Switzerland

The Swiss Confederation, consisting of 26 cantons and home to many international institutions, has a history of neutrality; in 1815, the European Powers recognised the perpetual neutrality of the country at the Congress of Vienna. It is not a member of the European Union, but is highly dependent on the EU in economic terms. Switzerland is a rich, industrialised country with one of the most stable economies in the world. In the current trend of energy-conscious societies, Switzerland defines itself as a promoter of green energy. Each year many leading Flemish businessmen take part in the World Economic Forum held in Davos, Switzerland.