Switzerland: Flag and Facts
Switzerland's flag is a red square with a white cross of equal arms in the middle, and the cross stops short of the edges.
- Official name
- Swiss Confederation
- Capital
- Bern
- Region
- Western Europe
- Population
- 8.9 million (2025)
- Languages
- French, Swiss German, Italian, Romansh
- Currency
- Swiss franc
- Area
- 41,284 km² (15,940 sq mi)
- People
- Swiss
- Calling code
- +41
- Highest point
- Dufourspitze on Monte Rosa 4,634 m
- Independence
- 1 August 1291 (founding of the Swiss Confederation)
- National symbols
- Swiss cross (white cross on red field)
- Borders
- Austria, France, Italy, Liechtenstein, Germany
About Switzerland
Three cantons formed a defensive alliance in 1291, and other areas joined over the years. In 1499 the confederation secured its freedom from the Holy Roman Empire. Then a new constitution in 1848 created a central federal government, and changes in 1874 let voters call referendums on new laws. Big European powers have long respected Swiss neutrality, and the country sat out both World Wars. It only became a full UN member in 2002.
Mountains take up most of the map: the Alps in the south and the Jura in the northwest, with a central plateau of hills, plains and large lakes between them. The landlocked country has about 8.9 million people. Zurich is the biggest city at roughly 1.4 million, while Bern, the capital, has about 441,000. Four languages are listed: French, Swiss German, Italian and Romansh.
Did you know?
- A white cross marked Swiss troops at the Battle of Laupen back in 1339.
- The anthem has four names, one in each national language.
- Dufourspitze on Monte Rosa is the high point at 4,634 meters.
Want to test yourself? The random flag generator has a quiz mode, and the full flags of the world page shows every flag at once.
Questions about Switzerland
What currency does Switzerland use?
Switzerland uses the Swiss franc, not the euro.
When is Swiss National Day?
It marks the founding of the Swiss Confederation on 1 August 1291.
Sources
- CIA World Factbook, checked October 8, 2026
- REST Countries data (mledoze/countries), checked October 8, 2026
- Flag artwork: flag-icons (MIT), checked October 8, 2026
Facts are compiled from these open sources and rewritten in our own words. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.