During the Russo-Ukrainian War, Switzerland imposed economic sanctions on Russia because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, breaking a 500-year tradition of neutrality. Switzerland has a land area of ​​more than 40,000 square kilometers and a population of less than 10 million.

During the Russo-Ukrainian War, Switzerland imposed economic sanctions on Russia because of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, breaking the 500-year tradition of neutrality.

Switzerland has a land area of ​​more than 40,000 square kilometers and a population of less than 10 million. In movies or TV series, political figures or gangsters from various countries will deposit their money in Swiss banks . The main reason is that Switzerland is permanently neutral and Swiss banks can keep customers confidential. But Switzerland in history was not neutral. The Swiss were brave and good at fighting and were the most famous mercenaries in Europe. From the 16th to the mid-19th century, approximately 2 million Swiss served as mercenaries across Europe. This is also one of the reasons why Switzerland can remain neutral forever, which we will explain in detail later.

In the era when mercenaries were prevalent, it became an option for Swiss to serve as mercenaries. In medieval European royal families, various religions fought against each other, and Swiss mercenaries could be seen everywhere. Like today's labor agencies, local governments in Switzerland have signed recruitment contracts with various countries. Local governments can get commissions and some trade preferences. Switzerland's development began from this moment. The Swiss mercenaries were brave and good at fighting. They were famous for their spear formations and their good discipline, which was appreciated by various monarchs. During the French Revolution at the end of the 18th century, when Louis XVI fled in panic, 1,100 Swiss mercenaries of the King's Guards faced more than 20,000 revolutionary troops, and 786 people were killed in the end.

515, Switzerland was involved in a war with the Pope for milan, and a war with France and Venice. In this battle, French artillery completely destroyed the Swiss spear phalanx and was defeated by France. After that, Switzerland had the idea of ​​neutrality. Later, during the 30 years of war on the European continent, all lives were devastated, but Switzerland itself escaped. The reason was that there were Catholic and Protestant cantons in Switzerland. If it was involved in a religious war, the federation would be disintegrated. Moreover, all European countries relied on Swiss mercenaries, so they would not let Switzerland fall into the hands of any country alone. At this time, Swiss mercenaries actually strengthened their neutral status.

After Napoleon's defeat, the four great powers of Britain, Russia, Austria and Prussia recognized Switzerland's status as a neutral country. Neutral Switzerland is beneficial to all European countries. If it cannot be occupied, at least it will not be used by enemy countries. Since 1866, Switzerland has maintained a neutral position in the Prussian-Austrian, Franco-Prussian, and Franco-Austrian wars. On the one hand, the country mobilizes and sends large troops to guard the borders. On the other hand, it also strictly implements the policy of neutrality and strictly prohibits the provision of strategic materials to various countries and does not provide mercenary services.

The Swiss Confederation was established in 11848. A group of brave and fighting Swiss people followed democracy and knew each other's respective strengths. The concept of compromise was deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, so the political situation was very stable. Switzerland, with its strong military force and combined loyalty, has won everyone's trust. The banking industry slowly developed, and the mountainous terrain provided a natural environment for underground vaults. For hundreds of years, the safety and confidentiality of Swiss banks have become a paradise for politicians and underworld to make money.

There are reasons why Switzerland has remained neutral for so long: 1. Geographical location. Switzerland is located between traditional powers such as Germany, France, Italy and Austria, and can serve as a buffer between countries. 2. Switzerland is not a single nation-state, it is a federal system. From the language perspective, there are German, French, and Italian regions. We can see the relationship between Switzerland and these three countries. 3. Switzerland’s mountainous terrain, with the Alps accounting for most of the land area, provides a natural barrier for the Swiss. There are many underground fortresses and fortifications across the country that can enter combat at any time. 4. The Swiss army is also very powerful. Although there are only more than 8.6 million people in the country, there are more than 100,000 soldiers in the army. All adult men must serve as soldiers and serve for at least one year. Even if they retire, they still have to practice for two weeks every year. Switzerland also has one of the highest gun ownership rates in the world. Switzerland pursues armed neutrality, and guns are tools to defend the country.