Today’s globalized world means that the borders between many countries are eroding, particularly within Europe. These countries are still distinct, but people from other parts of the world often get confused.
For example, Sweden and Switzerland are fundamentally different but are still mistaken for the same country.
The significant differences between Sweden and Switzerland are their language, currency, and history.
However, these two countries also have different politics and governments, climates, and geography. They’re also known worldwide for various innovations and discoveries.
While the differences between Sweden and Switzerland are inexhaustible, this article only focuses on key aspects between the two nations.
It also examines these distinctions to help foreigners and Europeans distinguish one country from the other.
Also, see What is a Swedish Massage? to learn more.
7 Differences Between Sweden and Switzerland
While the differences between the two countries might be obvious to most Europeans, people from other parts of the world often mistake one for the other.
In fact, many people still assume the Swedes and the Swiss are the same people, despite being as distinctive from one another as the rest of Europe.
So, what exactly sets these countries apart from each other? Below are their key differences:
1. Sweden and Switzerland Have Different Official Languages
One of the most distinctive features of every nation is its language. Languages are an essential aspect of a country’s culture and an indicator of its people’s heritage and history.
Therefore, it’s no surprise that Sweden and Switzerland have strikingly different official languages.
The official language of Sweden is Swedish, a German-based language with some English vocabulary and qualities.
However, Swedish is actually a Scandinavian language, just like Danish and Norwegian [1].
On the other hand, Switzerland’s official language is German, as a testament to the country’s past relationship with Germany [2].
However, while these languages are the national and most popular languages in their respective countries, they’re not the only ones.
Citizens of both countries use many other languages, including English, Italian, and French.
However, the distribution of these secondary language speakers varies across the different regions of both countries.
2. Sweden and Switzerland Have Different Political Systems
Sweden and Switzerland are famous for being mostly neutral in several economic and political conflicts in the last 200 years [3].
However, their neutrality is where their political similarities end.
Sweden is a unitary state with a constitutional monarchy. This monarchy is led by a prime minister but headed by the King and Queen of Sweden.
However, Switzerland is a federal republic led by the Federal Council, a seven-member cabinet devoted to leading and governing the state.
This difference in government means that Swedes have less direct control of the state’s affairs compared to the semi-direct democratic system of Switzerland.
3. Sweden and Switzerland Have Different Geographies
Another difference between Sweden and Switzerland is their geography. While both countries are in Europe, they are dramatically different in the following ways.
- They are different sizes
- They’re located in different parts of the continent
- They contain many distinct landmarks and geographical features.
Sweden is a Scandinavian country located in the North of Europe [4]. It’s also bordered by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia.
Sweden is also the fourth largest European country, with approximately 450,000 square kilometers (173,745.97 square miles) of land area.
However, Switzerland is further south, in central Europe. It’s much smaller than Sweden and is only 41,000 square kilometers (15,830.19 square miles).
4. They Have Different Cultural Roots
While both Sweden and Switzerland have almost the same populations, with 10 million and 8 million, respectively, they don’t share the same cultural roots.
This shows in the language difference between the two countries.
Sweden also has a well-documented history of Viking culture, particularly between 9-11 AD [5].
This history is vital to modern Swedish culture and is apparent even in the country’s art and architecture.
Switzerland’s history is remarkably different because it has no Nordic roots. The country’s history and culture are traced back to the Helvetic Celts and the Roman empire [6].
And while many events have occurred from the 1st century to today, the country still has traces of its inherited culture from these civilizations.
5. Sweden and Switzerland Have Different Climates
Sweden and Switzerland lie on different parts of the European continent, so it’s no surprise they have strikingly different weather patterns.
This variation in climate is due to the following factors.
- Their proximity to the sea
- Their distance from the equator
- Their geographical features
The northern regions of Sweden are famous for being subarctic, and the country’s old mountains are responsible for the cool weather that dominates most of the country.
Switzerland is markedly different. Unlike Sweden, the nation is temperate in places and almost tropical in others, depending on how far south you travel.
6. Sweden and Switzerland Have Different Currencies
Another important difference between Sweden and Switzerland is their currency. The official tender for Sweden is the Swedish Krona, while Switzerland’s is the Swiss franc.
Both currencies are famous for many reasons, but they’re also very distinct.
7. Sweden and Switzerland Are Known for Different Reasons
Most European countries are known worldwide for specific innovations, brands, and inventions. Of course, Sweden and Switzerland are no different.
Sweden is especially famous for the Nobel Prize, but it’s also home to brands like Ikea, H&M, Volvo, and Absolut Vodka.
In essence, the country is primarily famous for its many different consumer and retail items, both in Europe and across the globe.
On the other hand, Switzerland’s claim to fame includes its banking system, Swiss knives, fondue, and Swiss cheese.
However, Swiss innovations also include watches, chocolate, and even yodeling.
Why Do People Confuse Sweden With Switzerland?
Many people make this mistake because of the similarities between the countries. Some of the most common reasons people mix up the two are as follows [7].
- Both names start with the letters “Sw”
- The words “Swiss” and “Swedes” sound similar enough that they’re often mixed up
- Both countries are associated with snow, mountains, and skiing
- In some languages, the two countries have similar-sounding names
- Many people are not well-versed in geography or other cultures
Final Thoughts
While Sweden and Switzerland are often confused, they’re completely different culturally, historically, and politically.
The confusion between the two arises from their superficial similarities and a lack of knowledge about these countries.
References:
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