Swiss nobility refers to the aristocratic class in Switzerland, which historically held privileges and land ownership. Unlike many European countries, the Swiss nobility was not centralized and varied significantly across regions. The nobility played a role in local governance and military service, but their influence diminished over time, especially after the establishment of the Swiss Confederation. In modern times, the concept of nobility in Switzerland is largely symbolic, as the country abolished titles of nobility in 1848. Today, descendants of noble families may still carry historical titles, but these do not confer any legal privileges. The focus in Switzerland is more on democratic governance and equality among citizens.