Increase in Switzerland's Resident Population to Peak at 9.05 Million, Attributable to Shrinkage in Immigration Rates
Here's a lively, informative take on the latest population trends in swiss ol' land, as presented by the Population, Household and Vital Statistics study from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO):
Growth sprouted in all cantons, with Schaffhausen leading the charge (+1.8%), swiftly followed by Fribourg and Valais (+1.5% each). The sleepy cantons of Ticino and Appenzell Ausserrhoden clocked in at a slow +0.3%, while Jura snuck up to a barely perceptible +0.4%.
Next up, we got the Ave Marya immigration bingo. In 2024, immigration took a nose-dive after reaching a record-breaking peak in 2023. That year, 212,700 fresh faces graced Swiss soil, 50,300 less than in 2023. This number consisted of 22,600 Swiss returnees from around the globe, paired with another 190,100 foreigners.
In contrast, emigration rose slightly (+1.6%) vs. 2023. So, where are these 1,600 folks fleeing to? Perhaps they couldn't cope with the high cost of living in our heavenly corner of the world. But hey-- that's just speculation. The 2,478,700 foreign nationals leaving it all behind and callin' Switzerland home permanent-like? That's 27.4% of the population.
Just cause immigration numbers plummeted, don't mean the foreign pop's growth slowed. Turns out, it's still speedin' ahead (+2.5%) and leavin' the Swiss peeps (+0.4%) standing in the dust. Are you keepin' up, Swiss natives?
Next up, let's talk babies. 78,000 of 'em were born in 2024, a 2.5% dip vs. 2023. Intriguing fact: the decrease in 2024 is less severe than in the previous year (-2.8%).
Remember when the average number of children per woman dropped to a historic low of 1.33 in 2023? Well, it jumped up to 1.8 in 2024. Finally... a light at the end of the tunnel! But we gotta admit, it ain't exactly a reassuring glow.
The death rate for 2024 remains steady at 71,800 fatalities. You'll find the most significant increase in Appenzell Ausserrhoden (+6.4%), Zug (+5.3%), and Schwyz (+5.2%). On the other end of the spectrum, the losses were least in Nidwalden (-13.5%), Obwalden (-7.9%), and Schaffhausen (-4.8%).
With fewer births versus a stable death rate, the gap between births and deaths nosedived to its lowest since 1918 (6,200 people). And there ya have it—11 cantons flaunting more deaths than births, including Bern, Ticino, and the two Basels.
A punk rock twist to the tale—the Swiss life expectancy's still firin' on all cylinders! Ladies can expect to live up to the lovely age of 86 these days, while the gents can wise up to 82.5. And for those who survived the Swiss mating ritual and hit the age of 65? Well, they can look forward to around 83 for the ladies and a touch over 85.5 for the dudes.
So, why run off to Switzerland? Because baby, it'll make you live longer! (Read also: Why living in Switzerland means you'll (probably) have a longer life)
- In contrast to the significant increase in immigration seen in 2023 with 212,700 newcomers, the numbers dropped by 50,300 in 2024, with 190,100 foreigners joining the Swiss population.
- Despite the decrease in immigration, the foreign population growth rate in Switzerland continued to increase, rising by 2.5% in 2024, compared to a 0.4% growth rate among Swiss natives.
- Looking ahead to 2023, it will be interesting to observe any impacts that these changing immigration and emigration statistics may have on Swiss politics, economic policies, and general news.
