I visited Switzerland twice, the first time in 2002 and also in 2003. I have friends in the French and German regions, so I was able to see two cultures of this compact country from a local’s point of view, but I also visited the canton of Ticino on both trips to gain a bit of perspective on Swiss-Italian living.

Switzerland is an intriguing country, nestled between very large, dominant EU countries (I’m speaking of France and Germany, less so Austria) but is able to retain cultural distinctions - and their own currency - nevertheless. It is unique in many ways, not merely from an economic and sociopolitical standpoint, but with its geographical features (mountains and lakes) the Swiss people have managed to maintain a very “Swissness” that sets them apart from their neighbours. This may be seen as both a positive and a negative, depending on your perspective and what you enjoy when you visit a country, but I would definitely return in a heartbeat.

The Principality of Leichtenstein is also worth visiting if you have time, but it’s tiny so more like a day trip.

Something you’ll notice right away about Switzerland is that it is PRISTINE and very orderly. I drove more than 2,600 kms in one trip, and everywhere was like a postcard!