A
country which grew as the cantons-to-be (districts) formed political alliances swearing to help each other defend their territories; thus "Eidgenossenschaft", meaning "oath-community". Soon this motley
crew of still independent states set out to conquer more land and eventually become the mighty country known as Switzerland. It should be noted that this procedure resulted in a territory comprising roughly 2x the size of New Jersey but more sinificant to the average
Swiss, a territory smaller than Austria or even Bavaria. This fact should not be mentioned mockingly by any visitor to this 70%-alpine country unless he or she is intent on finding out if every male
Swiss really does still store his
army riffle in the wardrobe.
Switzerland is known for its neutral attitude towards all sorts of events in world
history, although it should not be forgotten that it did try to invade
Italy in 1515.
Should any two parties choose to start a war, Switzerland will demonstrate its neutrality by selling weapons to both parties.
Switzerland, hero of song and story!
Switzerland, winner of ancient glory!
Fighting for the right, fighting with its might;
With the strength of ten, ordinary lands!
Switzerland,
people are
safe when in it,
Switzerland, only the evil
fear it!
Softness in its eyes, iron in its thighs;
Virtue in its heart, fire in every part of
The Mighty Switzerland!
(probably the inspiration for "the Mighty Hercules")
