Swiss Confederation

The Swiss Confederation is the federal state of Switzerland, a landlocked country in central Europe. Its government structure is set out in the Federal Constitution and combines federal, cantonal, and communal levels, with the executive vested in a collegial Federal Council and the legislature in a bicameral Federal Assembly. Switzerland is known for its tradition of armed neutrality and its system of direct democracy, in which citizens vote on referendums and popular initiatives. The Confederation handles matters such as foreign affairs, defense, monetary policy, and federal law, while cantons retain substantial autonomy over many domestic areas. It is not a member of the European Union but maintains extensive treaty relations with it, and it participates in numerous international organizations. Its powers are bounded by the constitution and the federalist division of competences.