The Swiss associate the birth of their country with 1848 rather than 1291

A majority of Swiss people believe that the country came into being in 1848 with the creation of the federal state, rather than in 1291. They also regard William Tell as a legendary figure rather than a historical hero, according to a poll published ahead of the National Day on August 1. More than one in two Swiss people (52%) believe that Switzerland became a state with the creation of the federal state in 1848. Only 21% date this founding event to 1291. The year 1848 is overwhelmingly…