List of diplomatic missions of Switzerland

Switzerland is well known as a protecting power,having used its embassies abroad to represent the interests of states hostile to each other since the Franco-Prussian War.

[1] In the Second World War Switzerland served as protecting power for 35 countries on both sides—its embassy in Washington represented Germany, Italy, Japan, and Vichy France.

In many post-war conflicts, including in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Asia, the Middle East, and Serbia, Switzerland has provided a continuity of representation after formal relations were severed between belligerents, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid and conflict resolution.

[citation needed] Since 1919, Switzerland has also represented the Principality of Liechtenstein in those countries wherein Liechtenstein itself does not maintain consular representation.

[2] Owing to its size and population, Liechtenstein maintains a very small network of diplomatic missions.