7. Ready For War
Switzerland is well known for being a neutral state during the world wars, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t ready for combat. Switzerland’s gun ownership rate is among the highest in the industrialized nations (over 4 million guns in a population of 8 million), and the major reason for that is that the country’s men are always prepared to mobilize in case of war. At age twenty, Swiss men are generally expected to go through basic military training. Afterwards, they are considered a part of the country’s reserve “militia” until they’re thirty (thirty-four for officers), and must keep the firearms they were issued. Despite the high firearm rate however, gun-related deaths are one seventh the number of those in the USA.
8. Break Glass…
Switzerland’s population is just over 8 million, but this number is nothing in the face of their military’s preparedness systems. Not only are there fully-stocked bunkers that can house the entire population, but these bunkers are hidden in plain sight in populated villages posing as regular country homes. The bunkers are just the beginning though, as at least 3, 000 locations are ready to blow at the drop of a hat in case of an attack. Yup, the Swiss aren’t messing around when it comes to their nation’s protection, and the destruction of every major access point into the country is high on the cards as one of their defense mechanisms. As for needing landing strips if things go south? All the military has to do is remove the highways’ grade separations and they’re all set. Talk about being prepared.
9. Can You Believe There Are Palm Trees in Switzerland?
It’s not all mountainous Alps in Switzerland. Around Lake Lugano in the south of the country, palm trees actually grow. Heidi never mentioned that.
