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It is frequently involved in peace-building processes worldwide. Nevertheless, it pursues an active foreign policy. Switzerland has not fought an international war since 1815 and did not join the United Nations until 2002. Swiss independence from the Holy Roman Empire was formally recognised in the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Since the Reformation of the 16th century, Switzerland has maintained a firm policy of armed neutrality. The Federal Charter of 1291 is considered the founding document of Switzerland, which is celebrated on Swiss National Day.

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The establishment of the Old Swiss Confederacy in the Late Middle Ages resulted from a series of military successes against Austria and Burgundy. The main international airports of Switzerland are also located in these cities. These three cities are home to several offices of international organisations such as the WTO, the WHO, the ILO, the headquarters of FIFA, the UN's second-largest office, as well as the main office of the Bank for International Settlements. Although the Alps occupy the greater part of the territory, the Swiss population of approximately 8.5 million is concentrated mostly on the plateau, where the largest cities and economic centres are, among them Zürich, Geneva and Basel. It is geographically divided among the Swiss Plateau, the Alps and the Jura, spanning a total area of 41,285 km 2 (15,940 sq mi) and land area of 39,997 km 2 (15,443 sq mi). Switzerland is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east.

The country is a federal republic composed of 26 cantons, with federal authorities based in Bern.

Switzerland, officially the Swiss Confederation, is a landlocked country located at the confluence of Western, Central and Southern Europe.

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