Mention Switzerland, and the cliché image of watches and chocolate, cowbells and cheese, banking, pharmaceuticals, high technology, political neutrality and direct democracy will probably spring to mind.

The fact is, all of these images are correct. But what is behind them? What is the political, social and economic history and evolution that stands behind these Swiss icons?

How did Switzerland actually come about back on August 1, 1291? Who was William Tell? Why were Switzerland and the United States known as “The Sister Republics”?

Why is Switzerland not a member of the European Union? Where is the country headed?

These and other questions are taken up by Bob Zanotti in a lively conversation with an old friend and former broadcasting colleague, Peter Haller, who served as Parliamentary Correspondent for Swiss Radio International.