Culture of Switzerland Culture of Switzerland Switzerland lies at the crossroads of several major European cultures. Three of the continent's major languages, German, French and Italian, are national languages of Switzerland, along with Romansh, spoken by a small minority. Therefore, Swiss culture is characterized by diversity, which is reflected in a wide range of traditional customs. The 26 cantons also account for the large cultural diversity. Not withstanding the regional disparities, the Alps have played an essential role in shaping the history and culture of Switzerland. The region of the Gotthard Pass became the nucleus of the Swiss Confederacy in the early 14th
Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1986 Switzerland in the Eurovision Song Contest 1986 Switzerland was present at the Eurovision Song Contest 1986, held in Bergen, Norway. The Swiss national final to select their entry, "Concours Eurovision '86", was held on 25 January at the Schweizer Radio DRS Studios in Zürich, and was hosted by singer Paola Del Medico, who had represented Switzerland in 1969 and 1980. Five juries selected the winner: one jury each from the German, French and Italian cantons of Switzerland, one jury made up of radio, television and newspaper journalists, and one jury composed of "music experts." The winning entry was "Pas pour