[Wpin]

I think you nailed it...that is basically the point I was trying to make...in Switzerland the people are generally homogenous in terms of socially and culturally. I have not been there but have been reading up on them because it appears like a possibly good place to move to.

[Cronos]

I've been there -- hmmm... well, it is a very nice place to live, but you must be prepared for :
1. high cost of living -- very, very high. I'd say twice the price of living in any US city, even in the countryside
2. extreme law-abidingness -- and your neighbors will call you out if you do not put the garbage out at the right time and date and don't segregate and do not respect maintaining silence

it's a country for quiet, law-abiding individuals who have a strong sense of community.

[MSF BU]

There are plenty of large areas in North America that are the same way; Maine, NH, VT, Nova Scotia, Labrador, etc.