Switzerland

qas: question: What is the official name of Switzerland?
answers: text: Swiss Confederation

question: What type of government does Switzerland have?
answers: text: a federal directorial republic

question: How many cantons are in Switzerland's federal directorial republic?
answers: text: 26

question: What 3 geographical features divide Switzerland?
answers: text: the Alps, the Swiss Plateau and the Jura

question: What is the population of Switzerland?
answers: text: approximately 8 million
context: Switzerland (/ˈswɪtsərlənd/), officially the Swiss Confederation (Latin: Confoederatio Helvetica, hence its abbreviation CH), is a country in Europe. While still named the "Swiss Confederation" for historical reasons, modern Switzerland is a federal directorial republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities, called Bundesstadt ("federal city").[note 3] The country is situated in Western and Central Europe,[note 4] and is bordered by Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. Switzerland is a landlocked country geographically divided between the Alps, the Swiss Plateau and the Jura, spanning an area of 41,285 km2 (15,940 sq mi). While the Alps occupy the greater part of the territory, the Swiss population of approximately 8 million people is concentrated mostly on the Plateau, where the largest cities are to be found: among them are the two global and economic centres, Zürich and Geneva.

qas: question: What is the traditional date of the establishment of the Swiss Confederation?
answers: text: 1 August 1291

question: What year did Switzerland join the United Nations?
answers: text: 2002

question: What country is the birthplace of the Red Cross?
answers: text: Switzerland

question: In what year was Switzerland last involved in a war internationally?
answers: text: 1815

question: What Swiss holiday is celebrated on August 1st every year?
answers: text: Swiss National Day
context: The establishment of the Swiss Confederation is traditionally dated to 1 August 1291, which is celebrated annually as the Swiss National Day. The country has a long history of armed neutrality—it has not been in a state of war internationally since 1815—and did not join the United Nations until 2002. Nevertheless, it pursues an active foreign policy and is frequently involved in peace-building processes around the world. In addition to being the birthplace of the Red Cross, Switzerland is home to numerous international organizations, including the second largest UN office. On the European level, it is a founding member of the European Free Trade Association, but notably it is not part of the European Union, nor the European Economic Area. However the country does participate in the Schengen Area and the EU's single market through a number of bilateral treaties.

qas: question: Which four main linguistic and cultural regions make up Switzerland?
answers: text: German, French, Italian and Romansh

question: What is the predominant language in Switzerland?
answers: text: German

question: What do the French Swiss call Switzerland?
answers: text: Suisse

question: What do the German Swiss call Switzerland?
answers: text: Schweiz

question: What do the Italian Swiss call Switzerland?
answers: text: Svizzera
context: Straddling the intersection of Germanic and Romance Europe, Switzerland comprises four main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, Italian and Romansh. Therefore, the Swiss, although predominantly German-speaking, do not form a nation in the sense of a common ethnicity or language; rather, Switzerland's strong sense of identity and community is founded on a common historical background, shared values such as federalism and direct democracy, and Alpine symbolism. Due to its linguistic diversity, Switzerland is known by a variety of native names: Schweiz [ˈʃvaɪts] (German);[note 5] Suisse [sɥis(ə)] (French); Svizzera [ˈzvittsera] (Italian); and Svizra [ˈʒviːtsrɐ] or [ˈʒviːtsʁːɐ] (Romansh).[note 6]

qas: question: How does Switzerland rank worldwide in areas such as quality of life and civil liberties?
answers: text: top or close to the top

question: Which country has the highest nominal wealth per adult in the world according to Credit Suisse?
answers: text: Switzerland

question: Which two Swiss cities have been ranked as having the highest quality of life in the world?
answers: text: Zürich and Geneva

question: What assets are included in nominal wealth?
answers: text: financial and non-financial

question: What is Switzerland's ranking for per capita gross domestic product on the IMF list?
answers: text: eighth-highest
context: Switzerland is one of the richest and wealthiest countries in the world. Switzerland ranks top or close to the top in several metrics of national performance, including government transparency, civil liberties, quality of life, economic competitiveness, and human development. It has the highest nominal wealth (financial and non-financial assets) per adult in the world according to Credit Suisse and the eighth-highest per capita gross domestic product on the IMF list. Zürich and Geneva have each been ranked among the top cities with the highest quality of life in the world, with the former ranked 2nd globally, according to Mercer.

qas: question: What was the Swiss term for Switzerland during the 16th - 19th centuries?
answers: text: Switzer

question: Where did the English adjective Swiss originate from?
answers: text: French Suisse

question: Where did the name Switzer originate from?
answers: text: the Alemannic Schwiizer

question: What did the Alemannic Schwiizer help form the nucleus of?
answers: text: the Old Swiss Confederacy
context:  The English name Switzerland is a compound containing Switzer, an obsolete term for the Swiss, which was in use during the 16th to 19th centuries. The English adjective Swiss is a loan from French Suisse, also in use since the 16th century. The name Switzer is from the Alemannic Schwiizer, in origin an inhabitant of Schwyz and its associated territory, one of the Waldstätten cantons which formed the nucleus of the Old Swiss Confederacy. The name originates as an exonym, applied pars pro toto to the troops of the Confederacy. The Swiss began to adopt the name for themselves after the Swabian War of 1499, used alongside the term for "Confederates", Eidgenossen (literally: comrades by oath), used since the 14th century.

qas: question: In what year was the toponym Schwyz first attested as Old High German Suittes?
answers: text: 972

question: At what time did the name Schwyz begin to be used by the entire Confederation?
answers: text: after the Swabian War of 1499

question: What was the Swiss German name for Schwyz?
answers: text: Schwiiz

question: What was the name d'Schwiiz used for?
answers: text: the Confederation
context: The toponym Schwyz itself is first attested in 972, as Old High German Suittes, ultimately perhaps related to suedan "to burn", referring to the area of forest that was burned and cleared to build. The name was extended to the area dominated by the canton, and after the Swabian War of 1499 gradually came to be used for the entire Confederation. The Swiss German name of the country, Schwiiz, is homophonous to that of the canton and the settlement, but distinguished by the use of the definite article (d'Schwiiz for the Confederation, but simply Schwyz for the canton and the town).

qas: question: What were the two earliest know cultural tribes in Switerland?
answers: text: Hallstatt and La Tène

question: Which Swiss cultural tribe developed and flourished during the late Iron Age?
answers: text: La Tène

question: Which Swiss tribal group was defeated by Julius Caesar at the Battle of Bribacti as they tried to escape the Swiss plateau?
answers: text: the Helvetii

question: In what year did Tiberius conquer the Alps, integrating them into the Roman Empire?
answers: text: 15 BC

question: What is the name of the large legionary camp, now a ruin, that the Romans maintained around the start of the Common Era?
answers: text: Vindonissa
context: The earliest known cultural tribes of the area were members of the Hallstatt and La Tène cultures, named after the archaeological site of La Tène on the north side of Lake Neuchâtel. La Tène culture developed and flourished during the late Iron Age from around 450 BC, possibly under some influence from the Greek and Etruscan civilisations. One of the most important tribal groups in the Swiss region was the Helvetii. Steadily harassed by the Germans, in 58 BC the Helvetii decided to abandon the Swiss plateau and migrate to western Gallia, but Julius Caesar's armies pursued and defeated them at the Battle of Bibracte, in today's western France, forcing the tribe to move back to its original homeland. In 15 BC, Tiberius, who was destined to be the second Roman emperor and his brother, Drusus, conquered the Alps, integrating them into the Roman Empire. The area occupied by the Helvetii—the namesakes of the later Confoederatio Helvetica—first became part of Rome's Gallia Belgica province and then of its Germania Superior province, while the eastern portion of modern Switzerland was integrated into the Roman province of Raetia. Sometime around the start of the Common Era, the Romans maintained a large legionary camp called Vindonissa, now a ruin at the confluence of the Aare and Reuss rivers, near the town of Windisch, an outskirt of Brugg.

qas: question: In what year did the fall of the Agri Decumates territory transform today's Switzerland?
answers: text: about 260 AD

question: In about 260 AD, what forced the people of Roman towns to find shelter in Roman fortresses?
answers: text: raids by the Alamanni tribes

question: What was the name of the concept used by the Roman Empire when building another line of defense at the north border?
answers: text: the linear defence concept

question: What increased pressure forced the Romans to abandon their line of defense concept at the end of the 4th century?
answers: text: Germanic

question: Who was allowed to settle on the Swiss plateau by the end of the 4th century?
answers: text: German tribes
context: In about 260 AD, the fall of the Agri Decumates territory north of the Rhine transformed today's Switzerland into a frontier land of the Empire. Repeated raids by the Alamanni tribes provoked the ruin of the Roman towns and economy, forcing the population to find shelter near Roman fortresses, like the Castrum Rauracense near Augusta Raurica. The Empire built another line of defense at the north border (the so-called Donau-Iller-Rhine-Limes), but at the end of the fourth century the increased Germanic pressure forced the Romans to abandon the linear defence concept, and the Swiss plateau was finally open to the settlement of German tribes.

qas: question: From the end of the 4th century, what territory was the western extent of modern-day Switzerland part of?
answers: text: the Kings of the Burgundians

question: Where did the Alemanni settle in the 5th century?
answers: text: the Swiss plateau

question: Where did the Alemanni settle in the 8th century, forming Alemannia?
answers: text: valleys of the Alps

question: In the 8th century, what two kingdoms made up Modern-day Switzerland?
answers: text: Alemannia and Burgundy

question: What Empire did the entire region of Modern-day Switzerland become part of in the 6th century?
answers: text: Frankish Empire
context: In the Early Middle Ages, from the end of the 4th century, the western extent of modern-day Switzerland was part of the territory of the Kings of the Burgundians. The Alemanni settled the Swiss plateau in the 5th century and the valleys of the Alps in the 8th century, forming Alemannia. Modern-day Switzerland was therefore then divided between the kingdoms of Alemannia and Burgundy. The entire region became part of the expanding Frankish Empire in the 6th century, following Clovis I's victory over the Alemanni at Tolbiac in 504 AD, and later Frankish domination of the Burgundians.

qas: question: In 1200, what area did the houses of Savoy, Zahringer, Habsburg, and Kyburg comprise?
answers: text: the Swiss plateau

question: In 1264 AD, what caused the Kyburg dynasty to fall?
answers: text: extinction of its male line in 1263

question: Who claimed the Kyburg lands after their fall in 1264 AD?
answers: text: the Habsburgs

question: Which Holy Roman Emperor were the Habsburgs under in 1273 AD?
answers: text: King Rudolph I

question: What did the three regions of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden become known as?
answers: text: Waldstätten
context: By 1200, the Swiss plateau comprised the dominions of the houses of Savoy, Zähringer, Habsburg, and Kyburg. Some regions (Uri, Schwyz, Unterwalden, later known as Waldstätten) were accorded the Imperial immediacy to grant the empire direct control over the mountain passes. With the extinction of its male line in 1263 the Kyburg dynasty fell in AD 1264; then the Habsburgs under King Rudolph I (Holy Roman Emperor in 1273) laid claim to the Kyburg lands and annexed them extending their territory to the eastern Swiss plateau.

qas: question: In what year did the three original  cantons join with five other cantons to form the "Old Confederacy" of eight states?
answers: text: By 1353

question: Which century did the Old Confederacy of the eight states exist until?
answers: text: end of the 15th century

question: What effect did the expansion of the three cantons into eight have on the status of the federation?
answers: text: increased power and wealth

question: By 1460, who controlled most of the territory south and west of the Rhine?
answers: text: the confederates

question: Which Swiss victory in 1499 amounted to de facto independence within the Holy Roman Empire?
answers: text: Swabian War
context: By 1353, the three original cantons had joined with the cantons of Glarus and Zug and the Lucerne, Zürich and Bern city states to form the "Old Confederacy" of eight states that existed until the end of the 15th century. The expansion led to increased power and wealth for the federation. By 1460, the confederates controlled most of the territory south and west of the Rhine to the Alps and the Jura mountains, particularly after victories against the Habsburgs (Battle of Sempach, Battle of Näfels), over Charles the Bold of Burgundy during the 1470s, and the success of the Swiss mercenaries. The Swiss victory in the Swabian War against the Swabian League of Emperor Maximilian I in 1499 amounted to de facto independence within the Holy Roman Empire.

qas: question: Which Battle was the first to interrupt the seeming invincibility of the Old Swiss Confederacy in 1515?
answers: text: Battle of Marignano

question: What inter-cantonal conflicts resulted in the Wars of Kappel?
answers: text: religious

question: In what year did European countries first recognize Switzerland's independence from the Holy Roman Empire?
answers: text: 1648

question: In what two years were the Wars of Kappel?
answers: text: 1529 and 1531

question: Under the Peace of Westphalia, who finally recognized Switzerland's neutrality?
answers: text: European countries
context: The Old Swiss Confederacy had acquired a reputation of invincibility during these earlier wars, but expansion of the federation suffered a setback in 1515 with the Swiss defeat in the Battle of Marignano. This ended the so-called "heroic" epoch of Swiss history. The success of Zwingli's Reformation in some cantons led to inter-cantonal religious conflicts in 1529 and 1531 (Wars of Kappel). It was not until more than one hundred years after these internal wars that, in 1648, under the Peace of Westphalia, European countries recognized Switzerland's independence from the Holy Roman Empire and its neutrality.

qas: question: Who conquered Switzerland in 1798?
answers: text: the revolutionary French government

question: What did the French government impose on Switzerland in 1798, centralizing the Swiss government?
answers: text: a new unified constitution

question: What was abolished with the introduction of the unified constitution in Switzerland?
answers: text: the cantons

question: What was the name of the new regime created when the Cisalpine Republic separated from Switzerland?
answers: text: Helvetic Republic

question: Which unpopular republic destroyed centuries of Swiss traditions?
answers: text: Helvetic
context: In 1798, the revolutionary French government conquered Switzerland and imposed a new unified constitution. This centralised the government of the country, effectively abolishing the cantons: moreover, Mülhausen joined France and Valtellina valley, the Cisalpine Republic, separating from Switzerland. The new regime, known as the Helvetic Republic, was highly unpopular. It had been imposed by a foreign invading army and destroyed centuries of tradition, making Switzerland nothing more than a French satellite state. The fierce French suppression of the Nidwalden Revolt in September 1798 was an example of the oppressive presence of the French Army and the local population's resistance to the occupation.

qas: question: During the Helvetic Republic, which forces invaded Switzerland when war broke out between France and its rivals?
answers: text: Russian and Austrian

question: Who refused to fight alongside the Helvetic Republic when it was invaded by the Russians and Austrians?
answers: text: The Swiss

question: What Act was the result of a meeting of Swiss politicians organized by Napolean?
answers: text: Act of Mediation

question: What was the Act of Mediation responsible for restoring?
answers: text: Swiss autonomy

question: How many cantons were introduced as a Confederation by the Act of Mediation?
answers: text: 19
context: When war broke out between France and its rivals, Russian and Austrian forces invaded Switzerland. The Swiss refused to fight alongside the French in the name of the Helvetic Republic. In 1803 Napoleon organised a meeting of the leading Swiss politicians from both sides in Paris. The result was the Act of Mediation which largely restored Swiss autonomy and introduced a Confederation of 19 cantons. Henceforth, much of Swiss politics would concern balancing the cantons' tradition of self-rule with the need for a central government.

qas: question: What did Catholic cantons attempt to set up which caused a civil war in 1839?
answers: text: a separate alliance (the Sonderbund)

question: What was responsible for most of the 1100 casualties incurred during the Swiss civil war in 1839?
answers: text: friendly fire

question: How long did the Swiss civil war in 1839 last?
answers: text: less than a month

question: What was the name of the Swiss civil war in 1839?
answers: text: the Sonderbundskrieg

question: How big was the impact the Sonderbundskrieg had on the psychology and society of the Swiss and Switzerland?
answers: text: major
context: The restoration of power to the patriciate was only temporary. After a period of unrest with repeated violent clashes such as the Züriputsch of 1839, civil war (the Sonderbundskrieg) broke out in 1847 when some Catholic cantons tried to set up a separate alliance (the Sonderbund). The war lasted for less than a month, causing fewer than 100 casualties, most of which were through friendly fire. Yet however minor the Sonderbundskrieg appears compared with other European riots and wars in the 19th century, it nevertheless had a major impact on both the psychology and the society of the Swiss and of Switzerland.

qas: question: What example inspired much of a new Swiss constitution providing for a federal layout?
answers: text: American

question: Under the new Swiss constitution, what did the cantons have the right to self-govern?
answers: text: local issues

question: How many houses was the Swiss national assembly divided into?
answers: text: two

question: What was the name of the upper house, which included 2 representatives from each canton?
answers: text: Council of States

question: What was the name of the lower house, whose representatives were elected throughout the country?
answers: text: National Council
context: Thus, while the rest of Europe saw revolutionary uprisings, the Swiss drew up a constitution which provided for a federal layout, much of it inspired by the American example. This constitution provided for a central authority while leaving the cantons the right to self-government on local issues. Giving credit to those who favoured the power of the cantons (the Sonderbund Kantone), the national assembly was divided between an upper house (the Council of States, two representatives per canton) and a lower house (the National Council, with representatives elected from across the country). Referenda were made mandatory for any amendment of this constitution.

qas: question: Though invasion plans were drawn up the the Germans, which war did Switzerland escape attack during?
answers: text: World War II

question: Who was the head of the Swiss central command during World War II?
answers: text: General Henri Guisan

question: What did General Henry Guisan order a general mobilisation of during World War II?
answers: text: armed forces

question: What was the original goal of the Swiss military strategy?
answers: text: protect the economic heartland

question: What were the Reduit?
answers: text: strong, well-stockpiled positions high in the Alps
context: During World War II, detailed invasion plans were drawn up by the Germans, but Switzerland was never attacked. Switzerland was able to remain independent through a combination of military deterrence, concessions to Germany, and good fortune as larger events during the war delayed an invasion. Under General Henri Guisan central command, a general mobilisation of the armed forces was ordered. The Swiss military strategy was changed from one of static defence at the borders to protect the economic heartland, to one of organised long-term attrition and withdrawal to strong, well-stockpiled positions high in the Alps known as the Reduit. Switzerland was an important base for espionage by both sides in the conflict and often mediated communications between the Axis and Allied powers.

qas: question: Who blockaded Switzerland's trade during World War II?
answers: text: by both the Allies and by the Axis

question: What was severed in 1942, leaving Switzerland completely surrounded by the Axis?
answers: text: a crucial rail link through Vichy France

question: How many refugees did Switzerland intern during World War II?
answers: text: over 300,000

question: When did the financial relationship Switzerland had with Nazi Germany begin to raise controversy?
answers: text: end of the 20th century

question: Where was the International Red Cross based?
answers: text: Geneva
context: Switzerland's trade was blockaded by both the Allies and by the Axis. Economic cooperation and extension of credit to the Third Reich varied according to the perceived likelihood of invasion and the availability of other trading partners. Concessions reached a peak after a crucial rail link through Vichy France was severed in 1942, leaving Switzerland completely surrounded by the Axis. Over the course of the war, Switzerland interned over 300,000 refugees and the International Red Cross, based in Geneva, played an important part during the conflict. Strict immigration and asylum policies as well as the financial relationships with Nazi Germany raised controversy, but not until the end of the 20th century.

qas: question: Who did Switzerland finally grant the right to vote to following the rest of the Western republic?
answers: text: women

question: When were Switzerland women granted the right to vote on a federal level?
answers: text: 1971

question: Who was the first woman to serve on the Federal Council?
answers: text: Elisabeth Kopp

question: Who was Switzerland's first female president?
answers: text: Ruth Dreifuss

question: In what year did Ruth Dreifuss become president?
answers: text: 1999
context: Switzerland was the last Western republic to grant women the right to vote. Some Swiss cantons approved this in 1959, while at the federal level it was achieved in 1971 and, after resistance, in the last canton Appenzell Innerrhoden (one of only two remaining Landsgemeinde) in 1990. After obtaining suffrage at the federal level, women quickly rose in political significance, with the first woman on the seven member Federal Council executive being Elisabeth Kopp, who served from 1984–1989, and the first female president being Ruth Dreifuss in 1999.

qas: question: In what year did Switzerland become a full member of the United Nations?
answers: text: 2002

question: What did Swiss voters agree to join on June 5, 2005?
answers: text: Schengen treaty

question: What percentage of Swiss voters voted to join the Schengen treaty?
answers: text: 55%

question: Though Switzerland is a founding member of the EFTA, what are they not a member of?
answers: text: European Economic Area

question: What has completely surrounded Switzerland and Liechtenstein since 1995?
answers: text: the EU
context: In 2002 Switzerland became a full member of the United Nations, leaving the Vatican City as the last widely recognised state without full UN membership. Switzerland is a founding member of the EFTA, but is not a member of the European Economic Area. An application for membership in the European Union was sent in May 1992, but not advanced since the EEA was rejected in December 1992 when Switzerland was the only country to launch a referendum on the EEA. There have since been several referenda on the EU issue; due to a mixed reaction from the population the membership application has been frozen. Nonetheless, Swiss law is gradually being adjusted to conform with that of the EU, and the government has signed a number of bilateral agreements with the European Union. Switzerland, together with Liechtenstein, has been completely surrounded by the EU since Austria's entry in 1995. On 5 June 2005, Swiss voters agreed by a 55% majority to join the Schengen treaty, a result that was regarded by EU commentators as a sign of support by Switzerland, a country that is traditionally perceived as independent and reluctant to enter supranational bodies.

qas: question: How large is Switzerland?
answers: text: 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 sq mi)

question: What is the average population density of Switzerland?
answers: text: 195 people per square kilometre (500/sq mi)

question: What is the population density of the largest Canton of Graubunden, located in the Alps?
answers: text: 27 /km² (70 /sq mi)

question: Which half of Switzerland is more mountainous?
answers: text: southern

question: Which mountain range does Switzerland extend over on both the north and south sides?
answers: text: Alps
context: Extending across the north and south side of the Alps in west-central Europe, Switzerland encompasses a great diversity of landscapes and climates on a limited area of 41,285 square kilometres (15,940 sq mi). The population is about 8 million, resulting in an average population density of around 195 people per square kilometre (500/sq mi). The more mountainous southern half of the country is far more sparsely populated than the northern half. In the largest Canton of Graubünden, lying entirely in the Alps, population density falls to 27 /km² (70 /sq mi).

qas: question: Which basic topographical area is in the south of Switzerland?
answers: text: Swiss Alps

question: Which basic topographical area is in central Switzerland?
answers: text: Swiss Plateau

question: Which basic topographical area is in western Switzerland?
answers: text: Jura mountains

question: How much of Switzerland's total area do the Alps comprise?
answers: text: 60%

question: What is the largest lake in Switzerland?
answers: text: Lake Geneva
context: Switzerland lies between latitudes 45° and 48° N, and longitudes 5° and 11° E. It contains three basic topographical areas: the Swiss Alps to the south, the Swiss Plateau or Central Plateau, and the Jura mountains on the west. The Alps are a high mountain range running across the central-south of the country, comprising about 60% of the country's total area. The majority of the Swiss population live in the Swiss Plateau. Among the high valleys of the Swiss Alps many glaciers are found, totalling an area of 1,063 square kilometres (410 sq mi). From these originate the headwaters of several major rivers, such as the Rhine, Inn, Ticino and Rhône, which flow in the four cardinal directions into the whole of Europe. The hydrographic network includes several of the largest bodies of freshwater in Central and Western Europe, among which are included Lake Geneva (also called le Lac Léman in French), Lake Constance (known as Bodensee in German) and Lake Maggiore. Switzerland has more than 1500 lakes, and contains 6% of Europe's stock of fresh water. Lakes and glaciers cover about 6% of the national territory. The largest lake is Lake Geneva, in western Switzerland shared with France. The Rhône is both the main source and outflow of Lake Geneva. Lake Constance is the second largest Swiss lake and, like the Lake Geneva, an intermediate step by the Rhine at the border to Austria and Germany. While the Rhône flows into the Mediterranean Sea at the French Camarque region and the Rhine flows into the North Sea at Rotterdam in the Netherlands, about 1000 km apart, both springs are only about 22 km apart from each other in the Swiss Alps.

qas: question: What is the highest mountain in Switzerland?
answers: text: Monte Rosa

question: What is often regarded as the most famous mountain in Switzerland?
answers: text: Matterhorn

question: How many of Switzerland's mountains are at least 4000 meters above sea level?
answers: text: 48

question: Where are both Monte Rosa and Matterhorn located?
answers: text: Pennine Alps in the canton of Valais
context: 48 of Switzerland's mountains are 4,000 metres (13,000 ft) above sea in altitude or higher. At 4,634 m (15,203 ft), Monte Rosa is the highest, although the Matterhorn (4,478 m or 14,692 ft) is often regarded as the most famous. Both are located within the Pennine Alps in the canton of Valais. The section of the Bernese Alps above the deep glacial Lauterbrunnen valley, containing 72 waterfalls, is well known for the Jungfrau (4,158 m or 13,642 ft) Eiger and Mönch, and the many picturesque valleys in the region. In the southeast the long Engadin Valley, encompassing the St. Moritz area in canton of Graubünden, is also well known; the highest peak in the neighbouring Bernina Alps is Piz Bernina (4,049 m or 13,284 ft).

qas: question: Where are Switzerland's glacial conditions located?
answers: text: mountaintops

question: What is typical weather in Switzerland during the summer months?
answers: text: warm and humid at times with periodic rainfall

question: What can the lower lands, suffering from inversion, sometimes lack for weeks?
answers: text: sun

question: What is the climate on Switzerland's southern tip?
answers: text: Mediterranean
context: The Swiss climate is generally temperate, but can vary greatly between the localities, from glacial conditions on the mountaintops to the often pleasant near Mediterranean climate at Switzerland's southern tip. There are some valley areas in the southern part of Switzerland where some cold-hardy palm trees are found. Summers tend to be warm and humid at times with periodic rainfall so they are ideal for pastures and grazing. The less humid winters in the mountains may see long intervals of stable conditions for weeks, while the lower lands tend to suffer from inversion, during these periods, thus seeing no sun for weeks.

qas: question: What is the weather phenomena characterized by an unexpected warm wind bringing low reletive humidity to the northern Alps during rainfall in the southern Alps?
answers: text: föhn

question: At what time of year can the fohn occur?
answers: text: all times

question: Where do clouds lose most of their content before getting to the inner alpine valleys?
answers: text: crossing the mountains

question: What type of grapes are grown in the valley of Valais?
answers: text: wine

question: During the fohn, from which direction is the blowing wind more efficient?
answers: text: the south
context: A weather phenomenon known as the föhn (with an identical effect to the chinook wind) can occur at all times of the year and is characterised by an unexpectedly warm wind, bringing air of very low relative humidity to the north of the Alps during rainfall periods on the southern face of the Alps. This works both ways across the alps but is more efficient if blowing from the south due to the steeper step for oncoming wind from the south. Valleys running south to north trigger the best effect. The driest conditions persist in all inner alpine valleys that receive less rain because arriving clouds lose a lot of their content while crossing the mountains before reaching these areas. Large alpine areas such as Graubünden remain drier than pre-alpine areas and as in the main valley of the Valais wine grapes are grown there.

qas: question: What rank was Switzerland in safeguarding the environment according to the 2014 Environmental Performance Index?
answers: text: first among 132 nations

question: What do mountainous regions have that make their ecosystems particularly fragile?
answers: text: plants not found at other altitudes

question: What is the ecosystem in the alpine region particularly sensitive to?
answers: text: climate change

question: What sources of energy does Switzerland heavily rely on?
answers: text: renewable
context: Switzerland's ecosystems can be particularly fragile, because the many delicate valleys separated by high mountains often form unique ecologies. The mountainous regions themselves are also vulnerable, with a rich range of plants not found at other altitudes, and experience some pressure from visitors and grazing. The climatic, geological and topographical conditions of the alpine region make for a very fragile ecosystem that is particularly sensitive to climate change. Nevertheless, according to the 2014 Environmental Performance Index, Switzerland ranks first among 132 nations in safeguarding the environment, due to its high scores on environmental public health, its heavy reliance on renewable sources of energy (hydropower and geothermal energy), and its control of greenhouse gas emissions.

qas: question: When was Switzerland's Federal Constitution adopted?
answers: text: 1848

question: When was a new Constitution adopted in Switzerland?
answers: text: 1999

question: How many main governing bodies are on the federal level in Switzerland?
answers: text: three

question: What is the legislative body of the Swiss government called?
answers: text: bicameral parliament

question: What is the executive body of the Swiss government called?
answers: text: Federal Council
context: The Federal Constitution adopted in 1848 is the legal foundation of the modern federal state. It is among the oldest constitutions in the world. A new Constitution was adopted in 1999, but did not introduce notable changes to the federal structure. It outlines basic and political rights of individuals and citizen participation in public affairs, divides the powers between the Confederation and the cantons and defines federal jurisdiction and authority. There are three main governing bodies on the federal level: the bicameral parliament (legislative), the Federal Council (executive) and the Federal Court (judicial).

qas: question: How many members are on the National Council?
answers: text: 200

question: How long do members of both houses of the Swiss Parliament serve?
answers: text: 4 years

question: What are both houses of the Swiss Parliament collectively known as when both are in joint session?
answers: text: Federal Assembly

question: What can citizens use to challenge any law passed by Parliament?
answers: text: referendums

question: What can citizens use to introduce amendments to the federal constitution?
answers: text: initiatives
context: The Swiss Parliament consists of two houses: the Council of States which has 46 representatives (two from each canton and one from each half-canton) who are elected under a system determined by each canton, and the National Council, which consists of 200 members who are elected under a system of proportional representation, depending on the population of each canton. Members of both houses serve for 4 years. When both houses are in joint session, they are known collectively as the Federal Assembly. Through referendums, citizens may challenge any law passed by parliament and through initiatives, introduce amendments to the federal constitution, thus making Switzerland a direct democracy.

qas: question: What serves as the collective Head of State?
answers: text: The Federal Council

question: How many members are in the Federal Council?
answers: text: seven

question: Who elects the members of the Federal Council?
answers: text: Federal Assembly

question: What is the traditional term for the President of the Confederation?
answers: text: one-year

question: Who elects the President of the Confederation from its 7 members?
answers: text: the Assembly
context: The Federal Council constitutes the federal government, directs the federal administration and serves as collective Head of State. It is a collegial body of seven members, elected for a four-year mandate by the Federal Assembly which also exercises oversight over the Council. The President of the Confederation is elected by the Assembly from among the seven members, traditionally in rotation and for a one-year term; the President chairs the government and assumes representative functions. However, the president is a primus inter pares with no additional powers, and remains the head of a department within the administration.

qas: question: How many legal jurisdictions are Swiss citizens subject to?
answers: text: three

question: What are the legal jurisdictions that Swiss citizens are subject to?
answers: text: commune, canton and federal levels

question: What type of democracy was defined in the 1848 federal constitution?
answers: text: direct

question: What two things do citizens have the right to submit to overturn parliamentary decisions?
answers: text: a constitutional initiative and a referendum

question: What are the two hallmarks of the Swiss political system?
answers: text: Direct democracy and federalism
context: Direct democracy and federalism are hallmarks of the Swiss political system. Swiss citizens are subject to three legal jurisdictions: the commune, canton and federal levels. The 1848 federal constitution defines a system of direct democracy (sometimes called half-direct or representative direct democracy because it is aided by the more commonplace institutions of a representative democracy). The instruments of this system at the federal level, known as civic rights (Volksrechte, droits civiques), include the right to submit a constitutional initiative and a referendum, both of which may overturn parliamentary decisions.

qas: question: How many voters are needed to put a constitutional amendment to a national vote?
answers: text: 100,000

question: How long do citizens have to collect enough votes for a national vote on a constitutional amendment?
answers: text: 18 months

question: What can Parliament supplement the amendment proposed by the citizens with?
answers: text: a counter-proposal

question: What must voters do on the ballot when Parliament adds a supplement?
answers: text: indicate a preference

question: How much of the national popular vote and the cantonal popular vote is needed to pass a constitutional amendment?
answers: text: a double majority
context: Similarly, the federal constitutional initiative allows citizens to put a constitutional amendment to a national vote, if 100,000 voters sign the proposed amendment within 18 months.[note 8] Parliament can supplement the proposed amendment with a counter-proposal, and then voters must indicate a preference on the ballot in case both proposals are accepted. Constitutional amendments, whether introduced by initiative or in Parliament, must be accepted by a double majority of the national popular vote and the cantonal popular votes.[note 9]

qas: question: According to the Federal Constitution, how many cantons are equal in status?
answers: text: all 26

question: What are the two major differences between cantons?
answers: text: population and geographical area

question: What is the population of the largest canton?
answers: text: 1,253,500 (Zürich)

question: What is the population of the smallest canton?
answers: text: 15,000 (Appenzell Innerrhoden)

question: How large is the smallest canton?
answers: text: 37 km2 (14 sq mi) (Basel-Stadt)
context: The cantons have a permanent constitutional status and, in comparison with the situation in other countries, a high degree of independence. Under the Federal Constitution, all 26 cantons are equal in status. Each canton has its own constitution, and its own parliament, government and courts. However, there are considerable differences between the individual cantons, most particularly in terms of population and geographical area. Their populations vary between 15,000 (Appenzell Innerrhoden) and 1,253,500 (Zürich), and their area between 37 km2 (14 sq mi) (Basel-Stadt) and 7,105 km2 (2,743 sq mi) (Graubünden). The Cantons comprise a total of 2,485 municipalities. Within Switzerland there are two enclaves: Büsingen belongs to Germany, Campione d'Italia belongs to Italy.

qas: question: When was Switzerland's policy of neutrality internationally recognized?
answers: text: Congress of Vienna in 1815

question: What was Switzerland the first state to join the U.N. by?
answers: text: referendum

question: What have the Swiss people continually rejected membership in since the 1990's?
answers: text: European Union

question: How long has Switzerland traditionally been neutral?
answers: text: since the end of its expansion in 1515

question: How does Switzerland treat alliances that might entail military or political action?
answers: text: avoids
context: Traditionally, Switzerland avoids alliances that might entail military, political, or direct economic action and has been neutral since the end of its expansion in 1515. Its policy of neutrality was internationally recognised at the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Only in 2002 did Switzerland become a full member of the United Nations and it was the first state to join it by referendum. Switzerland maintains diplomatic relations with almost all countries and historically has served as an intermediary between other states. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union; the Swiss people have consistently rejected membership since the early 1990s. However, Switzerland does participate in the Schengen Area.

qas: question: How long has Switzerland hosted the United Nations Human Rights Council?
answers: text: since 2006

question: What is the second biggest centre for the U.N.?
answers: text: Palace of Nations in Geneva

question: Where did the Red Crescent Movement begin?
answers: text: Geneva

question: Where is the League of Nations located?
answers: text: Switzerland
context: A large number of international institutions have their seats in Switzerland, in part because of its policy of neutrality. Geneva is the birthplace of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the Geneva Conventions and, since 2006, hosts the United Nations Human Rights Council. Even though Switzerland is one of the most recent countries to have joined the United Nations, the Palace of Nations in Geneva is the second biggest centre for the United Nations after New York, and Switzerland was a founding member and home to the League of Nations.

qas: question: Besides the U.N. Headquarters, who hosts many U.N. agencies?
answers: text: Swiss Confederation

question: What does the ILO stand for?
answers: text: International Labour Organization

question: What is disucussed at the World Economic Forum in Davos?
answers: text: important issues facing the world, including health and the environment

question: What does BIS stand for?
answers: text: Bank for International Settlements

question: What does UNHCR stand for?
answers: text: United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
context: Apart from the United Nations headquarters, the Swiss Confederation is host to many UN agencies, like the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and about 200 other international organisations, including the World Trade Organization and the World Intellectual Property Organization. The annual meetings of the World Economic Forum in Davos bring together top international business and political leaders from Switzerland and foreign countries to discuss important issues facing the world, including health and the environment. Additionally the headquarters of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) are located in Basel since 1930.

qas: question: Where do Swiss militia keep their Army issued equipment?
answers: text: at home

question: Who has compulsory military service in Switzerland?
answers: text: all male Swiss citizens

question: Who can serve in the Swiss military voluntarily?
answers: text: women

question: What replaced Army 95 in 2003?
answers: text: Army XXI

question: In Army XXI, how many are active in periodic army training?
answers: text: 120,000
context: The structure of the Swiss militia system stipulates that the soldiers keep their Army issued equipment, including all personal weapons, at home. Some organizations and political parties find this practice controversial but mainstream Swiss opinion is in favour of the system. Compulsory military service concerns all male Swiss citizens; women can serve voluntarily. Men usually receive military conscription orders for training at the age of 18. About two thirds of the young Swiss are found suited for service; for those found unsuited, various forms of alternative service exist. Annually, approximately 20,000 persons are trained in recruit centres for a duration from 18 to 21 weeks. The reform "Army XXI" was adopted by popular vote in 2003, it replaced the previous model "Army 95", reducing the effectives from 400,000 to about 200,000. Of those, 120,000 are active in periodic Army training and 80,000 are non-training reserves.

qas: question: How does the Swiss economy rank worldwide by nominal GDP?
answers: text: nineteenth largest

question: How does the Swiss economy rank worldwide by purchasing power parity?
answers: text: thirty-sixth largest

question: What ranking does Switzerland hold in terms of GDP per capita, adjusting for purchasing power, according to the World Bank?
answers: text: 8th in the world

question: Which rating was assigned to Switzerland by the Index of Economic Freedom of 2010?
answers: text: highest European rating
context: Switzerland has a stable, prosperous and high-tech economy and enjoys great wealth, being ranked as the wealthiest country in the world per capita in multiple rankings. In 2011 it was ranked as the wealthiest country in the world in per capita terms (with "wealth" being defined to include both financial and non-financial assets), while the 2013 Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report showed that Switzerland was the country with the highest average wealth per adult in 2013. It has the world's nineteenth largest economy by nominal GDP and the thirty-sixth largest by purchasing power parity. It is the twentieth largest exporter, despite its small size. Switzerland has the highest European rating in the Index of Economic Freedom 2010, while also providing large coverage through public services. The nominal per capita GDP is higher than those of the larger Western and Central European economies and Japan. If adjusted for purchasing power parity, Switzerland ranks 8th in the world in terms of GDP per capita, according to the World Bank and IMF (ranked 15th according to the CIA Worldfactbook).

qas: question: What did the World Economic Forum's Global Competetiveness Report Rank Switzerland's economy as?
answers: text: the most competitive in the world

question: What was the gross median estimate of household income in Switzerland in 2007?
answers: text: 137,094 USD at Purchasing power parity

question: What was Switzerland's median income in 2007?
answers: text: 95,824 USD

question: How did the European Union rank Switzerland's economy?
answers: text: Europe's most innovative country
context: The World Economic Forum's Global Competitiveness Report currently ranks Switzerland's economy as the most competitive in the world, while ranked by the European Union as Europe's most innovative country. For much of the 20th century, Switzerland was the wealthiest country in Europe by a considerable margin (by GDP – per capita). In 2007 the gross median household income in Switzerland was an estimated 137,094 USD at Purchasing power parity while the median income was 95,824 USD. Switzerland also has one of the world's largest account balances as a percentage of GDP.

qas: question: What is Switzerland's most important economic sector?
answers: text: manufacturing

question: What accounts for 34% of Switzerland's exported goods?
answers: text: chemicals

question: What accounts for 20.9% of Switzerland's exported goods?
answers: text: machines/electronics

question: What accounts for 16.9% of Switzerland's exported goods?
answers: text: precision instruments/watches

question: What percentage of exports are exported services?
answers: text: a third
context: Switzerland's most important economic sector is manufacturing. Manufacturing consists largely of the production of specialist chemicals, health and pharmaceutical goods, scientific and precision measuring instruments and musical instruments. The largest exported goods are chemicals (34% of exported goods), machines/electronics (20.9%), and precision instruments/watches (16.9%). Exported services amount to a third of exports. The service sector – especially banking and insurance, tourism, and international organisations – is another important industry for Switzerland.

qas: question: What percentage of employees belonged to a trade union in 2004?
answers: text: about 25%

question: How many people work in Switzerland?
answers: text: Around 3.8 million

question: What was the unemployment rate in Switzerland in 2014?
answers: text: 3.2%

question: What was the foreign citizen population percentage in Switzerland in 2014?
answers: text: 21.8%

question: What was the peak unemployment rate reached in December, 2009?
answers: text: 4.4%
context: Around 3.8 million people work in Switzerland; about 25% of employees belonged to a trade union in 2004. Switzerland has a more flexible job market than neighbouring countries and the unemployment rate is very low. The unemployment rate increased from a low of 1.7% in June 2000 to a peak of 4.4% in December 2009. The unemployment rate is 3.2% in 2014. Population growth from net immigration is quite high, at 0.52% of population in 2004. The foreign citizen population was 21.8% in 2004, about the same as in Australia. GDP per hour worked is the world's 16th highest, at 49.46 international dollars in 2012.

qas: question: How is Switzerland ranked of 189 countries in the Ease of Doing Business Index?
answers: text: 20th

question: According to Credit Suisse, what percentage of residents own their homes?
answers: text: about 37%

question: How do Switzerland's tax rates compare by Western World standards?
answers: text: low
context: Switzerland has an overwhelmingly private sector economy and low tax rates by Western World standards; overall taxation is one of the smallest of developed countries. Switzerland is a relatively easy place to do business, currently ranking 20th of 189 countries in the Ease of Doing Business Index. The slow growth Switzerland experienced in the 1990s and the early 2000s has brought greater support for economic reforms and harmonization with the European Union. According to Credit Suisse, only about 37% of residents own their own homes, one of the lowest rates of home ownership in Europe. Housing and food price levels were 171% and 145% of the EU-25 index in 2007, compared to 113% and 104% in Germany.

qas: question: What size was the Swiss Federal budget in 2010?
answers: text: 62.8 billion Swiss francs

question: What are the two main sources of income for the federal government?
answers: text: value-added tax (33%) and the direct federal tax (29%)

question: Which sectors are the main source of expenditures for the federal government?
answers: text: social welfare and finance & tax

question: Which sectors have experienced a reduction in federal government expenditures?
answers: text: agriculture and national defense

question: How much were expenditures estimated to be cut in agriculture and national defense in 2015?
answers: text: from 26.5% in to 12.4%
context: The Swiss Federal budget had a size of 62.8 billion Swiss francs in 2010, which is an equivalent 11.35% of the country's GDP in that year; however, the regional (canton) budgets and the budgets of the municipalities are not counted as part of the federal budget and the total rate of government spending is closer to 33.8% of GDP. The main sources of income for the federal government are the value-added tax (33%) and the direct federal tax (29%) and the main expenditure is located in the areas of social welfare and finance & tax. The expenditures of the Swiss Confederation have been growing from 7% of GDP in 1960 to 9.7% in 1990 and to 10.7% in 2010. While the sectors social welfare and finance & tax have been growing from 35% in 1990 to 48.2% in 2010, a significant reduction of expenditures has been occurring in the sectors of agriculture and national defense; from 26.5% in to 12.4% (estimation for the year 2015).

qas: question: What has contributed to high food prices in Switzerland?
answers: text: Agricultural protectionism

question: What type of trade agreements does Switzerland have worldwide?
answers: text: free

question: What is the EFTA?
answers: text: European Free Trade Association

question: What is Switzerland's world ranking in domestic purchasing power?
answers: text: one of the best

question: According to the OECD, what is Switzerland lagging behind many EU countries in?
answers: text: Product market liberalisation
context: Agricultural protectionism—a rare exception to Switzerland's free trade policies—has contributed to high food prices. Product market liberalisation is lagging behind many EU countries according to the OECD. Nevertheless, domestic purchasing power is one of the best in the world. Apart from agriculture, economic and trade barriers between the European Union and Switzerland are minimal and Switzerland has free trade agreements worldwide. Switzerland is a member of the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

qas: question: Who has authority of school systems in Switzerland?
answers: text: the cantons

question: What is the minimum age for primary school in all cantons?
answers: text: six

question: What do most cantons provide for free when children are 4 or 5 years old?
answers: text: children's school

question: When was English introduced as a first foreign language in many cantons?
answers: text: 2000

question: How long does primary school continue?
answers: text: until grade four, five or six
context: Education in Switzerland is very diverse because the constitution of Switzerland delegates the authority for the school system to the cantons. There are both public and private schools, including many private international schools. The minimum age for primary school is about six years in all cantons, but most cantons provide a free "children's school" starting at four or five years old. Primary school continues until grade four, five or six, depending on the school. Traditionally, the first foreign language in school was always one of the other national languages, although recently (2000) English was introduced first in a few cantons.

qas: question: How many universities are in Switzerland?
answers: text: 12

question: How many of the 12 Swiss universities are maintained at the cantonal level?
answers: text: ten

question: When was the first university in Switzerland founded?
answers: text: 1460

question: What is the biggest university in Switzerland?
answers: text: University of Zurich

question: How many students attend the University of Zurich?
answers: text: nearly 25,000
context: There are 12 universities in Switzerland, ten of which are maintained at cantonal level and usually offer a range of non-technical subjects. The first university in Switzerland was founded in 1460 in Basel (with a faculty of medicine) and has a tradition of chemical and medical research in Switzerland. The biggest university in Switzerland is the University of Zurich with nearly 25,000 students. The two institutes sponsored by the federal government are the ETHZ in Zürich (founded 1855) and the EPFL in Lausanne (founded 1969 as such, formerly an institute associated with the University of Lausanne) which both have an excellent international reputation.[note 10]

qas: question: What Swiss world famous physicist developed his Special relativity while working in Bern?
answers: text: Albert Einstein

question: How many total Nobel prizes were awarded to Swiss scientists?
answers: text: 113

question: How many times has the Nobel Peace Prize been awarded to organisations residing in Switzerland?
answers: text: nine
context: Many Nobel prizes have been awarded to Swiss scientists, for example to the world-famous physicist Albert Einstein in the field of physics who developed his Special relativity while working in Bern. More recently Vladimir Prelog, Heinrich Rohrer, Richard Ernst, Edmond Fischer, Rolf Zinkernagel and Kurt Wüthrich received Nobel prizes in the sciences. In total, 113 Nobel Prize winners in all fields stand in relation to Switzerland[note 11] and the Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded nine times to organisations residing in Switzerland.

qas: question: What is the world's largest laboratory?
answers: text: CERN

question: Who co-hosts CERN along with the French department of Ain?
answers: text: Geneva

question: What research is CERN dedicated to?
answers: text: particle physics

question: What notable Swiss invention won the nobel prize?
answers: text: scanning tunneling microscope

question: Who invented the pressurized balloon?
answers: text: Auguste Piccard
context: Geneva and the nearby French department of Ain co-host the world's largest laboratory, CERN, dedicated to particle physics research. Another important research center is the Paul Scherrer Institute. Notable inventions include lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), the scanning tunneling microscope (Nobel prize) and Velcro. Some technologies enabled the exploration of new worlds such as the pressurized balloon of Auguste Piccard and the Bathyscaphe which permitted Jacques Piccard to reach the deepest point of the world's oceans.

qas: question: How has Switzerland maintained its relationships with the EU?
answers: text: through bilateral agreements

question: In recent years, what have the Swiss brought their economic practices into conformity with?
answers: text: the EU

question: What have the Swiss tried to enhance by conforming to EU economic practices?
answers: text: international competitiveness

question: How much did the Swiss economy grow in 2010?
answers: text: 3%

question: Which conservative party is popularly against joining the EU?
answers: text: SVP party
context: Switzerland voted against membership in the European Economic Area in a referendum in December 1992 and has since maintained and developed its relationships with the European Union (EU) and European countries through bilateral agreements. In March 2001, the Swiss people refused in a popular vote to start accession negotiations with the EU. In recent years, the Swiss have brought their economic practices largely into conformity with those of the EU in many ways, in an effort to enhance their international competitiveness. The economy grew at 3% in 2010, 1.9% in 2011, and 1% in 2012. Full EU membership is a long-term objective of some in the Swiss government, but there is considerable popular sentiment against this supported by the conservative SVP party. The western French-speaking areas and the urban regions of the rest of the country tend to be more pro-EU, however with far from any significant share of the population.

qas: question: How many bilateral agreements did Bern and Brussels sign to further liberalise trade ties?
answers: text: seven

question: What was included in the first series of bilateral agreements pertaining to people?
answers: text: free movement of persons

question: When was a second series of 9 bilateral agreements signed?
answers: text: 2004

question: What has since happened to the second series of bilateral agreements?
answers: text: has since been ratified

question: What were the original bilateral agreements meant to minimize the negative consequences of?
answers: text: Switzerland's isolation from the rest of Europe
context: The government has established an Integration Office under the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Department of Economic Affairs. To minimise the negative consequences of Switzerland's isolation from the rest of Europe, Bern and Brussels signed seven bilateral agreements to further liberalise trade ties. These agreements were signed in 1999 and took effect in 2001. This first series of bilateral agreements included the free movement of persons. A second series covering nine areas was signed in 2004 and has since been ratified, which includes the Schengen Treaty and the Dublin Convention besides others. They continue to discuss further areas for cooperation.

qas: question: In 2006, what did Switzerland approve 1 billion francs of supportive investment for?
answers: text: poorer Southern and Central European countries

question: What have the Swiss been under EU and national pressure to reduce in terms of banking?
answers: text: secrecy

question: What have the Swiss been under pressure from the EU to do in terms of tax rates?
answers: text: raise tax rates to parity with the EU
context: In 2006, Switzerland approved 1 billion francs of supportive investment in the poorer Southern and Central European countries in support of cooperation and positive ties to the EU as a whole. A further referendum will be needed to approve 300 million francs to support Romania and Bulgaria and their recent admission. The Swiss have also been under EU and sometimes international pressure to reduce banking secrecy and to raise tax rates to parity with the EU. Preparatory discussions are being opened in four new areas: opening up the electricity market, participation in the European GNSS project Galileo, cooperating with the European centre for disease prevention and recognising certificates of origin for food products.

qas: question: In February of 2014, what did Swiss voters narrowly approve to restrict?
answers: text: immigration

question: What was reintroduced on the influx of foreigners in February of 2014?
answers: text: a quota system

question: Which centres of Switzerland mostly rejected the quota system for foreigners?
answers: text: metropolitan

question: What was the rejection rate of the quota system by the French speaking part of Switzerland?
answers: text: 58.5%

question: What do some news commentators claim is violated by the restricted immigration proposal?
answers: text: bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons
context: On 9 February 2014, Swiss voters narrowly approved by 50.3% a ballot initiative launched by the national conservative Swiss People's Party (SVP/UDC) to restrict immigration, and thus reintroducing a quota system on the influx of foreigners. This initiative was mostly backed by rural (57.6% approvals), suburban (51.2% approvals), and isolated cities (51.3% approvals) of Switzerland as well as by a strong majority (69.2% approval) in the canton of Ticino, while metropolitan centres (58.5% rejection) and the French-speaking part (58.5% rejection) of Switzerland rather rejected it. Some news commentators claim that this proposal de facto contradicts the bilateral agreements on the free movement of persons from these respective countries.

qas: question: What was the former 10-year moratorium on the construction of nuclear plants the result of?
answers: text: a citizens' initiative

question: What accident caused the delay in plans for the new nuclear power plant in Bern?
answers: text: Fukushima Daiichi power plant in 2011

question: What does SFOE stand for?
answers: text: Swiss Federal Office of Energy

question: What does DETEC stand for?
answers: text: Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications

question: What is the 2000-watt society initiative designed to cut by more than half by 2050?
answers: text: the nation's energy use
context: The former ten-year moratorium on the construction of new nuclear power plants was the result of a citizens' initiative voted on in 1990 which had passed with 54.5% Yes vs. 45.5% No votes. Plans for a new nuclear plant in the Canton of Bern have been put on hold after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant in 2011. The Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) is the office responsible for all questions relating to energy supply and energy use within the Federal Department of Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC). The agency is supporting the 2000-watt society initiative to cut the nation's energy use by more than half by the year 2050.

qas: question: In 2011, what time frame did the Swiss government give for ending its use of nuclear energy?
answers: text: 2 or 3 decades

question: What reason did the Swiss government give for ending its use of nuclear energy?
answers: text: to ensure a secure and autonomous supply of energy

question: When is Switzerland's first nuclear reactor scheduled to be taken offline?
answers: text: 2019

question: When is Switzerland's last nuclear reactor scheduled to be taken offline?
answers: text: 2034

question: Who is the Doris Leuthard?
answers: text: Energy Minister
context: On 25 May 2011 the Swiss government announced that it plans to end its use of nuclear energy in the next 2 or 3 decades. "The government has voted for a phaseout because we want to ensure a secure and autonomous supply of energy", Energy Minister Doris Leuthard said that day at a press conference in Bern. "Fukushima showed that the risk of nuclear power is too high, which in turn has also increased the costs of this energy form." The first reactor would reportedly be taken offline in 2019 and the last one in 2034. Parliament will discuss the plan in June 2011, and there could be a referendum as well.

qas: question: How many passengers does the most dense rail network in Europe carry annualy?
answers: text: over 350 million

question: In 2007, what was the average amount of km's travelled by eacg Swiss citizens on the rails?
answers: text: 2,258

question: Who mainly administers the Swiss railway system?
answers: text: Federal Railways

question: What is the Alp-Transit project designed to reduce the time of travel between?
answers: text: north and south

question: Under which mountains are the railway tunnels being built for the Alp-Transit project?
answers: text: the Alps
context: The most dense rail network in Europe of 5,063 km (3,146 mi) carries over 350 million passengers annually. In 2007, each Swiss citizen travelled on average 2,258 km (1,403 mi) by rail, which makes them the keenest rail users. The network is administered mainly by the Federal Railways, except in Graubünden, where the 366 km (227 mi) narrow gauge railway is operated by the Rhaetian Railways and includes some World Heritage lines. The building of new railway base tunnels through the Alps is under way to reduce the time of travel between north and south through the AlpTransit project.

qas: question: What is the Swiss private-public managed road network funded by?
answers: text: road tolls and vehicle taxes

question: How much does the Swiss autoroute network charge for a toll sticker to use Swiss roadways for a year?
answers: text: 40 Swiss francs

question: Which airport is Switzerland's largest international flight gateway?
answers: text: Zürich

question: What is the name of the flag airline carrier in Switzerland?
answers: text: Swiss International Air Lines

question: How many passengers used the Zurich airport in 2012?
answers: text: 22.8 million
context: Swiss private-public managed road network is funded by road tolls and vehicle taxes. The Swiss autobahn/autoroute system requires the purchase of a vignette (toll sticker)—which costs 40 Swiss francs—for one calendar year in order to use its roadways, for both passenger cars and trucks. The Swiss autobahn/autoroute network has a total length of 1,638 km (1,018 mi) (as of 2000) and has, by an area of 41,290 km2 (15,940 sq mi), also one of the highest motorway densities in the world. Zürich Airport is Switzerland's largest international flight gateway, which handled 22.8 million passengers in 2012. The other international airports are Geneva Airport (13.9 million passengers in 2012), EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg which is located in France, Bern Airport, Lugano Airport, St. Gallen-Altenrhein Airport and Sion Airport. Swiss International Air Lines is the flag carrier of Switzerland. Its main hub is Zürich.

qas: question: When did Switzerland sign the Kyoto Protocol?
answers: text: 1998

question: When did Switzerland ratify the Kyoto Protocol
answers: text: 2003

question: What was formed by Switzerland, Mexico, and the Republic of Korea?
answers: text: Environmental Integrity Group (EIG)

question: What percentage of recyclable materials are being recycled in Switzerland?
answers: text: 66% to 96%

question: How did the 2010 Global Green Economy Index rank Switzerland?
answers: text: among the top 10 green economies in the world
context: Switzerland has one of the best environmental records among nations in the developed world; it was one of the countries to sign the Kyoto Protocol in 1998 and ratified it in 2003. With Mexico and the Republic of Korea it forms the Environmental Integrity Group (EIG). The country is heavily active in recycling and anti-littering regulations and is one of the top recyclers in the world, with 66% to 96% of recyclable materials being recycled, depending on the area of the country. The 2014 Global Green Economy Index ranked Switzerland among the top 10 green economies in the world.

qas: question: What does Switzerland charge for the disposal of in order to encourage recycling?
answers: text: Rubbish

question: What are the fines for not paying the rubbish disposal fee?
answers: text: from CHF 200–500

question: What is the charge for recycling in Switzerland?
answers: text: free
context: In many places in Switzerland, household rubbish disposal is charged for. Rubbish (except dangerous items, batteries etc.) is only collected if it is in bags which either have a payment sticker attached, or in official bags with the surcharge paid at the time of purchase. This gives a financial incentive to recycle as much as possible, since recycling is free. Illegal disposal of garbage is not tolerated but usually the enforcement of such laws is limited to violations that involve the unlawful disposal of larger volumes at traffic intersections and public areas. Fines for not paying the disposal fee range from CHF 200–500.

qas: question: In 2010, what percentage of the population was made up of foreigners?
answers: text: 23.3%

question: Who were the largest single group of foreigners in 2010?
answers: text: Italians

question: What percentage of the population aged 15 and over were shown to have an immigrant background as of 2012?
answers: text: 34.7%

question: What percentage of the immigrants were born in Switzerland as of 2012?
answers: text: one fifth

question: In the 2000's, what was the concern perceived toward immigrants by institutions?
answers: text: increase in xenophobia
context: In 2012, resident foreigners made up 23.3% of the population. Most of these (64%) were from European Union or EFTA countries. Italians were the largest single group of foreigners with 15.6% of total foreign population. They were closely followed by Germans (15.2%), immigrants from Portugal (12.7%), France (5.6%), Serbia (5.3%), Turkey (3.8%), Spain (3.7%), and Austria (2%). Immigrants from Sri Lanka, most of them former Tamil refugees, were the largest group among people of Asian origin (6.3%). Additionally, the figures from 2012 show that 34.7% of the permanent resident population aged 15 or over in Switzerland, i.e. 2,335,000 persons, had an immigrant background. A third of this population (853,000) held Swiss citizenship. Four fifths of persons with an immigration background were themselves immigrants (first generation foreigners and native-born and naturalised Swiss citizens), whereas one fifth were born in Switzerland (second generation foreigners and native-born and naturalised Swiss citizens). In the 2000s, domestic and international institutions expressed concern about what they perceived as an increase in xenophobia, particularly in some political campaigns. In reply to one critical report the Federal Council noted that "racism unfortunately is present in Switzerland", but stated that the high proportion of foreign citizens in the country, as well as the generally unproblematic integration of foreigners", underlined Switzerland's openness.

qas: question: How many official languages does Switzerland have?
answers: text: four

question: What is the principal official language in Switzerland?
answers: text: German

question: What is the principal official language in the western part of Switzerland?
answers: text: French

question: What is the principal official language in the southern part of Switzerland?
answers: text: Italian

question: What is the least popular official language of Switzerland?
answers: text: Romansh
context: Switzerland has four official languages: principally German (63.5% total population share, with foreign residents, in 2013); French (22.5%) in the west; and Italian (8.1%) in the south. The fourth official language, Romansh (0.5%), is a Romance language spoken locally in the southeastern trilingual canton of Graubünden, and is designated by Article 4 of the Federal Constitution as a national language along with German, French, and Italian, and in Article 70 as an official language if the authorities communicate with persons who speak Romansh. However, federal laws and other official acts do not need to be decreed in Romansh.

qas: question: How many linguistic regions of Switzerland have their own form of local dialect?
answers: text: four

question: What dialect is increasing in German speaking regions?
answers: text: Swiss German

question: What has happened to the local dialects in the French speaking regions?
answers: text: have almost disappeared

question: Where do dialects tend to be limited to in the Italian speaking regions?
answers: text: family settings and casual conversation
context: Aside from the official forms of their respective languages, the four linguistic regions of Switzerland also have their local dialectal forms. The role played by dialects in each linguistic region varies dramatically: in the German-speaking regions, Swiss German dialects have become ever more prevalent since the second half of the 20th century, especially in the media, such as radio and television, and are used as an everyday language, while the Swiss variety of Standard German is almost always used instead of dialect for written communication (c.f. diglossic usage of a language). Conversely, in the French-speaking regions the local dialects have almost disappeared (only 6.3% of the population of Valais, 3.9% of Fribourg, and 3.1% of Jura still spoke dialects at the end of the 20th century), while in the Italian-speaking regions dialects are mostly limited to family settings and casual conversation.

qas: question: What are terms that are not used outside of Switzerland known as?
answers: text: Helvetisms

question: Where are the most frequent characteristics of Helvetisms found?
answers: text: vocabulary, phrases, and pronunciation

question: What do current French dictionaries include several hundred of?
answers: text: Helvetisms
context: The principal official languages (German, French, and Italian) have terms, not used outside of Switzerland, known as Helvetisms. German Helvetisms are, roughly speaking, a large group of words typical of Swiss Standard German, which do not appear either in Standard German, nor in other German dialects. These include terms from Switzerland's surrounding language cultures (German Billette from French), from similar term in another language (Italian azione used not only as act but also as discount from German Aktion). The French spoken in Switzerland has similar terms, which are equally known as Helvetisms. The most frequent characteristics of Helvetisms are in vocabulary, phrases, and pronunciation, but certain Helvetisms denote themselves as special in syntax and orthography likewise. Duden, one of the prescriptive sources for Standard German, is aware of about 3000 Helvetisms. Current French dictionaries, such as the Petit Larousse, include several hundred Helvetisms.

qas: question: Who are Swiss citizens required to buy health insurance from?
answers: text: private insurance companies

question: Who are private insurance companies required to accept?
answers: text: every applicant

question: In 2012, what was Switzerland's world ranking for life expectancy in 2012?
answers: text: highest

question: What population will cause health spending to likely rise in the future?
answers: text: ageing

question: What do new high tech healthcare technologies translate to?
answers: text: high costs of the services provided
context: Swiss citizens are universally required to buy health insurance from private insurance companies, which in turn are required to accept every applicant. While the cost of the system is among the highest it compares well with other European countries in terms of health outcomes; patients who are citizens have been reported as being, in general, highly satisfied with it. In 2012, life expectancy at birth was 80.4 years for men and 84.7 years for women — the highest in the world. However, spending on health is particularly high at 11.4% of GDP (2010), on par with Germany and France (11.6%) and other European countries, and notably less than spending in the USA (17.6%). From 1990, a steady increase can be observed, reflecting the high costs of the services provided. With an ageing population and new healthcare technologies, health spending will likely continue to rise.

qas: question: How much of the Swiss population live in urban areas?
answers: text: Between two thirds and three quarters

question: From the beginning of the 21st century, how does the population growth in urban areas compare to the countryside?
answers: text: higher

question: How many years did it take Switzerland to go from a largely urban country to a rural one?
answers: text: 70
context: Between two thirds and three quarters of the population live in urban areas. Switzerland has gone from a largely rural country to an urban one in just 70 years. Since 1935 urban development has claimed as much of the Swiss landscape as it did during the previous 2,000 years. This urban sprawl does not only affect the plateau but also the Jura and the Alpine foothills and there are growing concerns about land use. However, from the beginning of the 21st century, the population growth in urban areas is higher than in the countryside.

qas: question: What is the population density of the plateau?
answers: text: 450 people per km2

question: Which 2 centers are recognized for their particularly great quality of life?
answers: text: Zürich and Geneva

question: What does the weight of the largest metropolitan areas tend to do?
answers: text: increase
context: Switzerland has a dense network of cities, where large, medium and small cities are complementary. The plateau is very densely populated with about 450 people per km2 and the landscape continually shows signs of human presence. The weight of the largest metropolitan areas, which are Zürich, Geneva–Lausanne, Basel and Bern tend to increase. In international comparison the importance of these urban areas is stronger than their number of inhabitants suggests. In addition the two main centers of Zürich and Geneva are recognized for their particularly great quality of life.

qas: question: What is the predominant religion of Switzerland?
answers: text: Christianity

question: What religion has immigration brought by 4.95%? 
answers: text: Islam

question: What religion has immigration brought by 2%?
answers: text: Eastern Orthodoxy

question: According to a 2015 Gallup Poll, what percentage of Swiss people are convinced atheists?
answers: text: 12%

question: What percentage of the Christian population is Catholic?
answers: text: 38.21%
context: Christianity is the predominant religion of Switzerland (about 71% of resident population and 75% of Swiss citizens), divided between the Catholic Church (38.21% of the population), the Swiss Reformed Church (26.93%), further Protestant churches (2.89%) and other Christian denominations (2.79%). There has been a recent rise in Evangelicalism. Immigration has brought Islam (4.95%) and Eastern Orthodoxy (around 2%) as sizeable minority religions. According to a 2015 poll by Gallup International, 12% of Swiss people self-identified as "convinced atheists."

qas: question: What percentage of Swiss people claimed no church affiliation in 2012?
answers: text: 21.4%

question: According to the census of 2000, what percentage of Swiss are pentecostal?
answers: text: 0.28%

question: According to the census of 2000, what percentage of Swiss are Jehova's Witnesses?
answers: text: 0.28%

question: According to the census of 2000, what percentage of Swiss are Buddhists?
answers: text: 0.29%
context: As of the 2000 census other Christian minority communities include Neo-Pietism (0.44%), Pentecostalism (0.28%, mostly incorporated in the Schweizer Pfingstmission), Methodism (0.13%), the New Apostolic Church (0.45%), Jehovah's Witnesses (0.28%), other Protestant denominations (0.20%), the Old Catholic Church (0.18%), other Christian denominations (0.20%). Non-Christian religions are Hinduism (0.38%), Buddhism (0.29%), Judaism (0.25%) and others (0.11%); 4.3% did not make a statement. 21.4% in 2012 declared themselves as unchurched i.e. not affiliated with any church or other religious body (Agnostic, Atheist, or just not related to any official religion).

qas: question: When did Geneva convert to Protestantism?
answers: text: 1536

question: How is a consociational state defined by the Constitution of 1848?
answers: text: allowing the peaceful co-existence of Catholics and Protestants

question: When was the calling for a complete separation from church and state rejected by the majority of voters?
answers: text: 1980

question: What percentage of voters rejected the separation of church and state in 1980?
answers: text: 78.9%
context: The country was historically about evenly balanced between Catholic and Protestant, with a complex patchwork of majorities over most of the country. Geneva converted to Protestantism in 1536, just before John Calvin arrived there. One canton, Appenzell, was officially divided into Catholic and Protestant sections in 1597. The larger cities and their cantons (Bern, Geneva, Lausanne, Zürich and Basel) used to be predominantly Protestant. Central Switzerland, the Valais, the Ticino, Appenzell Innerrhodes, the Jura, and Fribourg are traditionally Catholic. The Swiss Constitution of 1848, under the recent impression of the clashes of Catholic vs. Protestant cantons that culminated in the Sonderbundskrieg, consciously defines a consociational state, allowing the peaceful co-existence of Catholics and Protestants. A 1980 initiative calling for the complete separation of church and state was rejected by 78.9% of the voters. Some traditionally Protestant cantons and cities nowadays have a slight Catholic majority, not because they were growing in members, quite the contrary, but only because since about 1970 a steadily growing minority became not affiliated with any church or other religious body (21.4% in Switzerland, 2012) especially in traditionally Protestant regions, such as Basel-City (42%), canton of Neuchâtel (38%), canton of Geneva (35%), canton of Vaud (26%), or Zürich city (city: >25%; canton: 23%).

qas: question: What culture is linguistically isolated from the rest of Switzerland?
answers: text: Romansh

question: Where is the Romansh culture located?
answers: text: in Graubünden in eastern Switzerland

question: How many of Europe's major languages are official in Switzerland?
answers: text: Three
context: Three of Europe's major languages are official in Switzerland. Swiss culture is characterised by diversity, which is reflected in a wide range of traditional customs. A region may be in some ways strongly culturally connected to the neighbouring country that shares its language, the country itself being rooted in western European culture. The linguistically isolated Romansh culture in Graubünden in eastern Switzerland constitutes an exception, it survives only in the upper valleys of the Rhine and the Inn and strives to maintain its rare linguistic tradition.

qas: question: What symbolism has played an important role in shaping the history of Switzerland?
answers: text: Alpine

question: What highly energetic culture is in some concentrated mountain areas in the winter?
answers: text: ski resort culture

question: What is the name of the trumpet like musical instrument made of wood has become the epitome of traditional Swiss music?
answers: text: alphorn

question: What traditional culture predominates in many areas of small farms?
answers: text: farmer and herder culture
context: Alpine symbolism has played an essential role in shaping the history of the country and the Swiss national identity. Nowadays some concentrated mountain areas have a strong highly energetic ski resort culture in winter, and a hiking (ger: das Wandern) or Mountain biking culture in summer. Other areas throughout the year have a recreational culture that caters to tourism, yet the quieter seasons are spring and autumn when there are fewer visitors. A traditional farmer and herder culture also predominates in many areas and small farms are omnipresent outside the cities. Folk art is kept alive in organisations all over the country. In Switzerland it is mostly expressed in music, dance, poetry, wood carving and embroidery. The alphorn, a trumpet-like musical instrument made of wood, has become alongside yodeling and the accordion an epitome of traditional Swiss music.

qas: question: What causes the government to exert greater control over broadcast media than print media?
answers: text: finance and licensing

question: Where are television programs produced?
answers: text: Geneva, Zürich and Lugano

question: What was the Swiss Broadcasting Corporations name recently changed to?
answers: text: SRG SSR
context: The government exerts greater control over broadcast media than print media, especially due to finance and licensing. The Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, whose name was recently changed to SRG SSR, is charged with the production and broadcast of radio and television programs. SRG SSR studios are distributed throughout the various language regions. Radio content is produced in six central and four regional studios while the television programs are produced in Geneva, Zürich and Lugano. An extensive cable network also allows most Swiss to access the programs from neighboring countries.

qas: question: What 3 mountain sports are among the most popular in Switzerland?
answers: text: Skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering

question: Where was the bobsleigh invented?
answers: text: St. Moritz

question: When were the first ski championships held in Murren?
answers: text: 1931

question: Which town hosted the 2nd Winter Olympic Games in 1928?
answers: text: St. Moritz
context: Skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering are among the most popular sports in Switzerland, the nature of the country being particularly suited for such activities. Winter sports are practiced by the natives and tourists since the second half of the 19th century with the invention of bobsleigh in St. Moritz. The first world ski championships were held in Mürren (1931) and St. Moritz (1934). The latter town hosted the second Winter Olympic Games in 1928 and the fifth edition in 1948. Among the most successful skiers and world champions are Pirmin Zurbriggen and Didier Cuche.

qas: question: What is the nickname for the Swiss national football team?
answers: text: Nati

question: What does FIFA stand for?
answers: text: International Federation of Association Football

question: Where is Europe's highest football pitch located?
answers: text: Switzerland

question: Where is the FIFA located?
answers: text: Zürich

question: Which FIFA world cup did Switzerland host?
answers: text: 1954
context: Swiss are fans of football and the national team is nicknamed the 'Nati'. The headquarters of the sport's governing body, the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), is located in Zürich. Switzerland hosted the 1954 FIFA World Cup, and was the joint host, with Austria, of the Euro 2008 tournament. The Swiss Super League is the nation's professional club league. For the Brasil 2014 World Cup finals tournament, the country's German-speaking cantons will be closely monitored by local police forces to prevent celebrations beyond one hour after matches end. Europe's highest football pitch, at 2,000 metres (6,600 ft) above sea level, is located in Switzerland and is named the Ottmar Hitzfeld Stadium.

qas: question: What was hosted for the 10th time by Switzerland in 2009?
answers: text: IIHF World Championship

question: What was the name of the 1st European sailing team to win America's cup in 2013?
answers: text: Alinghi

question: Which Swiss professional wrestler is currently signed with WWE?
answers: text: Claudio Castagnoli

question: Which Swiss sailing team was the 1st to win America's Cup in 2003?
answers: text: Alinghi
context: Many Swiss also follow ice hockey and support one of the 12 clubs in the League A, which is the most attended league in Europe. In 2009, Switzerland hosted the IIHF World Championship for the 10th time. It also became World Vice-Champion in 2013. The numerous lakes make Switzerland an attractive place for sailing. The largest, Lake Geneva, is the home of the sailing team Alinghi which was the first European team to win the America's Cup in 2003 and which successfully defended the title in 2007. Tennis has become an increasingly popular sport, and Swiss players such as Martina Hingis, Roger Federer, and most recently, Stanislas Wawrinka have won multiple Grand Slams. Swiss professional wrestler Claudio Castagnoli is currently signed with WWE, and is a former United States champion.

qas: question: What was banned in Switzerland in 1955 after the Le Mans disaster?
answers: text: Motorsport racecourses and events

question: Who voted to overturn the ban on motorsport events in June 2007?
answers: text: Swiss National Council

question: Who rejected the  2007 vote to overturn the motorsport ban in Switzerland?
answers: text: Swiss Council of States

question: Which successful World Touring Car Championship driver was produced in Switzerland despite the ban on motorsport events?
answers: text: Alain Menu

question: Which Swiss motorcycle racer won the 2005 MotoGP World Championship in the 125cc category?
answers: text: Thomas Lüthi
context: Motorsport racecourses and events were banned in Switzerland following the 1955 Le Mans disaster with exception to events such as Hillclimbing. During this period, the country still produced successful racing drivers such as Clay Regazzoni, Sebastian Buemi, Jo Siffert, Dominique Aegerter, successful World Touring Car Championship driver Alain Menu, 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Marcel Fässler and 2015 24 Hours Nürburgring winner Nico Müller. Switzerland also won the A1GP World Cup of Motorsport in 2007–08 with driver Neel Jani. Swiss motorcycle racer Thomas Lüthi won the 2005 MotoGP World Championship in the 125cc category. In June 2007 the Swiss National Council, one house of the Federal Assembly of Switzerland, voted to overturn the ban, however the other house, the Swiss Council of States rejected the change and the ban remains in place.

qas: question: Which popular Swiss sport is a cross between baseball and golf?
answers: text: Hornussen

question: Which old, traditional sport is considered to be the national sport by some Swiss?
answers: text: Swiss wrestling or "Schwingen"

question: What is thrown in the Swiss competition Steinstossen?
answers: text: a heavy stone

question: Which Swiss population is the only one to have practiced Steinstossen since prehistoric times?
answers: text: alpine

question: What was the name of the 83.5 kg stone that symbolized the Unspunnenfest, first held in 1805?
answers: text: Unspunnenstein
context: Traditional sports include Swiss wrestling or "Schwingen". It is an old tradition from the rural central cantons and considered the national sport by some. Hornussen is another indigenous Swiss sport, which is like a cross between baseball and golf. Steinstossen is the Swiss variant of stone put, a competition in throwing a heavy stone. Practiced only among the alpine population since prehistoric times, it is recorded to have taken place in Basel in the 13th century. It is also central to the Unspunnenfest, first held in 1805, with its symbol the 83.5 kg stone named Unspunnenstein.

qas: question: What part of Switzerland has a particularly high number of fine-dining establishments?
answers: text: western Switzerland

question: What unique dairy cheese is produced in the Swiss valleys of Gruyeres?
answers: text: Gruyère

question: What differences primarily dictated some of the regional variations in Swiss cuisine?
answers: text: climate and languages

question: What dairy product is produced in the valley of Emmental?
answers: text: Emmental

question: How do the ingredients of traditional Swiss cuisine compare to that of other European countries?
answers: text: similar
context: The cuisine of Switzerland is multifaceted. While some dishes such as fondue, raclette or rösti are omnipresent through the country, each region developed its own gastronomy according to the differences of climate and languages.  Traditional Swiss cuisine uses ingredients similar to those in other European countries, as well as unique dairy products and cheeses such as Gruyère or Emmental, produced in the valleys of Gruyères and Emmental. The number of fine-dining establishments is high, particularly in western Switzerland.

qas: question: What is the most popular alcoholic drink in Switzerland?
answers: text: wine

question: When were vineyards first cultivated in Switzerland?
answers: text: Roman era

question: What type of wine comprises a small majority of wine produced in Switzerland?
answers: text: white

question: What are the two most widespread varieties of wines in Switzerland?
answers: text: Chasselas (called Fendant in Valais) and Pinot noir

question: What 4 terrain variations are credited for Switzerland's notable variety of grapes grown?
answers: text: specific mixes of soil, air, altitude and light
context: The most popular alcoholic drink in Switzerland is wine. Switzerland is notable for the variety of grapes grown because of the large variations in terroirs, with their specific mixes of soil, air, altitude and light. Swiss wine is produced mainly in Valais, Vaud (Lavaux), Geneva and Ticino, with a small majority of white wines. Vineyards have been cultivated in Switzerland since the Roman era, even though certain traces can be found of a more ancient origin. The most widespread varieties are the Chasselas (called Fendant in Valais) and Pinot noir. The Merlot is the main variety produced in Ticino.