The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Majority of population see racism as key social problem

an anti-racism demo in bern
An anti-racism demonstration in Bern, 2017 © Keystone / Peter Klaunzer

Almost 60% of the Swiss population consider racism an important social problem, a poll by the Federal Statistics Office has found.

The figure of 59% is however, 7% down on 2016, the year of the last survey. In all, 55% of those asked rated the integration of migrants into society as working well.

These were some of the results of a survey on diversity and coexistence in Switzerland for 2018, which was published on Thursday. It aims to present a picture of the issues raised by the coexistence of different groups currently living in Switzerland.

More of the results can be viewed here.

graphic on key findings
FSO – Diversity and coexistence in Switzerland, 2018

Victims

In 2018, one quarter of Switzerland’s population said that they had been a victim of discrimination or violence during the past five years due to their affiliation to a group. Among the victims, most said that their nationality was the main reason.

The world of work, both in terms of access to the labour market and in day-to-day life, is where discrimination most frequently occurs. For example, 50% said they had experienced discrimination at work or when looking for work.

Diverse country

The statistical office said in the introduction to its reportExternal link that diversity was a feature of life in Switzerland.  “The population of Switzerland comprises almost 200 different nationalities. Among Swiss passport holders, one person out of eight was born abroad and therefore has experience of migration.”

It said the situation was enriching but could also create challenges. This was the context against which the survey was carried out.

More

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Only one in five people attend a religious service at Easter

More

Just one in five Swiss attend a religious service at Easter

This content was published on Only one in five people in Switzerland attend a religious service during the Easter period or give up meat or alcohol for at least one day of fasting. Around 25% of those polled see Easter primarily as a family holiday, according to the survey.

Read more: Just one in five Swiss attend a religious service at Easter
Posters condemning Stephan Schmidheiny's role in asbestos deaths in Italy.

More

Swiss businessman gets prison term for asbestos deaths

This content was published on Stephan Schmidheiny has been sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison by the Turin Court of Appeal in a case against the former Eternit executive over deaths linked to asbestos exposure in Italy.

Read more: Swiss businessman gets prison term for asbestos deaths
Swiss foreign trade booms in the first quarter

More

Swiss foreign trade booms in the first quarter

This content was published on Swiss imports and exports reached new heights in the first quarter, driven by the chemicals and pharmaceuticals sectors. Shipments to the US rose sharply.

Read more: Swiss foreign trade booms in the first quarter

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR