How is switzerland so rich?

[cenkiss]

I mean switzerland does not have any oil or good recources it did not participate in most european wars did not do any colonizing but they are richest country in the world is this only because of swiss banks or are there anything else?

[danzig]

Capitalism Seriously they are home to some very large companies/financial groups for a country of its size. You dont need to be resource rich to be rich, you just do a great job at what you are capable of.

[Erik]

Often, having lots of resources does more harm than good to a country.
Just look at the Congo.

Having highly educated and skilled (*) people is probably worth a lot more than a few oil or gas fields.

(*) correction.

[Pallantides]

Hitlers bank account!

[James Cook]

Hitlers bank account!

And a Lot of jews gold

[wilting]

I had an about five hour journey through Switzerland once; I had to get maybe 5 trains and a bus. The arrival time of one and departure time of another were a close as thirty seconds apart. Everything was precisely on time, and I had no problems. Random Frenchmen gave me alcohol. There were armed soldiers on one of the trains drinking beer. When I arrived at my destination, I attended a open air new years disco in a town square. It was snowing. That night, I slept in the local bomb/fallout shelter.

Switzerland is just awesome.

Seriously though, as has been said, it is Switzerland's neutrality and stability that has served her so well.

This thread makes me want to go skiing in Switzerland again.

[cenkiss]

Often, having lots of resources does more harm than good to a country.
Just look at the Congo.

Having highly educated and killed people is probably worth a lot more than a few oil or gas fields.

"killed people" Do you mean skilled people?

[ErikinWest]

Often, having lots of resources does more harm than good to a country.
Just look at the Congo.

Having highly educated and skilled (*) people is probably worth a lot more than a few oil or gas fields.

(*) correction.

Only if they're poor countries. Canada isn't suffering from all our natural resources .

Yes Switzerland has been a pillar of stability for the last 200 years (and possibly longer), investors can put their capital there with ease. They are also well educated and hard working people. Limited government spending about a third of GDP, which is very low for European standards. Their military isn't engaged in foolish wars. It's easy to start a company. Switzerland has a current account balance, a highly valued currency, and a specialized banking sector. Also the Swiss Franc has been one of the most stable currencies in world history.

Cheers,
Erik

[Mithie]

How is switzerland so rich?

Banking capital of the world might have something to do with it.

Plus, Na cough cough cough cough zi g cough cough cough old.

I'm sorry, sinuses are acting up again.

[piko]

'highly killed people'

[roy34543]

Well they do have those mighty fine chocolates

[ezekiel2517]

Ï wonder how many countries owe money to the Swiss bankers? :hmmm:

[Kinjo]

Ï wonder how many countries owe money to the Swiss bankers? :hmmm:

I wonder how many Swiss bankers are Templars!

[Probe]

This might be a reason. Who else do you know that can make this besides the Swiss?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

[ezekiel2517]

This might be a reason. Who else do you know that can make this besides the Swiss?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

the Chinese can make one very close to it

[Kiljan Arslan]

the Chinese can make one very close to it

Just be careful with it it we'll have lead in it...

[phowa]

This might be a reason. Who else do you know that can make this besides the Swiss?

Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

I dont even know what half them gadgets are lol

[Erik]

I dont even know what half them gadgets are lol

I was just wondering why it has an antenna.

[1{H][NA]

I was just wondering why it has an antenna.

it comes with the optional hdtv backpack receiver. you know, for those real emergencies

[piko]

That's a bit excessive don't you think =p