Switzerland, the neutral country

by Ami Komo
(Suginami, Tokyo, Japan)

When I went to the US, I met many friends who came from Europe. So I could know more about Europe than the US although I went to the US!! I talked a little with a boy who was from Switzerland.

I thought he was very shy because he looked nervous when we talked (of course I also got very nervous because I was also shy!!). But he was very kind.

So my image of the Swiss is modest. I thought that's why they were neutral. Of course I don't know the reason exactly!!

It is just from my idea. So I searched it on the website. It said one of the reasons of their neutrality was because Switzerland had a lot of ethnic groups in Europe.

For example, they are Dutch, Italian, French, and so on. So they can't support one country because conflict could happen in Switzerland. Another reason is that the world needs neutral countries when war happens.

So there are no possibilities that Switzerland will change their style. Switzerland played an important role in this world to prevent war. I want them to be a neutral country forever for peace.

It may be beside the point, but my friend who came from Spain taught me about Europe. She said to me, "The only countries in Europe you have to know are Spain, Italy, UK, the Netherlands, and France. These countries are important. Switzerland has a lot of money, but it is a very small country. So it isn't important. The other small countries are always against each other so I don't know them!!"

Her story was very impressive. I could know about Europe thanks to her (of course I can't decide if her opinion is right or not.)

I want to know more about Europe. Especially I'm reading articles about the economic crisis in Europe. This crisis may lead many countries to a depression.

I want them to recover earlier!!!