The Swiss believe that the wealth and the stability of their prosperous country are due to their hard work. Who can blame them? During the 19^th century, Switzerland was one of the poorest countries in Western Europe, a land of meager farming and no natural resources. Today, Switzerland has the lowest inflation and unemployment rates of all industrialized countries, the highest income per capita. The crime rate is the lowest in the world. The last time Switzerland was involved in a war with another country was in the 15^th century.

Swiss success has become a standard for small countries that do well: Lebanon was once called "The Switzerland of the Middle East" and Chile "The Switzerland of South America". Measured by per capita, the Swiss are the richest people on Earth. In Switzerland, you won't notice much of this wealth displayed. Apart from the highest number of Rolls Royce and Ferraris per capita in the world, people make it a virtue to keep wealth discreet.

Many rich and famous people live in Switzerland and when they are recognized on the street, people smile and look the other way. No Swiss would dare bother somebody to whom they had not been introduced. Laws supporting discretion and respect of privacy have long been in force.