Switzerland is rated as one of the safest countries by DKV even during the COVID-19 outbreak.
With its rich green valleys, sparkling lakes, and majestic mountain ranges, Switzerland is not only one of the most beautiful places on earth, it is one of the most safe and stable countries in the world. Even during the COVID-19 outbreak, it has felt like a sanctuary for many of us. Reinforcing this feeling is a new report, released by Deep Knowledge Ventures (DKV), a consortium of commercial and non-profit organizations active on many fronts in the realm of DeepTech and Frontier Technologies. DKV ranked Switzerland among the safest countries for our handling of the pandemic: #2 in the Eurozone, just behind Germany, which we geographically buffered from the events in Italy.
As we begin to emerge from this global emergency, we can reflect on the factors that contributed to Switzerland being well-prepared to handle the crisis.
Perhaps the most important factor is simply that it is such a stable society. Politically-speaking, the Swiss have defined a position of neutrality, which positions them legally outside of the EU, but on good terms with their European neighbors. Historically, Switzerland was able to maintain neutrality through both world wars. This persona is so ingrained that the United Nations was founded in Geneva and remains there to this day. We are well-versed in dealing with crises, at home and around the world.
Having a thriving economy also helps. Zurich is recognized as a global center of finance, and a hub for insurance and asset management agencies. Because Switzerland has so many beautiful, clean, and well-managed cities with extremely low crime rates, many major corporations have their headquarters here. With this comes job opportunities. The country can boast a low unemployment rate, averaging about 3% over the last decade. And, Switzerland reinvests much of its economic success back into its infrastructure, which translates into dependable and modern transportation, healthcare, communication, and education systems. We have the means to survive crises.
Some of our stability is due to luck. There are no natural disasters, no Swiss-specific diseases, and very few flora or fauna are dangerous to humans. But, mostly, it is the pragmatic and collaborative nature of our culture. There are no crazy political situations and very little crime. Everything is orderly. We like to plan ahead, finding efficient solutions before problems become too big. We value our calm, peaceful lives so much that we simply work to avoid conflict and prepare for possible negative outcomes.
Swiss people are self-reliant, practical, and cooperative. It is a country of many cultural tributaries, ideas, and languages co-existing together. In general, we’re well-educated, well-informed, and can rely on the measures that we have already taken to handle emergencies. The Swiss are financially wise, putting money aside to cover insurance deductibles, planning ahead for large purchases, and saving for retirement. We also enjoy an active, balanced lifestyle and manage to stay quite healthy compared to the inhabitants of many other countries.
Such a high quality of life is something to strive for each day, and the Swiss are committed to do exactly that. We give thanks and work to maintain the relative safety and stability of our homeland, especially in these seemingly chaotic times. It’s the Swiss way.