Switzerland - 93.97
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Libertarian for the rich
Despite its international reputation as a libertarian haven, Switzerland’s policies are almost dictatorial in their selfishness. Every policy in Switzerland is uniquely tailored to favor the Swiss, which has resulted in a country and a system of government that prioritizes its own people above anything else. The Swiss government has portrayed a consistent strong commitment to its people. Of concern were Switzerland’s restrictive laws on some religious affairs and its status as the world’s premier tax haven, managing trillions in foreign assets.
Human Rights - 91
Switzerland has fully abolished the death penalty. Construction of new minarets or mosques is banned nationwide, in a deliberate attempt to undermine the country’s Muslim minority. Trans people cannot serve openly and there is no joint same-sex adoption, but a full gamut of LGBT rights is guaranteed otherwise. Abortion is legal to twelve weeks.
Democracy - 97
The Federal Council is chosen by the directly elected Federal Assembly from among its members. The largely ceremonial presidency rotates among the members of the Federal Council. Elections are free and fair and the country maintains a strong multi-party system. Switzerland is unique in its system of semi-direct democracy, with a majority of bills going to popular referendum before being passed into law. Switzerland’s campaign finance laws are opque and the government has rejected calls to reform them.
Freedom - 88
Switzerland has unenforced hate speech laws that criminalize public incitement to racial hatred or discrimination, spreading racist ideology, and denying crimes against humanity. No convictions have been made since the laws were passed. The construction of new minarets and mosques is prohibited nationwide. Several cantons have bans in place on burqas or hijabs in various settings. Swiss drug laws are some of the most liberal in the world, and the government is currently considering decriminalizing all drugs. Switzerland distributes drugs to addicts in recovery in state-funded rehab programs. Switzerland shall issue gun ownership permits for semi-automatic rifles and handguns, and may issue gun ownership permits for fully-automatic rifles and handguns. Switzerland may issue self-defense permits.
Economy - 100
Health - 100
Switzerland has a life expectancy of 84 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.35%. 19.5% of Swiss are obese and 0.25% are malnourished. Switzerland’s canton-managed universal healthcare system provides high-quality free care to all Swiss citizens. All Swiss have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 100
Despite managing a nearly completely corruption-free system at home, Switzerland’s banking structure means that it aids and abets corruption abroad, though this is not measured in this category.
Competency - 92
The government is failing to protect ethnic and religious minorities.
Future - 96
Swiss democracy is steadfast. The government took a hit due to COVID but will likely recover quickly.
Actions Abroad - 76
Switzerland does not maintain an expeditionary military force. Switzerland is the world’s premier tax haven. Swiss banks facilitate the flow of trillions of dollars in foreign assets, and the banking system has drawn ire from other countries for completely lacking a vetting process. Switzerland is fafmed for its neutrality, but in recent years has increased its participation in international organizations. Switzerland received a ten-point penalty for its tax haven status.
No Swiss live below the international poverty line, while 15.5% live below the national poverty line. Switzerland has one of the highest poverty lines in the world. Roughly 5% of Swiss are unemployed. Switzerland has some of the least economic disparity in the world. Switzerland’s national minimum wage is $20.14 per hour. Switzerland has a very strong universal healthcare system, but its management is left largely up to the cantons. Quality varies but is consistently high. Switzerland’s economy shrunk 2.9% in 2020 and grew 1.1% in 2019.