All cantons saw small increases, except for Neuchâtel and Ticino. Canton Schwyz had the highest population growth (+1.2%). The small national increase follows a decade of annual population growth above 1%.
Last year, a total of 171,700 foreigners moved to Switzerland, while the number of people emigrating also rose to 126,200, made up of 31,800 Swiss nationals and 94,400 foreign nationals.
Net migration (+45,500 people) – the difference between people entering and leaving the country – continues to decline slightly (-1%). Natural population growth – the difference between births and deaths – also fell by 8.9% to +18,600 individuals.
The Swiss population comprises 6,395,300 Swiss nationals (74.9%) and 2,147,000 foreign nationals (25.1%). Canton Geneva had the highest proportion of foreign residents (40%) while canton Appenzell Inner Rhodes had the lowest share of foreigners (11%).
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Geneva: Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan canton
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New statistics underline Geneva’s status as the most international canton: almost two-thirds of residents have a foreign passport.
Is reforming the Swiss pension system still possible, and if so, how?
Solutions still need to be found to meet the challenge of an ageing population and to improve the pensions of low-paid workers, the majority of whom are women.
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?
Swiss canton wants to test collection of electronic signatures for initiatives
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St Gallen wants to become the first Swiss canton to use electronic signatures (e-collecting) for referendums or initiatives.
Swiss government launches attempt to secure 2038 Winter Olympics
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After failing to host the Winter Olympics in 2030 and 2034, Switzerland is trying again - this time for the 2038 Winter Games.
Study highlights Swiss cantons’ failings over adoptions from India
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A Swiss study released on Friday has revealed that cantons Thurgau and Zurich are responsible for shortcomings linked to adoptions of children from India.
Glacier melt causes changes to Swiss-Italian border
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Switzerland has adapted its borders with Italy and France. The changes with Italy are linked to melting glaciers, while those with France concern a tram line and rivers in the Geneva region.
Zermatt restaurateurs sentenced for defying Covid-19 measures
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A Swiss court has given three restaurateurs in Zermatt, who were arrested in 2021 after repeatedly ignoring police orders to close their establishment, suspended sentences and fines.
Report: one in five Swiss tunnels damaged, but safe
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According to Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (Astra), national roads are in good condition overall. Almost one in five tunnels has moderate damage but they are safe, it said on Thursday.
Swiss couple sentenced for enslaving two housekeepers
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A 46-year-old Swiss man has received a three year sentence, including nine months in jail, for exploiting, locking up and handcuffing two housekeepers he brought to Switzerland between 2018 and 2019.
Zurich Film Festival drops screening of ‘Russians at War’ documentary
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The organisers of the Zurich Film Festival have decided not to show the controversial documentary Russians at War due to "safety considerations",
Swiss air traffic control upgrade slows tempo for safety reasons
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The upgrade of Switzerland’s air traffic control system will take longer than anticipated following a series of malfunctions.
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.
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Geneva: Switzerland’s most cosmopolitan canton
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New statistics underline Geneva’s status as the most international canton: almost two-thirds of residents have a foreign passport.
Defining the 25% foreign population in Switzerland
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For the first time, Switzerland has 2 million foreigners living in its midst. But just who exactly are they? These graphics offer an explanation.
Is Switzerland crowded compared to other countries?
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How densely populated is Switzerland compared to its neighbours? The growth has led to many calls over the years to limit immigration.
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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.