This Europe: Cuckoos are out as the Swiss go crazy

The Swiss ego has suffered a bruising year. First, a string of man-made and natural disasters shattered the country's sense of security. Then came the collapse of Swissair.

Now comes Expo.02, an exhibition celebrating the best of Switzerland. As a tonic, its timing is perfect, but it has run into some very un-Swiss setbacks: repeated delays and budget overrun.

Expo.02 features no model of the Matterhorn, no cuckoo clocks, no Swiss cheese. Instead there are New Agey journeys of self-discovery; a huge, damp artificial cloud; Pink Floyd music; and – horror! – Swiss francs being shredded by a robot.

Nelly Wenger, the head of Expo.02, wants to dispel the image of a Switzerland "always peaceful and always covered in snow" and showcase a country "relaxed, a bit wild, but at ease with itself". Strong words, considering that in many parts of Switzerland late-night showers and lavatory flushing are banned in apartment buildings lest they disturb the neighbours.

But Switzerland is changing. It has opened to immigrants. In March, it voted to join the United Nations. Even the Swiss army isn't immune: the bicycle brigade, mounted cavalry and carrier-pigeon service have all gone.

English is rapidly becoming a preferred second language, and the younger generation chafes at Switzerland's reluctance to join the European Union.

After being shaken up on so many fronts this year, many Swiss hope Expo.02 will "make an important contribution to holding our country together," as the Swiss President, Kaspar Villiger, put it. (AP)