Swiss Confederacy

The Swiss Confederacy was an alliance formed in the late 13th century among three regions (later called cantons) in what is now Switzerland, primarily for mutual defense and economic cooperation. Over time, more regions joined, creating a loose federation committed to autonomy and shared interests. It laid the foundation for modern Switzerland’s government, emphasizing decentralization, local governance, and neutrality. The Confederacy evolved from a defensive pact into a stable, unified nation with a system of shared sovereignty, balancing regional independence with cooperation on common issues.