The author draws on years of diplomatic observation to present a compact survey of Swiss political institutions, history, and society, explaining the federal constitution, national and cantonal bodies, the referendum and landsgemeinde practices, and judicial and administrative structures. Separate chapters address citizenship, land law, military organization, education, industry, peasant life, and natural scenery, and include profiles of notable cities and cultural figures. Comparative notes relating Swiss federalism to United States experience and reflections on Switzerland's role in international organizations run throughout, combining institutional analysis, historical background, and travel-like description to show how linguistic, religious, and local diversity shape governance and national character.