Switzerland retains top spot in global wealth ranking
Home to just 0.1% of the world's population, Switzerland accounts for 1.8% of the top 1% of global wealth holders
Keystone
Despite a slight decline in fortunes, the Swiss still enjoy the highest mean wealth per adult, according to the 2018 Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report.
The reportExternal link, released on Thursday, estimated the average fortune of a Swiss adult to be $530,240 (CHF527,707) compared to $537,600 the previous year. The Alpine nation still comes out on top, followed by Australia ($411,060) and the United States ($403,970).
Measured in Swiss francs, household wealth rose 39% since 2000 (129% in dollars, largely due to appreciation of the Swiss franc against the dollar). Home to just 0.1% of the world’s population, Switzerland accounts for 1.8% of the top 1% of global wealth holders. Over 60% of Swiss adults have assets worth more than $100,000. It terms of rich individuals, 11% of Swiss residents are US dollar millionaires, 2,650 qualify as ultra-high net worth individuals (over $50 million), and 980 have a net worth in excess of $100 million.
Kai Reusser / swissinfo.ch
Behind the bucks
Financial assets make up 56% of gross wealth in Switzerland, which is more than in the UK, but less than in some other well-off countries like Japan or the US. However, the Swiss have one of the highest absolute debt levels in the world at $138,810 per adult. Switzerland is also a leader among the richest countries when it comes to wealth inequality.
“Among the ten countries with long series of wealth distribution, Switzerland is alone in having seen no significant reduction in wealth inequality over any subperiod of the past century,” said the report.
This has an effect if one considers the median instead of mean wealth: Switzerland (at $183,340) is beaten to second place by Australia ($191,450).
More
More
How much do Swiss people earn in 2018?
This content was published on
Who are the biggest wage winners and losers in recent years? Statistics published by canton Zurich detail local salaries for various professions.
Basel diocese files five claims of sexual abuse in Swiss Catholic Church
This content was published on
The diocese of Basel has received 141 reports of sexual abuse since the publication of a sweeping study on violations in the Catholic Church by the University of Zurich in 2023.
Swiss president calls for open markets and stable institutions in WEF speech
This content was published on
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter was among speakers at the WEF in Davos to make the case for fair competition, a day after Donald Trump became the 47th president of the United States.
Swiss film in competition at the 75th Berlinale has a shot at Golden Bear
This content was published on
The feature film La Cache by Lausanne screenwriter and director Lionel Baier has a chance of winning the Silver or Golden Bear at the 75th Berlinale, festival organisers said on Tuesday.
Swiss politician who shot at image of Jesus resigns from Liberal Green Party
This content was published on
Sanija Ameti, who caused controversy after shooting at an image of Jesus and Mary last September, has resigned from the Liberal Green Party.
Swiss campaigners gather enough signatures to submit ‘responsible business’ initiative
This content was published on
The Swiss people are set to vote again on the corporate responsibility of multinationals after campaigners collected 183,661 signatures in 14 days for their new 'responsible business' initiative.
Several Swiss municipalities and banks hit by cyberattack
This content was published on
Russian hackers attacked the websites of several Swiss municipalities and banks on Tuesday, just as the World Economic Forum (WEF), got under way in Davos.
Music strengthens brain connections in premature babies, Swiss study shows
This content was published on
In premature babies, music strengthens connections in certain areas of the brain, according to a years-long study by the University Hospitals of Geneva (HUG).
WEF gives Crystal Award to Beckham, Yamamoto and von Fürstenberg
This content was published on
The World Economic Forum in Davos handed out awards to UNICEF ambassador David Beckham, Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto and women's rights activist Diane von Fürstenberg.
Swiss CEOs betting on a strong domestic market in 2025
This content was published on
Swiss business leaders are optimistic about 2025, despite a world in crisis, says a new survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers.
This content was published on
Economics Minister Guy Parmelin and Foreign Minister Ignazio Cassis have welcomed Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang to Bern
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
Switzerland remains biggest offshore wealth centre
This content was published on
The stock market boom boosted personal financial wealth around the globe by 12% last year – to the benefit of Switzerland.
This content was published on
Over the past eight years, canton Geneva lost a steady stream of wealthy residents – those who pay over CHF1 million a year in tax - to more tax-friendly locations.
This content was published on
The Swiss may be the second-richest people on earth, but all that wealth comes at a price. Five hours for meals and leisure, seven hours to sleep, one hour to commute to work, eight hours on the job and three hours for housework and paperwork: the daily grind leaves little time to stand and stare. This…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.