Countries

Switzerland

A landlocked Alpine country of about 9 million people, wedged between France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Liechtenstein. Its Confederation traces to a 1291 pact, and its neutrality has held unbroken since 1815, even through both World Wars, under frequent public referendums.

The Matterhorn's pyramidal peak rising above the Swiss Alps near Zermatt

The Matterhorn, near Zermatt

Photo: Liridon, CC BY-SA 4.0

One of only two square national flags in the world (with Vatican City): a white cross on a red field, formalized in 1889 but traced to 14th-century battle banners.

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