf.com/channels/iihf-world-championship-oc09/home-oc/tournament-information.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101227112635/http://www.iihf.com/channels/iihf-world-championship-oc09/home-oc/tournament-information.html |archive-date=27 December 2010 |access-date=29 April 2010 |publisher=Iihf.com}}</ref> It also became [[2013 IIHF World Championship|World Vice-Champion]] in 2013 and 2018. Its numerous lakes make Switzerland an attractive sailing destination. The largest, [[Lake Geneva]], is the home of the sailing team [[Alinghi]] which was the first European team to win the [[America's Cup]] in 2003 and which successfully defended the title in 2007.

[[File:Roger Federer (26 June 2009, Wimbledon) 2 new.jpg|thumb|upright|[[Roger Federer]] has won 20 Grand Slam singles titles, making him among the most successful men's tennis players ever.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1157546/1/index.htm Roger Federer's Grand Slam Titles] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127223246/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/gallery/featured/GAL1157546/1/index.htm |date=27 January 2010}} sportsillustrated.cnn.com. Retrieved on 14 June 2010</ref>]]Swiss tennis player [[Roger Federer]] is widely regarded as among the sport's greatest players. He won 20 [[Grand Slam (tennis)|Grand Slam]] tournaments overall including a record 8 [[The Championships, Wimbledon|Wimbledon]] titles. He won six [[ATP Finals]].<ref>{{Cite news |title=Roger Federer wins sixth Australian Open and 20th Grand Slam title |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/42851064 |url-status=live |access-date=24 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210131051812/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/42851064 |archive-date=31 January 2021}}</ref> He was ranked no. 1 in the [[ATP rankings]] for a record 237 consecutive weeks. He ended 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and [[2009 ATP World Tour|2009]] ranked no. 1. Fellow Swiss players [[Martina Hingis]] and [[Stan Wawrinka]] also won multiple Grand Slam titles. Switzerland won the [[Davis Cup]] title in 2014.

[[Motorsport]] racecourses and events were banned in Switzerland following the [[1955 Le Mans disaster]] with exceptions for events such as [[hillclimbing]]. The country continued to produce successful racing drivers such as [[Clay Regazzoni]], [[Sébastien Buemi]], [[Jo Siffert]], [[Dominique Aegerter]], successful [[World Touring Car Championship]] driver [[Alain Menu]], [[2014 24 Hours of Le Mans]] winner [[Marcel Fässler (racing driver)|Marcel Fässler]] and 2015 [[24 Hours Nürburgring]] winner [[Nico Müller]]. [[A1 Team Switzerland|Switzerland]] also won the [[A1 Grand Prix|A1GP World Cup of Motorsport]] in [[2007–08 A1 Grand Prix season|2007–08]] with driver [[Neel Jani]]. Swiss [[motorcycle racer]] [[Thomas Lüthi]] won the 2005 [[MotoGP]] World Championship in the 125cc category. In June 2007 the [[Swiss National Council]], one house of the [[Federal Assembly of Switzerland]], voted to overturn the ban, however the other house, the [[Swiss Council of States]] rejected the change and the ban remains in place.<ref>[[n:Switzerland lifts ban on motor racing]]</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=10 October 2007 |title=Swiss vote against racing |url=http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns19754.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140714131153/http://www.grandprix.com/ns/ns19754.html |archive-date=14 July 2014 |access-date=13 June 2014 |website=Grandprix.com |publisher=Inside F1, Inc.}}</ref>

Traditional sports include Swiss wrestling or {{lang|de|Schwingen}}, a tradition from the rural central cantons and considered the national sport by some. [[Hornussen]] is another indigenous Swiss sport, which is like a cross between baseball and golf.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Hornussen Baseball Swissstyle |url=http://www.swissroots.org/swissroots/en/stories/heritage/Heritage/Swiss%20Customs/Hornussen%20Baseball%20Swissstyle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629151434/http://www.swissroots.org/swissroots/en/stories/heritage/Heritage/Swiss%2520Customs/Hornussen%2520Baseball%2520Swissstyle |archive-date=29 June 2009 |access-date=25 January 2010 |website=Swiss Roots}}</ref> {{lang|de|[[Steinstossen]]}} is the Swiss variant of [[stone put]], a competition in throwing a heavy stone. Practised only among the alpine population since [[prehistory|prehistoric times]], it is recorded to have taken place in [[Basel]] in the 13th century. It is central to the [[Unspunnenfest]], first held in 1805, with its symbol the 83.5 stone named {{lang|de|Unspunnenstein}}.<ref>{{Cite web |date=6 July 2011 |title=Tradition and History |url=http://www.interlaken.ch/erlebnisse/sommer/festivals/unspunnenfest/tradition-und-geschichte.html?L=3 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110706234615/http://www.interlaken.ch/erlebnisse/sommer/festivals/unspunnenfest/tradition-und-geschichte.html?L=3 |archive-date=6 July 2011 |access-date=8 February 2023}}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main|Swiss cuisine}}
{{See also|Culinary Heritage of Switzerland}}
[[File:Full cheese fondue set - in Switzerland.JPG|thumb|right|[[Fondue]] is melted cheese, into which bread is dipped.]]
The cuisine is multifaceted. While dishes such as [[fondue]], [[raclette]] or [[rösti]] are omnipresent, each region developed its gastronomy according to the varieties of climate and language, for example, {{lang|de|[[Zürcher Geschnetzeltes]]}}, engl.: sliced meat Zurich style.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Flavors of Switzerland |url=http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/countries/flavors-of-switzerland/ |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090720054343/http://www.theworldwidegourmet.com/countries/flavors-of-switzerland/ |archive-date=20 July 2009 |access-date=24 June 2009 |website=The Worldwide Gourmet |language=en}}</ref> Traditional Swiss cuisine uses ingredients similar to those in other European countries, as well as unique [[dairy product]]s and cheeses such as [[Gruyère (cheese)|Gruyère]] or [[Emmental (cheese)|Emmental]], produced in the valleys of [[Gruyères]] and [[Emmental]]. The number of fine-dining establishments is high, particularly in western Switzerland.<ref>[http://servicesv2.webmichelin.com/frontnews/servlet/GetElement?elementCode=56670 Michelin Guide Switzerland 2010 attests to the high quality of gourmet cooking with one new 2 star restaurant and 8 new one star] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110427033455/http://servicesv2.webmichelin.com/frontnews/servlet/GetElement?elementCode=56670 |date=27 April 2011}} Press information, Michelin. Retrieved on 14 December 2009</ref><ref>Shriver, Jerry. [https://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2005-04-26-swiss-food_x.htm Swiss region serves up food with star power] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120918070817/http://www.usatoday.com/travel/destinations/2005-04-26-swiss-food_x.htm |date=18 September 2012}} usatoday.com. Retrieved on 14 December 2009.</ref>

[[Swiss chocolate|Chocolate]] has been made in Switzerland since the 18th century. Its reputation grew at the end of the 19th century with the invention of modern techniques such as [[conching]] and [[Tempering chocolate|tempering]], which enabled higher quality. Another breakthrough was the invention of solid milk chocolate in 1875 by [[Daniel Peter]]. The Swiss are the world's largest chocolate consumers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Discover Switzerland |url=https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home.html/en/switzerland/swiss_specials/swiss_chocolate/swiss_breakthroughs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208144506/https://www.eda.admin.ch/aboutswitzerland/en/home.html/en/switzerland/swiss_specials/swiss_chocolate/swiss_breakthroughs/ |archive-date=8 February 2023 |access-date=8 February 2023 |website=www.eda.admin.ch |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=4 January 2010 |title=Swiss Chocolate : German WorldMagazine |url=http://www.germanworldonline.com/index.php/swisschocolatehistory/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100104115936/http://www.germanworldonline.com/index.php/swisschocolatehistory/ |archive-date=4 January 2010 |access-date=8 February 2023}}</ref>

The most popular alcoholic drink is wine. Switzerland is notable for its variety of grape varieties, reflecting the large variations in [[terroir]]s. [[Swiss wine]] is produced mainly in [[Valais (wine region)|Valais]], [[Vaud]] ([[Lavaux]]), [[Geneva (wine region)|Geneva]] and Ticino, with a small majority of white wines. Vineyards have been cultivated in Switzerland since the Roman era, even though traces of a more ancient origin can be found. The most widespread varieties are the [[Chasselas]] (called [[Fendant]] in Valais) and [[Pinot noir|Pinot Noir]]. [[Merlot]] is the main variety produced in Ticino.<ref>[http://www.swisswine.ch/english/bienv/main.asp Wine-producing Switzerland in short] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090409084726/http://www.swisswine.ch/english/bienv/main.asp |date=9 April 2009}} swisswine.ch. Retrieved on 24 June 2009</ref><ref>[http://www.winebiz.com.au/statistics/world.asp Table 38. Top wine consuming nations per capita, 2006] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100818001813/http://www.winebiz.com.au/statistics/world.asp |date=18 August 2010}} winebiz.com. Retrieved on 14 June 2010</ref>