TEAM SWITZERLAND DAY: 09-04-09
It’s time for yet another edition of Team Switzerland Day and today’s hosts, Novel Novice Twilight, have a lesson in neutrality for you to celebrate the loveliness that is Team Switzerland. They give us everything from an explanation to what “Team Switzerland” means to some fun little Swiss facts. Check out a preview below:
Why is Switzerland neutral?Switzerland has a long history of neutrality, and has not been at war in nearly 200 years — not since the Napoleonic Wars in 1815! In that year, the Congress of Vienna fully re-established Swiss independence following the French invasion, and European powers agreed to permanently recognize Swiss neutrality. Traditionally, Switzerland avoids alliances that might lead to military, polical or direct economic action. By declaring itself a neutral country, Switerzland agreed it would not take sides in all future wars. This is why Bella claims she is “Switzerland†in Eclipse. In the “war†between vampires and shapeshifters, she has chosen to remain neutral — she refuses to pick a side.
As a neutral country, Switzerland has also served as an intermediary between other countries and maintains diplomatic relations with almost all other countries. Interestingly, however, Switzerland did not become a full member of the United Nations until 2002. Switzerland is also independent of the European Union — the Swiss have rejected membership in the Union since the early 1990s.
Switzerland’s neutrality is a large reason many international institutions call the country home. These include the World Health Organization, the International Economic Forum and the Red Cross.
And because of its neutrality, the Swiss armed forces do not take part in any armed conflicts in other countries. Instead, Swiss troops take part in peacekeeping missions around the world. The Swiss Guard is also the official policing unit for Vatican City.
Check out today’s full Team Switzerland Day post here.
If you missed a previous Team Switzerland day post and would like to get in on the action, click here to view past entries.
And on a final note: We will be hosting Team Switzerland Day again on October 9th! So if you’d like to show your Team Switz love through a song, video, drawing, picture, or any other way – send it to NewsBlog@TwilightersAnonymous.com with the title “Team Switzerland Project” and you could see your content featured on TA!
