Switzerland adopts a position of "permanent neutrality" vis-à-vis parties to an international armed conflict. It has also not been involved in an  non-international armed conflict, since its civil war (the "Sonderbundskrieg") in 1847.

For more information on Swiss neutrality, see the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs' website with links to Government documents.

Thanks to its neutrality, Switzerland frequently acts as a facilitator or mediator in armed conflicts and as a protective power. As of October 2009, Switzerland was exercising diplomatic mandates in representing the interests of:

^{Source: Federal Department of Foreign Affairs.}

Last updated: 4 December 2009