Swiss Identity

Languages generate one tenth of Swiss GDP

This content was published on Nov 20, 2008 This is the first time the economic value of a country’s linguistic skills has been calculated, according to a Geneva University research team which looked at the role of languages in the economy. The advantage is equivalent to nine per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). Switzerland has four national languages: German is the most…

Culture

Elevating the minds of future architects

This content was published on Nov 19, 2008 It sponsors the Schindler Award to encourage young architects to design urban areas that are inclusive and accessible to all. This year’s winners come from Germany. Participants were given the task of revitalising a derelict quarter of the Austrian capital, Vienna, with special emphasis on improving disabled access. The competition, open to students of architecture…

Demographics

State heroin

This content was published on Nov 19, 2008 On November 30, Swiss voters will decide whether medically controlled heroin distribution to drug addicts should be enshrined in law. Two ex junkies relate their very different experiences of heroin withdrawal. (SF/swissinfo)

Street Parade can stay but with restrictions

This content was published on Nov 19, 2008 The festival’s future had been hanging in the balance after officials said it was becoming too rowdy and violent. In 2007 an 18-year-old man was stabbed to death by a 17-year-old during the party. Following the tragedy officials clamped down on the 2008 festival, forbidding city centre business owners from using the streets to open…

Culture

Barceló unveils UN “Sistine Chapel” in Geneva

This content was published on Nov 18, 2008 But a row over Spanish taxpayer – and overseas development – money used to create the €20 million (SFr30.3 million) decorative ceiling for the UN Human Rights Council has cast a shadow over the celebrations. The new Room of Human Rights and the Alliance of Civilisations – described as the Sistine Chapel of the 21st…

Culture

Miquel Barceló

This content was published on Nov 18, 2008 The massive conceptual artwork, a redesign of the 14,000-sq-ft dome for the UN Human Rights Council conference room, took two years to complete, used 35,000 kilos of paint and the services of 20 assistants. The new Room of Human Rights and the Alliance of Civilisations, described as the Sistine Chapel of the 21st century, was…

Young knife-carriers on the rise in Geneva

This content was published on Nov 18, 2008 While the phenomenon is still “marginal”, it cannot be excluded that it will take the same direction as in countries including Britain, said psychologist Stephan Wenger. He was the lead author of a study by the Geneva-based Païdos youth support association, in which 75 per cent of youngsters questioned said knife-carrying had increased and a…

Demographics

Euro 2008 brought in cash but little kick

This content was published on Nov 17, 2008 A study released on Monday by the sport ministry analysed the effects the European football tournament had on the country in terms of tourism and the economy. Euro 2008 was held in June in four Swiss and four Austrian cities. Almost 40 per cent of all foreign guests were visiting Switzerland for the first time,…

Demographics

Switzerland acts as magnet for German managers

This content was published on Nov 17, 2008 The online career service for professionals, Experteer, and a British market research company said that nearly one in four Germans who left to pursue their career abroad chose Switzerland. After Switzerland came Britain (nine per cent) and Austria (eight per cent). “German professionals don’t trust going too far from home to further their careers but…

Culture

Taking home the dead

This content was published on Nov 17, 2008 Furat handles around 400 repatriations each year and says that despite getting satisfaction from the job, the sense of sadness and loss is always there. His company, Furat International Repatriation, is based in a Regensdorf industrial neighbourhood outside Zurich. Inside the offices the lights are low and on a shelf folders contain all the details…

Swiss Identity

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Swiss Identity

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Languages generate one tenth of Swiss GDP

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Elevating the minds of future architects

More

State heroin

More

Street Parade can stay but with restrictions

More

Barceló unveils UN “Sistine Chapel” in Geneva

More

Miquel Barceló

More

Young knife-carriers on the rise in Geneva

More

Euro 2008 brought in cash but little kick

More

Switzerland acts as magnet for German managers

More

Taking home the dead

Popular Stories

Most Discussed