UN

It was only in 2002 that voters finally accepted that Switzerland should join the UN. This long hesitation may seem all the more surprising given that the UN's European headquarters is in Geneva and Switzerland has long been a member of most of the organisation's specialised agencies. It has contributed to some of the UN peacekeeping missions with personnel, logistical and financial support.

Switzerland took up its seat as the 190th member of the UN on September 10th, 2002.

EU

Swiss voters have consistently rejected moves to bring Switzerland into the EU. In 2001 nearly 77% of the population voted against a proposal to start EU accession negotiations immediately. The Swiss government has made it clear that it wishes to take the country into the EU eventually, but that entry must not be rushed.

Meanwhile, Switzerland is in constant talks with the EU aimed at easing restrictions between the two sides. In May 2000 the Swiss people approved a first package of bilateral agreements which had taken four years to negotiate.

A second package was agreed in 2004 and its first provisions came into force in 2005.

Supporters of membership say that Switzerland needs to be able to participate in EU decision-making, since it is vitally affected by EU policies and laws.

Opponents of membership say it would undermine Switzerland's sovereignty.

Other organisations

Despite Switzerland's hesitation in joining the major world bodies, it has strong political and economic ties with the rest of the world and is a member of various international organisations.

In 1960, Switzerland was a founding member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA); in 1963 it joined the European Council and in 1975 the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). It is also a member of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Switzerland has been a member of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund since 1992. The aim of its membership of these institutions is to help developing countries improve their economies, to combat poverty and to promote international economic and financial stability.