NationStates Jolt Archive

Why doesnt Switzerland want to join the EU???

i seriously dont get it, i mean, Switzerland is making the EU look like a giant with a hole in the middle... is it not benefitial for switzerland to join the EU??

what about Norway and Iceland??

The reason switzerland doesn't want to join the EU, is because if it does, by EU regulations it will have top tell all the governments abouts the banking transactions taking place in switzerland, since this is the main point of switzerland actually existing. It will not join the EU.

Because SOME european countries still have three brain cells left which bounce off each other and come up with a little common sense.

Switzerland has a long tradition of being neutral. Joining the EU is NOT neutral. If by chance the world went to war again, they would be obliged to join in. It may benefit them economically, but politically, it'd be suicide.

I think some countries percieve the EU as trying to become the United States of Europe, so it can compete with other larger countries (China, US, etc.) I suspect they value their independence too much to join, though.

They won't join because they're fuckin Switzerland. They dont take sides. . .on anything.

The reason switzerland doesn't want to join the EU, is because if it does, by EU regulations it will have top tell all the governments abouts the banking transactions taking place in switzerland, since this is the main point of switzerland actually existing. It will not join the EU.

BINGO! We have a winner!

You wont hear EU leaders press to hard for it either.....

Why doesnt Switzerland want to join the EU???

i seriously dont get it, i mean, Switzerland is making the EU look like a giant with a hole in the middle... is it not benefitial for switzerland to join the EU??

what about Norway and Iceland??

The Swiss like things with holes in the middle. Just look at their cheese.

Good old Switzerland.

How is the EU doing anyway after the referendum or something on the constitution was defeated in Poland and France.

They are afraid it would take something out of their neutral status, achieved in 1815.

They'd have to have a referendum in which the majority of Swiss voters in majority of the cantons voted for the EU. Doesn't seem plausible, hence no referendum. In 2001 some 77% of the people there rejected such referendum in the first place.

Their standard of living is top notch, so they wouldn't benefit from the EU membership.

Their banking practices should chance if they joined the EU - they are not ready for that.

Take your pick.

The Swiss like things with holes in the middle. Just look at their cheese.

LOL! :D

Switzerland has applied for membership in the EU in 1992, but the situation doesn't seem likely after the results of two negative referenda...

The reason is because the EU is very open and cherry with not a lot of regulations, the only reason of it's existence. The Swiss are the exact opposite, they arn't all loose and are very secretive for their clients. Their goverment and the country itself would lose a lot fo it's support at the moment if it followed the openess that is required of the EU.

I think the reason why the swiss havent joined the EU is because they have been neutral for way too long and thats the way the people for this country have lived for years and if they did jump into today's society with war and aggression i think all around suicide right there...the banking systems wold have to give up all ther information to be placed inthe world wide economy and be destroyed.. i mean who would want to live in a world without swiss bank accounts where we can hide all our money so the government cant get it...politicly they may come to life but be crushed with the fact of making allies with possibly some of the wrong countries and there goes "neutral switzerland".....

They're unpatriotic. :mad:

Because SOME european countries still have three brain cells left which bounce off each other and come up with a little common sense.

Switzerland has a long tradition of being neutral. Joining the EU is NOT neutral. If by chance the world went to war again, they would be obliged to join in. It may benefit them economically, but politically, it'd be suicide.

I think some countries percieve the EU as trying to become the United States of Europe, so it can compete with other larger countries (China, US, etc.) I suspect they value their independence too much to join, though.

NNNNNGGGGGGGG! Wrong.

See Ireland.

It's only a matter of time, anyway - they're surrounded! :D

totally land locked there bound either for invasion or just taken over by anither leading country

They are afraid it would take something out of their neutral status, achieved in 1815.

They'd have to have a referendum in which the majority of Swiss voters in majority of the cantons voted for the EU. Doesn't seem plausible, hence no referendum. In 2001 some 77% of the people there rejected such referendum in the first place.

Their standard of living is top notch, so they wouldn't benefit from the EU membership.

Their banking practices should chance if they joined the EU - they are not ready for that.

Take your pick.

True, I am married to a Swiss, and know that they voted it down and that the majority of them feel that it would catch them up into a political spiderweb that they do not wish to be a part of.
They value their independence

It's only a matter of time, anyway - they're surrounded! :D

EU Invasion of Switzerland FTW! :D

i think Switzerland will eventually join the EU...
the Switzerland will need the EU to improve its industrial economy, nations and cultures change...

but im pretty sure switzerland will last probably longest from the EU's Hypnosis on the other European countries, perhaps Monaco will last longest too..

Why would we want to join?
We got all the benefits of having special bilateral agreements with all of the member states, but none of the negative side effects :p

"The Confederation shall strive to preserve the independence of Switzerland and its welfare; it shall, in particular, contribute to alleviate need and poverty in the world, and to promote respect for human rights, democracy, the peaceful coexistence of nations, and the preservation of natural resources."
-- Chapter 2, Section 1, Article 54, Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation
( http://www.admin.ch/ch/itl/rs/1/c101ENG.pdf ).

The Swiss Confederation defines the protection of its "independence" and "welfare" as the primary purpose of its foreign policy. I would assume that all the other goals listed would be pursued only so long as this primary purpose is secured. Obviously, the existance of these other goals, and Switzerland's active participation in international efforts aimed at achieving them, indicates that there is more to it than simple isolationism, xenophobia, or whatever other gross oversimplification people are apt to cite.

"The Confederation shall strive to preserve the independence of Switzerland and its welfare; it shall, in particular, contribute to alleviate need and poverty in the world, and to promote respect for human rights, democracy, the peaceful coexistence of nations, and the preservation of natural resources."
-- Chapter 2, Section 1, Article 54, Federal Constitution of the Swiss Confederation
( http://www.admin.ch/ch/itl/rs/1/c101ENG.pdf ).

Hehe... 'you know you're swiss when...
the first time you actually read part of your constitution is in an online game forum' ;)

Aside from that, fact is, the Swiss are very adverse to change and quite Euro-skeptic in general.

Note not to be misconceived, but the EU is still a freefloating nearly federated state.. but it doesn't have a constitution in full. (sorta like Britain)

The thing is though that there were a host of subgroups leading up to the EU that the Swiss tagged along with, they are still part of those groups, they just havn't joined the 'EU EU'. They still are active partners in a number of sub EU european trade and other groups.

Take for instance if it was important then much like one of the Constitutions of Canada special clauses can be created for specific merits of the entities within the state. For instance Quebec and New Brunswick have 'special' reservations for the French language. If required switzerland could enter in the conditions of Clause for banking secrecy as part of the constitution, (perhaps austria and some other states would be interested. A subscribers basis to this if accepted could get beyond these hurdles as well. Further more military participation could be included in this manner as well. However I think it is in part due to the supra swiss national identity that extends far beyond the 'European Unity" identity of the swiss. I think it is a bad case considering the swiss would be a pivotal axis in the EU due to being the amalgamation of French German and Italian Influences. Note that Austria is also a very 'neutral' state, but it is a member.

Switzerland will never join. They're too smart to join.

They've enjoyed a neutral status, and that isn't a cushy spot they'd be willing to give up...ever.

Nobody wants to invade, Alps make it a pain in the butt.

They are the world's bank, nobody's going to try to nuke their invested money located in Swiss banks.

They have no reason to join anything. They stand at everything to lose, but nothing to gain, by joining the EU, UN, NATO, or any organization.

Switzerland is very smart to disengage in foreign affairs.

My own country, America, could profit from their example.

They have no reason to join anything. They stand at everything to lose, but nothing to gain, by joining the EU, UN, NATO, or any organization.

Switzerland is very smart to disengage in foreign affairs.

.

i thought Switzerland lately joined the UN!!

Because the Swiss win every war, and they want the future to be the same.

Switzerland will never join. They're too smart to join.

140% agree. Just look at their history; they gave their women the right to vote in 1971... later than some hard-core muslim states. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Give the EU 150 years and then have a referendum, is what I say.

Becaue it knows about the evils of the EU.

hard-core muslim states.

HardcoreMuslim states???
what is that suppose to mean??

Nobody wants to invade, Alps make it a pain in the butt.


So do the rifles in every household. :sniper:


Why would they join? There's no advantage, only risks.

HardcoreMuslim states???
what is that suppose to mean??
Okay. I see the error of my ways. I apologize if I have hurt any feelings here. I obviously meant *Hardcore anti-suffrage states*, my bad. Those just happen to be states which we can't mention.

EU Invasion of Switzerland FTW! :D
I will fight on Switzerland's side.

Okay. I see the error of my ways. I apologize if I have hurt any feelings here. I obviously meant *Hardcore anti-suffrage states*, my bad. Those just happen to be states which we can't mention.
I just can't stand seeing all these stereotypes.

I just can't stand seeing all these stereotypes.
???
Am I a stereotypical apologetic westerner or a loony Islam-hater? Inquiring minds and all that... I merely said Switzerland gave its women the right to vote a bit late... just like some other countries.

It's only a matter of time, anyway - they're surrounded! :D
They seem to have been before and managed to last

I will fight on Switzerland's side.


So will I, and I can actually get training, if I move back there.

Switzerland is too cool for the EU and plans to join the CIS.

I doubt it has much to do with neutrality. I come from Ireland and we're 'supposed' to be neutral (although with the number of American troops passing through Shannon Airport...). Anyway if Switzerland has a good economy then I see absolutely no reason why they should join. If Ireland hadn't joined, well then I doubt I'd have the facilities to be on this forum. Poorer countries just like all the security and 'benefits' from it. Unfortunatley now Ireland's got to pay the EU back...

The Swiss are, as has been mentioned, the greatest country in Europe. As such, they have no need to join into the "European Indentity" nonsense and remain neutral and apart.
There is also the banking thing, but mainly it is just that they are awesome.

The Swiss are, as has been mentioned, the greatest country in Europe. As such, they have no need to join into the "European Indentity" nonsense and remain neutral and apart.
There is also the banking thing, but mainly it is just that they are awesome.
You're forgetting the chocolate, my friend...
A country this rich in chocolate couldn't possibly need the EU :D

The Swiss are, as has been mentioned, the greatest country in Europe. As such, they have no need to join into the "European Indentity" nonsense and remain neutral and apart.
There is also the banking thing, but mainly it is just that they are awesome.

Fiddles, are you an American?

You're forgetting the chocolate, my friend...
A country this rich in chocolate couldn't possibly need the EU :D

I love your country. If I ever moved from America (which I probably WONT) Switzerland would be my first choice. I love your guys country, politics, and economy. I also like your political party, the SVP.

You wouldn't be allowed to buy a proper house: we don't like immigrants. That's another reason why not to join the EU.

I love your country. If I ever moved from America (which I probably WONT) Switzerland would be my first choice. I love your guys country, politics, and economy. I also like your political party, the SVP.
It's a good thing there's more than just one political party here... and the SVP (rightwing) is definitely the one we could do without.

Switzerland won't join the EU because if it does it would have to change its banking system or the EU would have to changes its banking system to switzerland and neither one wants to do that becasue alot of money would be lost in the process of changing

It's a good thing there's more than just one political party here... and the SVP (rightwing) is definitely the one we could do without.

Yes, but I am right wing, and I really like the stances the SVP takes up, although, I admit those are stances America could take, because lets face it, America doesnt have the luxurey of being Switzerland.

Also, isnt the SVP the main opposing force thats keeping Swizterland away from the EU?

There is actually a book advocating for the EU to transform into more of a Switzerland, called "Why Switzerland?" Norway, Switzerland and perhaps even Russia will all one day join the EU. Maybe not in the short-term, but it will happen.

[QUOTE=Qwystyria]

Switzerland has a long tradition of being neutral. Joining the EU is NOT neutral. If by chance the world went to war again, they would be obliged to join in. It may benefit them economically, but politically, it'd be suicide.
QUOTE]

I'm sorry to ask, but when did the EU have a common defence/offence policy?!?! As far as I remember the U.K., being a prominent EU member, entered the Iraq war whilst most other EU states didn't.
I'm not debating the merits of the war, but to state that if the world went to war again and that all EU countries would some how come together on a scale never seen before is not only unrealistic, but misguided.
Arguably, when it comes to trade and other economic issues, I would agree that the EU does have a more coherent and singular policy. But defence, please, that’s the one thing that the EU does not agree on. Does no-one notice the small clause in Germany's constitution preventing it from taking any military action against other nations unless in self-defence.
Can we please keep this debate realistic and not spout out stupid scenarios.
And I’m pretty sure that if somehow the world went to war against an enemy that was for example, equally evil as the Nazi's, the Swiss would go to war against such states, I think they deserve that much respect, as opposed to labelling them spineless with no concept of a just cause.

Yes, but I am right wing, and I really like the stances the SVP takes up, although, I admit those are stances America could take, because lets face it, America doesnt have the luxurey of being Switzerland.

Also, isnt the SVP the main opposing force thats keeping Swizterland away from the EU?
I assumed that much...
While I respect others political opinions, I am strongly opposed to the methods the SVP use to convince others of their beliefs. They are promotic xenophobic hatred with nationwide hate campaigns, it's downright despicable.

They are not really the main opposing force to Switzerland joining the EU (no need for that, really) but they're trying to do everything they possibly can to keep the bilateral agreements between the EU and Switzerland from being accepted.

...don't get the 'doesn't have the luxury of being Switzerland' part though... care to elaborate?

Fiddles, are you an American?
Sure, why not? I'd even be a Pole for you, baby.

I assumed that much...
While I respect others political opinions, I am strongly opposed to the methods the SVP use to convince others of their beliefs. They are promotic xenophobic hatred with nationwide hate campaigns, it's downright despicable.

They are not really the main opposing force to Switzerland joining the EU (no need for that, really) but they're trying to do everything they possibly can to keep the bilateral agreements between the EU and Switzerland from being accepted.

...don't get the 'doesn't have the luxury of being Switzerland' part though... care to elaborate?

Well, I guess the SVP are one of those love em or hate em groups...:p

Yeah, while I both admire and love the Swiss situation (militarily/politically nuetral yet help out the world through their internation organizations) I think were America to ever adopt those ways it would do more harm than good.
I like the close, (sorta of) closed, homogenus soceity that Swizterland represents, but at the same time I dont think America could ever do that because we are a land based on immigrants.

Theres tons more but in conclusion, I guess I'm trying to say I LOVE the way Switzerland is, love its SVP, love its immigration, love its neutrality, and its culture, but I dont think it would be beneficial for America to be like that, we are sort of the worlds police man, whether some like it or not.

Sure, why not? I'd even be a Pole for you, baby.

Can I slide down you like a fireman?

Or you know what? I can be a finn and you can ride on me.

I like the close, (sorta of) closed, homogenus soceity that Swizterland represents, but at the same time I dont think America could ever do that because we are a land based on immigrants.

Yep, that is one of its cooler features. :)

-snip-
Hehe...and with such a positive attitude towards Switzerland they'd welcome you with open arms :)

I'm not too sure about the more harm than good stance on US neutrality. As an overly idealistic pacifist I must admit I quite like the idea :D

I think a little over 20% of the people living in Switzerland are foreigners. I don't know anything about the corresponding percentage in the US, but it seems quite high. Thinking of Switzerland as closed and homogenous is kind of an illusion, seen as it is too small to survive staying closed to the outside world.

Why doesnt Switzerland want to join the EU???

i seriously dont get it, i mean, Switzerland is making the EU look like a giant with a hole in the middle... is it not benefitial for switzerland to join the EU??

what about Norway and Iceland??
I don't know about Norway and Iceland, but the Swiss got a good thing going with their financial empire's "neutrality." I imagine they have no desire to affiliate with any regional organization for that very reason.

Switzerland is not an EU member but it is a Country taking part in the European Free Trade Association, which means countries like Switzerland, Norway and Iceland can trade with the EU, except these countries are not governed EU Policies.

All they want is to trade not ruled over.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_Free_Trade_Association

Hehe...and with such a positive attitude towards Switzerland they'd welcome you with open arms :)

I'm not too sure about the more harm than good stance on US neutrality. As an overly idealistic pacifist I must admit I quite like the idea :D

I think a little over 20% of the people living in Switzerland are foreigners. I don't know anything about the corresponding percentage in the US, but it seems quite high. Thinking of Switzerland as closed and homogenous is kind of an illusion, seen as it is too small to survive staying closed to the outside world.

I'm afraid America is the worlds police man, atleast for now. And, just like in real life, while people may not like cops all the time, think of the world without them: Chaos.

Yep, that is one of its cooler features. :)

Yup....ehhh How I'd love to live there if I wasnt such a patriotic American.

I think a little over 20% of the people living in Switzerland are foreigners. I don't know anything about the corresponding percentage in the US, but it seems quite high. Thinking of Switzerland as closed and homogenous is kind of an illusion, seen as it is too small to survive staying closed to the outside world.
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sz.html#People According to this, around 93% of its population are German, French and Italian, all Swiss I assume. So its kind of difficult to tell how many foreigners it has based on this.

Yup....ehhh How I'd love to live there if I wasnt such a patriotic American.
Let Switzerland annex the USA...then you'll still be serving your country :D

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sz.html#People According to this, around 93% of its population are German, French and Italian, all Swiss I assume. So its kind of difficult to tell how many foreigners it has based on this.
German, French and Italians aren't Swiss though :p
Here (http://www.imes.admin.ch/alt/statistik/aktuelle_ergebnisse/bevoelkerung/1c_april_e.asp)'s more statistics.

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/sz.html#People According to this, around 93% of its population are German, French and Italian, all Swiss I assume. So its kind of difficult to tell how many foreigners it has based on this.

Yeah, it doesnt seem like it has many foreigners, and the ones it does have I would not consider foreign in comparison to foreigner to America coming from the third world. From what I understand Switzerland's immigration policies are very "invitation only" to say the least.

German, French and Italians aren't Swiss though :p
Here (http://www.imes.admin.ch/alt/statistik/aktuelle_ergebnisse/bevoelkerung/1c_april_e.asp)'s more statistics.

But does it say where your foreigners all come from?

Let Switzerland annex the USA...then you'll still be serving your country :D
Haha! What a great though! Spread the chocolate, Hail all cheese!
They'd have to be renamed though... 'the Neutral States' or something.
huh... 'NS'... :eek:

Let Switzerland annex the USA...then you'll still be serving your country :D

NEVER! Now, if Switzerland was willing to become the 51 state, THEN we would be talking. :p

German, French and Italians aren't Swiss though :p
Here (http://www.imes.admin.ch/alt/statistik/aktuelle_ergebnisse/bevoelkerung/1c_april_e.asp)'s more statistics.
As Atlantian Isles has pointed out though, they are closer to the native Swiss than say immigrants from another continent, especially since German, French and Italian are all official languages in the country.

Haha! What a great though! Spread the chocolate, Hail all cheese!
They'd have to be renamed though... 'the Neutral States' or something.
huh... 'NS'... :eek:
Then Monaco would annex France and wage war on the NS, starting WW 3. Cool. :p

But does it say where your foreigners all come from?
Says something about that here (http://www.imes.admin.ch/alt/statistik/retrospektive_ergebnisse/staendige/10_dez_e.asp):
let's see...largest groups in 2004 came from Italy, Serbia, Portugal and Germany (in that order).

As Atlantian Isles has pointed out though, they are closer to the native Swiss than say immigrants from another continent, especially since German, French and Italian are all official languages in the country.
Never said they weren't close, but that still doesn't make Switzerland a homogenous country and that's really all I wanted to say :D

...just curious, does anyone have any numbers for the US?

Never said they weren't close, but that still doesn't make Switzerland a homogenous country and that's really all I wanted to say :D

...just curious, does anyone have any numbers for the US?
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html#People Here :)

Says something about that here (http://www.imes.admin.ch/alt/statistik/retrospektive_ergebnisse/staendige/10_dez_e.asp):
let's see...largest groups in 2004 came from Italy, Serbia, Portugal and Germany (in that order).

I see, so half of your largest groups of immigrants come from countries that are bordering you and sort of culturally/racially, and laungage wise...similar.....that makes it alot easier.

Never said they weren't close, but that still doesn't make Switzerland a homogenous country and that's really all I wanted to say :D

...just curious, does anyone have any numbers for the US?

Eh, no country is perfect, but thats as homogenous as you can get now a days.

No need for statistics for the U.S. I can recite them off our my head.

Central America
The Carribean
East Asia
Middle East
North Africa
Black Africa

In that order...not exactly homogenuos like your country...anyway seriously, I'm gonna go look for the official statistics.

http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/us.html#People Here :)
I'm not satisfied with that. :p
It doesn't mention percentage, nor origin of the immigrants.
Plus it's the net. migration rate, meaning immigration and emigration taken together (/subtracted), right?

Eh, no country is perfect, but thats as homogenous as you can get now a days.

No need for statistics for the U.S. I can recite them off our my head.

Central America
The Carribean
East Asia
Middle East
North Africa
Black Africa

In that order...not exactly homogenuos like your country...anyway seriously, I'm gonna go look for the official statistics.
lol Black Africa as opposed to North Africa? :p South Africa is about one of the only nations in Africa with a substantial number of whites, and most are leaving anyway, for Britain, for Australia, or even Holland. Holland is cool because the language is very similar to Afrikaans. Africa will do lol

Denmark is very ethnically homogeneous by the way. Most of the Scandinavian nations are.

I'm not satisfied with that. :p
It doesn't mention percentage, nor origin of the immigrants.
Plus it's the net. migration rate, meaning immigration and emigration taken together (/subtracted), right?
Yes, it would be that.

I see, so half of your largest groups of immigrants come from countries that are bordering you and sort of culturally/racially, and laungage wise...similar.....that makes it alot easier.
I've always liked the mix of cultures a lot, even though they are quite 'similar'.

Language wise however, the country is a mess, so I won't get into that :D

lol Black Africa as opposed to North Africa? :p South Africa is about one of the only nations in Africa with a substantial number of whites, and most are leaving anyway, for Britain, for Australia, or even Holland. Holland is cool because the language is very similar to Afrikaans. Africa will do lol

Denmark is very ethnically homogeneous by the way. Most of the Scandinavian nations are.

Yeah...black Africa is Africa excluding Arab North Africa.

South Africa, in my understanding, is getting worse by the second for whites, and many are leaving for America as well.

Can you speak Afrikaans?

I've always liked the mix of cultures a lot, even though they are quite 'similar'.

Language wise however, the country is a mess, so I won't get into that :D

Yes...well...this is going to sound bad, but if you have GOOD cultures in a soceity it is a good thing. But if you have South American culture, mixed with Arab culture, mixed with African culture, all who refuse to adopt America culture, its a bad thing. Anyway, I heard you guys have four national languages...I've always wondered, does that mean that the average Swiss can speak four languages..or five since you speaking English?

How many can you speak?

Yeah...black Africa is Africa excluding Arab North Africa.

South Africa, in my understanding, is getting worse by the second for whites, and many are leaving for America as well.

Can you speak Afrikaans?
Nah, even though my mother is Afrikaaner. English is our other main language, so I learnt it instead. It is getting worse, but not that bad. The government is attempting to redistribute wealth and keep itself purely African, even though its doing so covertly and very quietly. Either way, its not bad, but there is more opportunity now in Europe. Its the only alternative, besides the white seceding.

Nah, even though my mother is Afrikaaner. English is our other main language, so I learnt it instead. It is getting worse, but not that bad. The government is attempting to redistribute wealth and keep itself purely African, even though its doing so covertly and very quietly. Either way, its not bad, but there is more opportunity now in Europe. Its the only alternative, besides the white seceding.

Yeah...well, like I said before...your conservative views would always be welcomed in America.

I guess thats like my background is German, but I only know about 3 words in German...lol...even though alot of my family can. I do know some spanish though.

Yes...well...this is going to sound bad, but if you have GOOD cultures in a soceity it is a good thing. But if you have South American culture, mixed with Arab culture, mixed with African culture, all who refuse to adopt America culture, its a bad thing.
To help avoid this from sounding racist, I would say compatible cultures in a society, as opposed to "good." Then I would agree.

Yes...well...this is going to sound bad, but if you have GOOD cultures in a soceity it is a good thing. But if you have South American culture, mixed with Arab culture, mixed with African culture, all who refuse to adopt America culture, its a bad thing. Anyway, I heard you guys have four national languages...I've always wondered, does that mean that the average Swiss can speak four languages..or five since you speaking English?

How many can you speak?
Ah, don't we all have our problems with immigration? All the negative things in society end up being blamed on immigrants, everywhere. I still haven't quite figured out how that works, but it does... it shall remain a mystery...

Technically there are four national languages, German, French, Italian and Rumansh.
German really is only for written documents, the 'germanophone' Swiss actually speak Swissgerman, quite different from standard German.
Rumansh is in fact a group of several languages spoken by less than 1% of the population (as compared to about 10% of Turkish speakers).
Basically everyone learns at least two of German, French and Italian, plus English at school.
I took German, English, French and Italian (and some others just for the fun of it...but I never quite got past the basic communication level).

I guess thats like my background is German, but I only know about 3 words in German...lol...even though alot of my family can. I do know some spanish though.
lol I managed to become fluent in Greek and I know quite a bit of French, but my German is really shaky. :(

To help avoid this from sounding racist, I would say compatible cultures in a society, as opposed to "good." Then I would agree.

Perfect!

Just the word I was looking for. :)

Ah, don't we all have our problems with immigration? All the negative things in society end up being blamed on immigrants, everywhere. I still haven't quite figured out how that works, but it does... it shall remain a mystery...

Technically there are four national languages, German, French, Italian and Rumansh.
German really is only for written documents, the 'germanophone' Swiss actually speak Swissgerman, quite different from standard German.
Rumansh is in fact a group of several languages spoken by less than 1% of the population (as compared to about 10% of Turkish speakers).
Basically everyone learns at least two of German, French and Italian, plus English at school.
I took German, English, French and Italian (and some others just for the fun of it...but I never quite got past the basic communication level).

Except in English, obviously...Well which one of those 3 (German French Italian) are you fluent in....like which sector of Switzerland do you live in?

lol I managed to become fluent in Greek and I know quite a bit of French, but my German is really shaky. :(

I envy you. After I graduate from High school, I'm going to improve my Spanish and learn German and Russian. I'm just hoping that college level language corses are better than high school ones...

I envy you. After I graduate from High school, I'm going to improve my Spanish and learn German and Russian. I'm just hoping that college level language corses are better than high school ones...
Oh they are. My high school A- Level French teacher was awesome, but the courses at uni are excellent. You learn so much more.

Oh they are. My high school A- Level French teacher was awesome, but the courses at uni are excellent. You learn so much more.

Good....I cant wait.

I'd also like to travel back over to Europe sometime during college. I've already been to England, The Vatican, and Italy, but I'd love to see some Scandanavia, Germany, Swizterland, and maybe some of the low countries.

Good....I cant wait.

I'd also like to travel back over to Europe sometime during college. I've already been to England, The Vatican, and Italy, but I'd love to see some Scandanavia, Germany, Swizterland, and maybe some of the low countries.
Hmm yeah I'd also love to see some of those countries. So far I've seen the UK, France, Greece, Cyprus and Spain. It would be so awesome to go to Scandinavia.

A bit off topic, but do you get "My name is Earl" in the USA? :p

Hmm yeah I'd also love to see some of those countries. So far I've seen the UK, France, Greece, Cyprus and Spain. It would be so awesome to go to Scandinavia.

A bit off topic, but do you get "My name is Earl" in the USA? :p

Maybe, but I've never heard of it.

Maybe, but I've never heard of it.
Its an American show. Mentioned it because it had a funny episode on foreign people who don't speak English and Earl's redneck girlfriend. If you get to watch it, you'll see.

Its an American show. Mentioned it because it had a funny episode on foreign people who don't speak English and Earl's redneck girlfriend. If you get to watch it, you'll see.

Lol, sounds like it just right up my alley...Ill keep a look out for it.

Do you guys get Family guy over there?

Lol, sounds like it just right up my alley...Ill keep a look out for it.

Do you guys get Family guy over there?
Yep :) Its usually on really late though, or when I have classes. :rolleyes:

Yep :) Its usually on really late though, or when I have classes. :rolleyes:

ohh, well thats too bad. It is absoluetly my favorite show...haha Stewie is a God.

ohh, well thats too bad. It is absoluetly my favorite show...haha Stewie is a God.
lol I'm gonna wait for the Summer when they will have reruns, so I can watch it then.

lol I'm gonna wait for the Summer when they will have reruns, so I can watch it then.

You wont regret watching it, anyway I gotta go out, so I'll talk to you later.

Except in English, obviously...Well which one of those 3 (German French Italian) are you fluent in....like which sector of Switzerland do you live in?
I'm originally from the (Swiss)German speaking area, moved around a bit along the German/French bilingual strip and ended up in France, where I live now.
My Italian is getting rusty, though I can still understand and participate in 'normal' conversations.

I'm originally from the (Swiss)German speaking area, moved around a bit along the German/French bilingual strip and ended up in France, where I live now.
My Italian is getting rusty, though I can still understand and participate in 'normal' conversations.

God, how I envy you. Thats uber cool...I hope to visit there when I go to college.

God, how I envy you. Thats uber cool...I hope to visit there when I go to college.
No need for envy, just lots of practice :p
...but why wait until college? (how old are you when you go to college?)

No need for envy, just lots of practice :p
...but why wait until college? (how old are you when you go to college?)

Well I'm 16 right now...Ill be 17 next year in college. I skipped a grade.

Well I'm 16 right now...Ill be 17 next year in college. I skipped a grade.
Ah, life is not fair...you'll have your BA by the time I got to University over here... I just don't get it. In the end we have the same degree. Just that we had to go to school for 3 more years :eek:

Ah, life is not fair...you'll have your BA by the time I got to University over here... I just don't get it. In the end we have the same degree. Just that we had to go to school for 3 more years :eek:

are you shqipe?

Ah, life is not fair...you'll have your BA by the time I got to University over here... I just don't get it. In the end we have the same degree. Just that we had to go to school for 3 more years :eek:

lol..well you still get to live in Switzerland AND you get to be Swiss!

are you shqipe?
I don't speak Albanian:confused:

I don't speak Albanian:confused:

so you are albanian? :confused:

cuz if you are... :fluffle:

lol..well you still get to live in Switzerland AND you get to be Swiss!
Meh, seen as I don't live there anymore, a diploma would come in more handy ;)

so you are albanian? :confused:

cuz if you are... :fluffle:
Oh... hehe... I'll have to let you down on that one. Swiss all the way. (Up until to my grandparents at least, I have no clue about any of my family history before that :( )

Meh, seen as I don't live there anymore, a diploma would come in more handy ;)

Eh, you may have a point.

Anyway what region do you think is the best for when I go and visit...the German, French, or Italian?

Eh, you may have a point.

Anyway what region do you think is the best for when I go and visit...the German, French, or Italian?
It's small enough to visit all of them :D

The German one you probably won't get around (airport) and it would be a shame if you didn't get to see Lausanne or Geneva, especially coming from the north, the countryside is really beautiful (unless you choose a foggy day, thus taking away all the pleasure of an otherwise enjoyable train ride ;)).

i think Switzerland will eventually join the EU...
the Switzerland will need the EU to improve its industrial economy, nations and cultures change...

Certainly Switzerland can improve many things by joining the EU:
- it can raise its unemployment rate
- it can increase the bureaucracy
- the crime rate will go up
- the govt will be able to create national debt beyond any limits
- it will be able to load the serfs, eh, citizen with more taxes
- it can enlarge its capabilities in spying her serfs, eh, citizen
- the industry will speed up: it will be outsourced to Ethiopia at the speed faster than sound
- the country will be more environment-friendly by banning all cars and dismantling all factories

140% agree. Just look at their history; they gave their women the right to vote in 1971... later than some hard-core muslim states. It's always better to be safe than sorry. Give the EU 150 years and then have a referendum, is what I say.
NZ gave women the vote first. Its not so bad. Is it?:(

It's small enough to visit all of them :D

The German one you probably won't get around (airport) and it would be a shame if you didn't get to see Lausanne or Geneva, especially coming from the north, the countryside is really beautiful (unless you choose a foggy day, thus taking away all the pleasure of an otherwise enjoyable train ride ;)).

Just make sure the St. Gottard pass and tunnel aren't (both) shut when driving through - you end up diverted through Lichentsten, Austria AND Germany. Quite scenic though...