Switzerland sits right in the middle of Europe, surrounded by big neighbours. A long time ago, the Swiss decided that the best way to live alongside them was to make friends with everyone and take no sides in their quarrels. This idea is called 'neutrality'. Switzerland has kept to it ever since 1815.
Because Switzerland is seen as a friendly place that doesn't take sides, lots of countries send their representatives there to talk to each other. The city of Geneva is full of buildings where these meetings happen. Around 38 international organisations have their headquarters there.
One of the best-known is the Red Cross, which was started in Geneva in 1863 by a Swiss man named Henry Dunant. The Red Cross helps people who have been hurt in disasters, no matter who they are. Its flag is a Swiss flag with the colours swapped - a red cross on a white background, in honour of the country where it was born.
Switzerland is also where many world sports bodies have their headquarters, including FIFA (which runs world football). Even the Olympic Committee, which organises the Olympic Games, is in a Swiss city called Lausanne. People say it is because Switzerland feels like everyone's neutral meeting place.