For many centuries, Switzerland's neighbours and the regional powers have had a decisive impact on the country's evolution.

They have coveted its passes and they have used it as a buffer state.

Swiss neutrality, which has been in existence since 1515, has served not only Switzerland's own interests by keeping it out of wars, but also those of its neighbours by keeping potential enemies apart.

As a country which shares three of its four languages with larger neighbours, Switzerland has had a dynamic cultural exchange with its neighbours for many centuries. Swiss writers and artists have lived abroad, while their foreign counterparts have influenced cultural life in Switzerland. This exchange continues to the present day.