Record number of deaths reported in Switzerland in 2020
Switzerland suffered two “death waves”, according to the Federal Statistical Office
Keystone / Georgios Kefalas
A record 76,200 deaths were registered in Switzerland last year, an increase of 12.4% on 2019. Life expectancy, births, marriages and divorces all fell, with the Covid-19 pandemic affecting “various demographic events”, the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) said.
Switzerland, which has a population of 8.6 million, suffered two “death waves”, the FSO said on TuesdayExternal link. In March-April 2020 it saw nearly 1,700 more deaths than in the same period of 2019 (+14%). From October to December it recorded almost 7,800 more (+45%).
Among Swiss citizens the number of deaths was 13.7% higher for men and 9.3% higher for women. In the non-Swiss population the difference was 22.8% for men and 20.4% for women.
The increase in deaths among people aged 80 or more (+15.5%) was more marked than in other age groups.
Due to the increase in mortality in old age, life expectancy has decreased. While a 65-year-old man could previously expect to live for another 20 years, last year he could expect another 19.3 years. Life expectancy at 65 for women dropped by 0.5 years from 22.7 to 22.2 years.
More
More
Swiss population continues to age and diversify
This content was published on
In 2019, the Swiss population grew in size, aged, and became slightly more foreign, according to annual statistics published on Thursday.
The pandemic has also slowed the natural growth of the population, i.e. the difference between births and deaths. This almost halved, from 18,400 in 2019 to 9,700 in 2020. In addition to the increase in deaths, this is also due to a slight decline in births.
Births fell from 86,200 in 2019 to 85,900, the lowest figure since 2013. The number of female births fell by 1%, while the number of male births rose by 0.3%.
Fewer people tied the knot last year. The number of marriages fell by 9.8% to 35,200, while the number of registered partnerships fell by 3.4% to 651.
Fewer people also untied the knot, with 4% fewer divorces (16,200). At the time of divorce the average marriage had lasted 15.6 years.
More
More
Coronavirus: the situation in Switzerland
This content was published on
An overview of the latest Covid-related information in the Alpine nation.
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
Swiss parliament moves closer to partial ban of tobacco ads
This content was published on
Tobacco advertising should be partially banned in the print media. On Monday the House of Representatives gave the go-ahead for restrictions on advertising, with some relaxations.
Online platforms and UBS in sights of Swiss price watchdog
This content was published on
With over 800 cases processed, including just under 400 recommendations, 2024 once again ended with a record number of cases for the Swiss price watchdog.
Swiss federal office sees no reason to end deportations of asylum-seekers to Croatia
This content was published on
Switzerland's State Secretariat for Migration (SEM) continues to deport asylum-seekers to Croatia. It thus rejects a demand from the Swiss Refugee Council in mid-February, which called for a halt to the returns.
ChatGPT responds to negative emotions and therapy, research shows
This content was published on
Stressful information can also cause anxiety in artificial intelligence (AI). As scientists in Zurich have shown, it's even possible to calm the GPT-4 AI model with mindfulness exercises.
Mortgage benchmark fall paves way for potential rent cuts in Switzerland
This content was published on
Switzerland’s national benchmark for mortgage costs dropped to the level it had before the global inflation surge, paving the way for potential rent reductions.
Switzerland ‘deeply concerned’ by Trump’s death penalty order
This content was published on
Switzerland has told the UN Human Rights Council that it is "deeply concerned" by US President Donald Trump's recent executive order to strengthen capital punishment at federal and state level.
Blatter, Platini return to court for new fraud trial over CHF2 million FIFA payment
This content was published on
Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter and former UEFA President Michel Platini appeared in court in Switzerland on Monday accused of fraud - 2.5 years after they were cleared.
Israel criticises Swiss decision to host Middle East conference in Geneva on Friday
This content was published on
Israel has condemned Switzerland for planning to host a meeting on international humanitarian law in the Middle East next Friday in Geneva.
This content was published on
Earning a living through death: working as an undertaker certainly wouldn't suit everyone, but Michael is anything but unhappy with his workday.
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.