- Statistical data on the Swiss population
- Portal for the Swiss Abroad
- Information about the people of Switzerland
- Statistical data on the Swiss population (German, French)
- Living conditions of people in Switzerland
- swissinfo.ch information portal
- Federal Office for Migration
- Ch.ch – the Swiss portal
- Federal Office for Sport (Germna, French)
- Youth Exchange programme
The People of Switzerland
The demographic evolution of Switzerland is characterised by the ever rising average age and a relatively high proportion of foreigners.
As a result of a lower birth rate and rising life expectancy (men reach an average of nearly 79, women nearly 84) the aging process is forecast to increase in the next few years. Despite an increase in the number of women at work, the ratio of employed people to pensioners is falling. This poses a great challenge for pensions and social insurance.
In comparison with other European countries Switzerland has a high proportion of foreigners: some 20% of its resident population of about 7.4 million do not have a Swiss passport. This proportion varies between 8% in rural cantons like Uri, and 39% in Geneva.
About 10% of Swiss Citizens Live Abroad
The balance of migration (difference between immigration and emigration) has been negative since 1992, and there have been more deaths than births since 1998.
In 2005 about 650,000 Swiss citizens lived abroad, either permanently or temporarily, two thirds of them in Europe. The Swiss Abroad are known as the “Fifth Switzerland” (the other four are the country’s four linguistic areas), and have the right to take part in popular votes and elections in Switzerland. Institutions such as cultural centres and Swiss schools help them remain in touch with their homeland.
Social Structures are Changing
More and more people in Switzerland are living alone. More than 35% of households consist of one person. The number of marriages has dropped slightly in the last ten years, while the number of divorces has increased. The average age of women at the birth of their first child is just under 30.
High Standard of Living
The standard of living in Switzerland is high. Switzerland has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. Nearly 70% of households have a computer, and more than half are connected to the internet. In 2000 each person had an average of 44 m2 (474 sq ft) of living space. Two thirds of the population live in rented accommodation.
Leisure
Alongside sport, reading is still a popular leisure activity. The only activities which are even more popular are listening to music and relaxing with family and friends. Taking courses and playing a musical instrument came at the bottom of the list. Even so, one person in ten devotes part of their leisure time to following a course. Watching television competes with all other forms of leisure activity.
Many young people identify themselves more strongly with their leisure activity and the group or scene they belong to, rather than with their job.
As a result of a lower birth rate and rising life expectancy (men reach an average of nearly 79, women nearly 84) the aging process is forecast to increase in the next few years. Despite an increase in the number of women at work, the ratio of employed people to pensioners is falling. This poses a great challenge for pensions and social insurance.
In comparison with other European countries Switzerland has a high proportion of foreigners: some 20% of its resident population of about 7.4 million do not have a Swiss passport. This proportion varies between 8% in rural cantons like Uri, and 39% in Geneva.
About 10% of Swiss Citizens Live Abroad
The balance of migration (difference between immigration and emigration) has been negative since 1992, and there have been more deaths than births since 1998.
In 2005 about 650,000 Swiss citizens lived abroad, either permanently or temporarily, two thirds of them in Europe. The Swiss Abroad are known as the “Fifth Switzerland” (the other four are the country’s four linguistic areas), and have the right to take part in popular votes and elections in Switzerland. Institutions such as cultural centres and Swiss schools help them remain in touch with their homeland.
Social Structures are Changing
More and more people in Switzerland are living alone. More than 35% of households consist of one person. The number of marriages has dropped slightly in the last ten years, while the number of divorces has increased. The average age of women at the birth of their first child is just under 30.
High Standard of Living
The standard of living in Switzerland is high. Switzerland has one of the highest per capita incomes in the world. Nearly 70% of households have a computer, and more than half are connected to the internet. In 2000 each person had an average of 44 m2 (474 sq ft) of living space. Two thirds of the population live in rented accommodation.
Leisure
Alongside sport, reading is still a popular leisure activity. The only activities which are even more popular are listening to music and relaxing with family and friends. Taking courses and playing a musical instrument came at the bottom of the list. Even so, one person in ten devotes part of their leisure time to following a course. Watching television competes with all other forms of leisure activity.
Many young people identify themselves more strongly with their leisure activity and the group or scene they belong to, rather than with their job.
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Last modification: 14.01.2008