Handbook for Investors. Business location in Switzerland.

11. Infrastructure.
Switzerland is closely integrated into the European transportation
infrastructure thanks to a dense network of road,
rail and air connections. Frequent and reliable connections
guarantee the smooth and efficient transport of passengers
and goods. The supply of energy, water, communications
services and postal services is guaranteed at all times. A
well-developed healthcare system ensures that the population
has access to medical care without having to travel long
distances.
Fig. 50: Quality of the infrastructure, 2008
1 = underdeveloped, 7 = comprehensive and efficient
1 Switzerland 6.8
2 Singapore 6.7
3 Hong Kong SAR 6.7
4 Austria 6.6
5 France 6.6
6 Germany 6.5
9 Denmark 6.3
12 Luxembourg 6.1
14 USA 5.9
15 Belgium 5.8
17 Japan 5.8
18 Netherlands 5.8
33 UK 5.2
65 Ireland 4.1
66 China 4.0
72 Italy 3.8
81 Brazil 3.4
86 Russia 3.3
89 India 3.2
Source: World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report 2009 – 2010
Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy
and Communications (DETEC)
www.uvek.admin.ch
Languages: German, English, French, Italian
11.1 Transport.
The Swiss economy is supported by an excellent distribution infrastructure
for supplying goods and services. With 1.7 km of roads per
square kilometer, Switzerland is one of the continent’s most densely
developed countries for motorized transport. The Swiss government’s
transport policy is primarily aimed at improving the country’s
attractiveness as a business location and managing increasing
mobility in an environmentally compatible manner.
11.1.1 Road network
Switzerland’s highway network is one of the densest in the world.
There are currently 1,763.6 km (1,096 miles) of national highways
in operation, providing access to all parts of the country. When
finally completed, the network will total 1,892.5 km or 1,176 miles
(scheduled completion in 15 years). A remarkable feature is the
high proportion of tunnels. Today 220 tunnels are in operation
covering a total length of 200 km (about 125 miles). Every ninth
kilometer runs underground. At least three-quarters of the Swiss
highway system consists of four-lane divided superhighways.
The national highways are also major international transportation
102 Handbook for Investors 2010