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New Zealand’s relationship with Switzerland is long-standing and friendly. The focus is principally on trade, consular affairs and investment possibilities for companies in both countries . We are working on ways to strengthen these relationships. Contact at the international level, in specialised agencies and organisations, is increasing. New Zealand and Switzerland see eye to eye on a range of multilateral issues such as environment, disarmament, UN reform and human rights. We value Switzerland’s perspective on international issues, and consider that in return New Zealand can offer a unique insight into the Asia-Pacific region.
In February 1972 the Swiss Government accredited its first resident Ambassador to Wellington. In 1973 the New Zealand Government reciprocated by accrediting the New Zealand Ambassador in Bonn (now Berlin) to Switzerland.
Land Area: 41,286 sq km
Population: 7.5 million (2007)
Capital City: Berne
Language: German (64%), French (20%), Italian (6.5%), Romansch (1%), others 8.5%
Political system: Federal Republic, direct democracy
National
government: Federal Council, consisting of seven members elected for a four year term by the Federal Assembly
National legislature: Bi-cameral Federal Assembly, consisting of the Council of States and National Council
Last election: October 2007
Next election
due: Federal Assembly October 2011
Head of State: Pascal Couchepin (from 1 January 2008)
GDP: US$412.2 billion (2007)
Real GDP growth: 2.7 % (2007)
Exports: US$201.6 billion (2007)
Imports: US$188.4 billion (2007)
Main exports: Chemicals, machinery, watches, metals
Current account balance: US$65.7 billion (2007)
Inflation: 1.3%
(2007)
Unemployment: 3.1%
(2007)
NZ Exports (FOB): NZ$109.6 million
Main Exports: Sheep meat, unwrought aluminium, venison, chemical wood pulp, oils, fish fillets
NZ Imports (CIF): NZ$261.6 million
Main Imports: Medicaments, orthopaedic appliances, watches, blood/vaccines/toxins, medical/veterinary instruments
(Year ended June 2007)
Rt Hon Winston Peters, Minister of Foreign Affairs made a bilateral trip to Switzerland in June 2006. New Zealand Ministers and officials regularly visit Geneva for UN Agency, WTO and related meetings.
The Safetravel website provides a travel advisory for travellers to Switzerland [external link].
