The image of Switzerland abroad—of purity, punctuality, precision—is entirely different from the reality within its borders. After four years, I am beginning to see that Switzerland is a far more complex country than first meets the eye. It's a country that takes a long time to get to know, and it's a country that takes even longer to get to know you, the stranger. It's not a place to expect instant bonding and bear hugs.
Life for an expat in Switzerland can vary considerably from one place to another. There is a big difference between the German-speaking cantons, in the north, east, and center of the country, and the French- and Italian-speaking cantons in the east and the south respectively. Apart from the obvious language differences there are differences in the economy, cultural history, cuisine, political persuasions, climate, architecture, and the educational system.
Whatever its complexities and contradictions, Switzerland offers a lifestyle that most of us dream of, and it remains deservedly popular not only with the ten million tourists who visit every year but with the hundreds of thousands of non-Swiss who make it their home.