in Europe (green and dark grey)Current: This article deals with the history of Switzerland since 1848.

The Schweizerische Nordbahn (SNB) society opened the first railway line on Swiss soil in 1847, connecting Zürich and Baden.

Rapid urban growth also enlarged Zürich, which incorporated its industrial suburb Aussersihl into the municipality in 1891.

Because of its neutral status, Switzerland was of considerable interest to the warring parties, as a scene for diplomacy, espionage, commerce, and as a safe haven for refugees.

The Swiss president is elected every year from those among the seven member high council and cannot serve two consecutive terms.

[6] Leading nuclear physicists at the Federal Institute of Technology Zürich such as Paul Scherrer made this a realistic possibility.

In a nationwide referendum held in April 1962, the Swiss people chose not to prohibit nuclear arms in Switzerland.

[7] However, financial problems with the defense budget prevented the substantial funds from being allocated, and the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty of 1968 was seen as a valid alternative.