Switzerland

Swiss diplomacy reflects the country’s economic, political and social interdependence with the world.

Economically, Switzerland has a service-oriented economy with high economic interdependence with Europe and the rest of the world.

Politically, Switzerland is a significant supporter of multilateral diplomacy. Geneva hosts the European HQ of the United Nations and numerous specialised agencies, think tanks, and non-governmental organisations.

Socially, a high percentage of the Swiss population has origins from abroad. Thus, Swiss diplomacy supports this rich cultural and social fabric between diaspora communities and their countries of origin.

The main pillars of Swiss diplomacy are commitments to neutrality, humanitarianism, and active participation in international organizations.

Swiss diplomatic footprint

Swiss diplomacy is conducted through a network of diplomatic representation consisting of 108 embassies, 86 non-residential embassies, 10 permanent missions, 17 cooperation offices, 35 consulates, and 198 honorary consulates, as illustrated below. Details of the Swiss diplomatic footprint are available below.

Diplomatic missions in Switzerland

Swiss diplomatic relevance is illustrated by a high level of representation of foreign countries with 151 residential embassies as well as 26 non-residential embassies, excluding missions accredited to the UN in Geneva. Foreign countries are represented by 917 diplomats, including 44 female ambassadors. Details of diplomatic missions accredited to Switzerland are available below. When you hover over a country, a pop-up window will display the total number of diplomatic staff representing that country, along with a breakdown of the number of male and female diplomats, among other data.

History of Swiss diplomacy

Switzerland’s diplomatic history is a rich tapestry of neutrality, mediation, and international cooperation. Known for its steadfast neutrality, Switzerland has played a unique role in global diplomacy for centuries.

Switzerland’s tradition of neutrality dates back to the 16th century. After the Battle of Marignano in 1515, Switzerland decided to avoid future military conflicts, leading to the establishment of its neutral stance. The Treaty of Westphalia in 1648, which ended the Thirty Years’ War, officially recognized Swiss independence from the Holy Roman Empire, reinforcing its neutral status. The Congress of Vienna formally recognized Switzerland’s permanent neutrality. This was a significant moment in Swiss diplomatic history, as it solidified the country’s role in European geopolitics.

The 19th century also saw the formation of the modern Swiss Confederation in 1848, with a new constitution that centralized federal power while preserving cantonal autonomy.

In 1920, Switzerland joined the League of Nations, an international organization aimed at maintaining peace. Geneva became the League’s headquarters, enhancing Switzerland’s diplomatic importance. Switzerland did not join the United Nations until 2002, although it hosted numerous UN offices in Geneva, including the European headquarters.

Geneva is the birthplace of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), founded in 1863. Switzerland’s humanitarian tradition continued with its support for international humanitarian law and various relief efforts.