Switzerland Timeline on Dipity.
History of the Settlement of Switzerland
About 2500- 2000 years ago, the Helvetians settled in Switzerland. They spoke a Celtic language. The Rhetians, a latin speaking tribe also settled in this time. These were the first tribes to leave written documents, and some of the Rhetian culture has survived in the alpine valleys of southern Switzerland. The Helvetians tried to leave Switzerland in 58 B.C. but were stopped by Julius Caesar (Jud, 2005-2010).
Germanic tribes such as the Francs and the Burgundians started to come to Switzerland during the "Migration of Nations" in 500 A.D. Soon after, the Lombardians also came. These tribes contribute to the four official languages of French, German, Italian and Rumantsch. Switzerland's history of migrating tribes has led it to never be a culturally homogenous nation
For much of its history, Switzerland was broke into various cantons (city states). There were some civil wars and revolutions, leading up to Switzerland finally becoming a federal state in 1848. They modeled the new constitution after American and French ideas, many of which are still in place today.
Switzerland gained citizens in World War II because of its neutrality. Many refugees were stationed there. It is now a place of peace, stability and diversity.
Germanic tribes such as the Francs and the Burgundians started to come to Switzerland during the "Migration of Nations" in 500 A.D. Soon after, the Lombardians also came. These tribes contribute to the four official languages of French, German, Italian and Rumantsch. Switzerland's history of migrating tribes has led it to never be a culturally homogenous nation
For much of its history, Switzerland was broke into various cantons (city states). There were some civil wars and revolutions, leading up to Switzerland finally becoming a federal state in 1848. They modeled the new constitution after American and French ideas, many of which are still in place today.
Switzerland gained citizens in World War II because of its neutrality. Many refugees were stationed there. It is now a place of peace, stability and diversity.
Works Cited
Timeline history from: Jud, M. (2004-2010). History of switzerland. Retrieved from http://history-switzerland.geschichte-schweiz.ch/
Settlement and Language History paragraphs: Jud, M. (2005-2010). Switzerland's four national languages. Retrieved from http://official-swiss-national-languages.all-about-switzerland.info/
Map: Switzerland europe. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://travelingluck.com/maps/sz-map.gif.pagespeed.ce.x-X62CzfBw.gif
Switzerland and surrounding countries: World guide to standards resources: Switzerland. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://gsi.nist.gov/global/index.cfm/L1-3/L2-9/L3-135
Population Pyramid 1955
This image was taken from populationpyramid.net and shows the population pyramid of Switzerland in 1955. There are not very many elderly, possibly because of medical care.
Population Pyramid 2010
The population is slightly more balanced between young and old here, but not quite optimal. populationpyramid.net also shows pyramids of future populations as a function of time. An optimal population would be even all along.