With the 20th largest nominal gross domestic product (GDP) in the world, and among the top five in terms of nominal GDP per capita, Switzerland is also home to the sixth largest equity market in the world, accounting for 2.5% of the total global equity market capitalisation at the end of last year.
A small, landlocked country in Central Europe, Switzerland is only the 135th largest country in the world in terms of geographical area. If we instead consider the population, with close to nine million inhabitants, Switzerland still only ranks 101st. But punching well above its geographical and demographic weight are its economic strength and the importance of its capital markets.
Unique for its long-standing political stability, sound economic policies, highly developed rule of law, highly skilled workforce, low inflation and strong currency, Switzerland is recognised for its well-established safe-haven status.
