Why is Switzerland CHE?
RE: Why is Switzerland CHE?
Switzerland’s abbreviation “CH” comes from its Latin name, “Confoederatio Helvetica”. The Latin name was chosen to maintain neutrality and avoid favoritism towards any of Switzerland’s four official languages.
Helvetica is the feminine form of “Helveticus”, which is derived from “Helvetia”, the Latin name for Switzerland. The use of Latin also ensures that the abbreviation remains consistent regardless of the language used.
It’s kind of interesting how the old Roman names of various places persist to various degrees.
If I mentioned “Germania,” everyone would know I was talking about modern-day Deutschland.
If I said “Hispania,” most would know I was talking about Spain.
If I talked about “Hibernia,” a lot of folks would know that as alternative name for Ireland.
Lusitania (Portugal), Caledonia (Scotland) etc. survive in the names of hotels, banks, products, etc. in those various countries, but are perhaps less well known to Americans.