The Swiss value hard work, sobriety, thrift and independence. They prize tolerance, punctuality, cleanliness, orderliness and a sense of responsibility.
The population is made up of four ethnic groups: German Swiss, French Swiss, Italian Swiss and Romansh. Germans dominate with 65% of the population. The French are located mostly in the west; the Italians in the south. Though ethnic variety divides Switzerland, the Swiss are unified by the common custom of having pets (90% of Swiss families have a cat or a dog).
Family privacy is important. The nuclear family is the most important social unit. On weekends, families are often active together, taking trips or visiting family or friends. Teenagers are generally given a fair amount of independence. To get around, Swiss rely on well-organized public transportation, but many also walk and bike. It is easy to get around, and cities are in most cases easily accessible.