ABSTRACT
GEOGRAPHICAL and historical factors have left their mark on the development of the Swiss character, on the economic and political organization of the country and on her financial system. Switzerland is a smaIl country without seaboard, with no colonies, and with a large proportion of her land entirely unproductive, except in so far as her incomparable scenery may be sold to visitors from other countries. What land there is available for pastoral and agricultural pursuits must necessarily be worked on individualist lines, as the geography of the country forbids any close co-operation between area and area. Swiss industry also shows signs of the same separation and is largely controlled by the small firm. Intense local patriotism, if one may use the phrase, has given rise to the Canton, which still retains a very powerful place in the system of government.
