Regional Format
Group 1 contains teams from western Switzerland, which is generally French speaking. Group 2 contains teams from Central Switzerland, which is mostly German speaking. Group 3 contains teams from East Switzerland (and Liechtenstein) which contains German and Italian speaking regions.
Two teams in total are promoted at the end of the season to 1. Liga Promotion, determined by a play-off competition involving the top 2 teams in each group. The bottom 2 teams in each group are relegated from this division to the 2. Liga Interregional, which is the highest of the Amateur leagues in Swiss football, broken down into 5 regional groups.
Some clubs in the two highest leagues in Switzerland have Under-21 teams playing in the 1.Liga and below. Such teams cannot be promoted from the 1.Liga, and should an Under-21 side finish the season in the top 2 positions, the play-off spot will go to the next placed team in the group.
Read more about this topic: Swiss 1. Liga (football)