The history of Switzerland in a few key dates
From 1291 to the UN in 2002, by way of the federal state of 1848: the key dates that shaped Switzerland, summarised simply.
Swiss history is that of an alliance that expanded and transformed over more than seven centuries, from a pact between mountain valleys to the modern federal state. A few dates are enough to grasp the thread.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 1291 | Founding pact between Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden (the symbolic date of the national holiday, 1 August). |
| 1815 | The Congress of Vienna recognises Switzerland's neutrality and fixes its borders. |
| 1848 | First Federal Constitution: birth of the modern federal state. |
| 1971 | Women gain the right to vote at federal level — late. |
| 2002 | Switzerland joins the UN, by popular vote. |
A slow, cautious construction
This path explains much of today's country: the attachment to federalism and cantonal autonomy comes from this history of alliance, and both neutrality and direct democracy are rooted in it. Women's suffrage in 1971, very late, is also a reminder that this caution has a downside.
Frequently asked questions
When was Switzerland founded?
The symbolic date is 1291, celebrated on 1 August; but the modern federal state was born with the 1848 Constitution.
When did women get the right to vote?
At federal level only in 1971, a late date compared with most Western democracies.
Related reading
- The Swiss political system: Federal Council, Parliament, cantons
A seven-member government, a two-chamber Parliament, 26 cantons and direct democracy: how the Swiss political system really works.
- Swiss neutrality: where it comes from and what it means
Armed neutrality since 1815, neither NATO nor EU, but a UN member: what Swiss neutrality really is, and why it is debated today.