1. Inferred static nominal typing with generics

2. 1st class support for Optionals

3. Support for Structs and Classes

4. Native binary & scripting mode

5. Automatic reference counting (instead of garbage collection)

6. Large standard library

7. Large corporate backer (Apple)

8. Open source

9. Good C, C++, & Obj-C interoperability

10. Decently fast (https://medium.com/@qutheory/server-side-swift-vs-the-other-...)