In 2022, the number of Swiss citizens living abroad passed the 800,000 mark. Roughly 11% of the Swiss population lives abroad. Of the more than 800,000 Swiss abroad registered at the end of 2022, around 64% live in Europe.
The Swiss community around the globe
More
The Council of the Swiss Abroad says yes to more democratic elections
This content was published on
The delegates have approved a project for more direct elections. New electoral constituencies sparks debate, as does the decision to hold the Congress only every four years.
Swiss Abroad Congress wraps up in Brunnen, central Switzerland
This content was published on
The 100th Congress of the Swiss Abroad ended on Saturday with a visit to the Swiss Abroad Square in Brunnen, canton Schwyz.
This content was published on
Over the centuries, the Swiss have been tireless migrants, with successive waves spreading to every continent – for various reasons.
This content was published on
The population of the Swiss Abroad is growing. For OSA director Ariane Rustichelli, these figures reflect an increasingly mobile society.
After 100 years, the Swiss Abroad Congress remains politically significant
This content was published on
While the Congress has evolved over the years, its core mission remains the same: to unite the Swiss Abroad and raise awareness of their specific needs.
This content was published on
In Friday’s briefing: 100th Swiss Abroad Congress, severe storms, higher university fees and Swiss components discovered in Russian missiles.
Attacks on Swiss politicians: rare, but not unheard of
This content was published on
Physical attacks on Swiss politicians are rare. However, federal police registered an average of around one reported threat per day last year.
Swiss State Secretary warns against cutting development aid
This content was published on
The head of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs criticised the plan to cut CHF500 million a year from development aid and use it for the army.
Majority of Swiss do not support an increase in defence spending
This content was published on
According to an international poll, 54% of Swiss residents are opposed to more funding for defence, despite the war in Ukraine.
Swiss president shows government round her home canton
This content was published on
During their annual trip to the Swiss president’s hometown, the Federal Council enjoyed nice weather, fine wine, and proximity to the public.
Swiss government rejects right-wing population cap initiative
This content was published on
The Federal Council is against a proposal to cap the country’s population at 10 million, saying it jeopardises economic growth and security.
Federal Council to invest CHF3.5 billion in regional transport
This content was published on
The federal council wants to spend an average of 1.7% more per year on rolling stock and the further expansion of services for regional public transport.
‘Visibility’ or ‘poisoned chalice’? Reaction to Swiss Council of Europe appointment
This content was published on
Swiss politician Alain Berset will be the next head of the Council of Europe – a win not only for Berset himself but also for Switzerland, say the Swiss media.
Some Swiss cantons are ill-prepared for new sex offences legislation
This content was published on
Some Swiss cantons, especially in German-speaking Switzerland, are inadequately prepared for the new criminal law on sexual offences which will be implemented from July 1.
Ticino rules on short-term holiday rentals attract federal ire
This content was published on
In southern canton Ticino, owners of converted barns can rent them to tourists for 90 days without permission – flying in the face of federal rules.
An internet scam and cocaine: a Swiss imprisoned abroad escapes house arrest
This content was published on
It could be a Hollywood blockbuster: a 60-year-old Swiss woman arrested in Colombia accused of smuggling Cocaine. She claims to be a victim of fraud.
Swiss Abroad narrowly support capping health premiums
This content was published on
Almost 51% of the Swiss Abroad voted in favour of the initiative to reduce premiums. On the other three issues, they voted in line with the rest of the country.
Why has the flag of Swiss canton Jura been travelling the world?
This content was published on
On Mount Kilimanjaro, under palm trees or even under water: Jura residents have proudly unfurled their flag around the world.
Swiss politicians agree that healthcare system has to change – but how?
This content was published on
Parliament believes the Swiss healthcare system needs to be reformed, but the solutions differ. We discuss the issue in our Let’s Talk programme.
Swiss duo who saved Edelweiss Village scoop up award in Canada
This content was published on
Two Swiss citizens have been recognised for their campaign to save a group of historic chalets, known as Edelweiss Village, in the Rocky Mountains.
Social security takes centre stage in Swiss parliamentary debates
This content was published on
Swiss parliamentarians are meeting for the summer session. On the agenda are a number of issues of direct concern to the Swiss Abroad.
The Swiss Abroad in Germany and Italy have very different concerns
This content was published on
The Swiss Abroad in Italy discussed artificial intelligence and chocolate, while in northern Germany the focus was on reforming elections.
Swiss distiller creates world’s best vodka in Cape Verde
This content was published on
From Appenzell to an island in the Atlantic: how José Steiner shifted careers to become an award-winning vodka distiller.
This content was published on
The documentary series “Up and Away” follows three Swiss families who have relocated to Rwanda, Spain, and Germany. How are they adapting to their new lives?
Brazil’s foreign minister pays a visit to his Swiss roots
This content was published on
Mauro Vieira recently visited the Swiss canton of Solothurn, from where his great-great-great-grandmother emigrated to Brazil in 1819.
Fading faith: decline of Sunday schools in Swiss churches
This content was published on
Sunday schools for the youth are also feeling the loss of believers. Spiritual programmes for children have moved outside the church.
Swiss Abroad: fog clears on tax reform in Thailand
This content was published on
The tax reform affecting Swiss living in Thailand since January 1 contained a number of grey areas. It is now clear that pensions will be taxed.
This content was published on
A Swiss man living in Thailand lost his temper for a moment and sparked an unprecedented witch hunt. The Thai authorities have been forced to act.
Swiss innovator breaks sexual taboos in South Africa
This content was published on
Be it on contraception, menstruation or sexually transmitted diseases, the Love Land app provides a new framework for teaching young people about sexual health.
What do you think Switzerland’s Alain Berset can bring to the Council of Europe?
The former interior minister is to become the first Swiss Secretary General of the Council of Europe – which issues should his five-year term focus on?
How is your country dealing with the return of stolen artifacts?
Western nations like Switzerland often have to deal with the process of recovering or returning looted artifacts which have been illegally imported. What’s the situation like in your country?
