Swiss Stories

Velo Stromer © Stromer

Swiss pioneering spirit on two wheels

Society
The bicycle is the most practical means of day-to-day transport and is constantly being reinvented: as a piece of sports equipment, as an accessory or even as a vehicle with electrical assistance. Swiss manufacturers have played a key role in the history of the modern bicycle: let’s take a look at their contributions.
swiss flag

The Swiss flag – a plus for the country

History
The Swiss flag rarely goes unnoticed. Square in shape, this striking flag composed of a white cross of strictly defined proportions on a red background is not just a distinctive visual icon – it also happens to have a fascinating story.
Matthias Vauthier

by Matthias Vauthier

Rocket body explosion: In addition to satellite collisions, the space environment can also compromise the integrity of a rocket’s mechanical parts. Wear and tear can trigger auto-ignition or an explosion generating thousands of pieces of debris. (ESA) RemoveDEBRIS 3: More than 7,600 tonnes of space debris are floating in or near the Earth's orbit at an altitude of 2,000 kilometres.

Swiss tech cleans up space

Science & Education
Since humans first conquered space, it has become a dumping ground for fragments of rockets and obsolete satellites. These millions of pieces of debris scattered in orbit pose a considerable risk. To tackle this serious problem, Switzerland has positioned itself at the forefront of the clean-up of space.

by Mehdi Atmani

Saype - ONU

Saype and his giant paintings for solidarity

Environment
Saype, the most Swiss of French graffiti artists, has a message that is both humanistic and ecological. Through his work, he aims to "make an impact on people, without impacting nature."
Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships the recipe for Swiss success

Economics
In Switzerland, vocational education and training (VET) is highly valued and allows young people to learn a trade by combining classroom study with in-company work. More and more countries are taking an interest in this model, which is an effective tool for combating unemployment.
Florence Schelling

Florence Schelling, the woman at the top of a once male-dominated world

Society
SC Bern is Switzerland's largest ice hockey club, with a CHF 60 million budget and home crowds of up to 17,000 spectators. It has won the Swiss championships 16 times. And it has just appointed a woman as its new general manager and sports director, a first in the sport's history. The smart, self-assured 31-year-old from Zurich used to play in goal for the women's national team. Now she's ready for her next challenge, and it's a surprise choice that has created a stir around the world.

by Bertrand Monnard

Comedias y dramas: cine suizo de todos los géneros

A brief (and thrilling) history of Swiss cinema

History
Swiss cinema is modest compared to the big guns in Hollywood, but it plays a crucial role in defining the country's identity. Join us for a look at some of the key films from each period.