Gross domestic product and industry structure
Switzerland’s per capita gross domestic product is the fifth-largest in the world, or eighth-largest when adjusted for purchasing power. At USD 56,651, the per capita gross domestic product was considerably higher than the EU average in 2007. Switzerland outranks the UK by 23%, and France and Germany by 35% and 41% respectively.
The service sector generates some 70% of the gross domestic product. Comprising 28% of GDP, the industry sector is also an important mainstay of the economy, with the key sectors being chemicals, capital goods and banking. The Swiss economy is strongly geared towards exports – as a percentage of GDP, its foreign trade is among the highest in the world. The EU plays a key role here, accounting for 62% of exports and 79.5% of imports.
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) dominate the Swiss economic landscape. More than 99% of companies have less than 250 full-time employees. Staff are highly motivated, possess a keen sense of responsibility and are very loyal to their company. These typical Swiss characteristics are responsible for the quality and service ethos in both industry and the service sector. Switzerland is also one of the world’s leading innovators.
2008 (nominal) per capita gross domestic product
in USD
Source: 2009 IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook
Global Competitiveness Index (GCI)
2009 competitiveness ranking
Source: World Economic Forum, The Global Competitiveness Report 2009-2010
Global Innovation Index
2006
Source: www.proinno-europe.eu, Global Summary Innovation Index (GSII)