Difference between Switzerland and New Zealand
When visions of gorgeous mountains and gently rolling, sparkling green hills come to mind, two countries are mentioned ahead of the others in the next breath: Switzerland and New Zealand. These two countries are, after all, endowed with some of the most stunning natural sights known to man and if grand vistas are what you are looking for, these two will certainly not disappoint! Let's see what else Switzerland and New Zealand have in common.
Profiles
Switzerland is a federal republic that is comprised of 26 cantons. Officially known as the Swiss Confederation, the federal capital of the country is Bern. The country is located in Western Europe with the countries of Germany, France, Italy, Austria and Liechtenstein as her neighbors.
New Zealand is an island country located in the southwestern section of the Pacific Ocean and it is comprised of two main masses: the North Island and the South Island. The country also has several other smaller islands, with Stewart Island (or Rakiura) and the Chatham Islands being some of the most notable. The Realm of New Zealand also encompasses the Cook Islands, Niue, Tokelau and the Ross Dependency, which is the country's claimed Antarctic territory.
Geographic Features
Switzerland is completely landlocked, and it is divided geographically into the Alps, the Central Plateau and the Jura. The country covers a land area of 41,285 square kilometers, and many of its major cities are located on the Plateau, among them Zürich and Geneva.
New Zealand for its part is distinguished by its geographic isolation. The country is located more than 2,000 kilometers from the southeast section of Australia and its nearest neighbors toward the north are New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga.
Notes on Switzerland
Switzerland has long been known for its political neutrality and the country has not been involved in any war since 1815. In fact, Switzerland wasn't even a member of the United Nations until 2002. What the country has been involved in is numerous international events, with some of the world’s most notable organizations and events being located there, such as the International Olympic Committee, the Red Cross, the World Trade Organization and FIFA. The country is also the location of the second largest United Nations office in the world. Interestingly enough, the country isn't a member of the European Union either.
Switzerland is also one of the richest countries in the world, interestingly Zürich and Geneva have even received the honor of being ranked the cities in the world with the second and third highest quality of life rankings respectively.
Notes on New Zealand
Because of its early isolation, New Zealand gave birth to a unique animal life which was comprised mainly of birds. Unfortunately, these avian populations decreased with the arrival of humans and the mammals that they brought with them. New Zealand is also known for its accomplishments in the fields of education and economy and the near-total absence of corruption. And like Switzerland, New Zealand also has its share of “most liveable” cities in the world.
Summary
Switzerland
- Is a federal republic comprised of 26 cantons
- Long known for its neutrality
- Has not been involved in any war since 1815
- One of the richest countries in the world
New Zealand
- An island country located in the southwestern section of the Pacific Ocean
- Is distinguished by its geographic isolation
- Gave birth to a unique animal life comprised mainly of birds
