Provisional figures for 2025 from the Federal Statistical Office show a steadily ageing population. By the end of the year, Switzerland’s permanent resident population had reached 9.12m, up 0.8% (+73,300 people) on 2024. Those 65 and over now … [Read more...]
News and Features
Swiss government presents counter-proposal to responsible business initiative
The Swiss government has opened a consultation on a counter-proposal to a new popular initiative on corporate responsibility, arguing that companies should respect human rights and the environment without undermining their competitiveness. A … [Read more...]
Switzerland could abandon purchase of the Patriot air-defence system
Switzerland could abandon its planned purchase of the Patriot air-defence system, Martin Pfister, the minister of defence, said on Wednesday, as delivery delays cast doubt on the deal. The defence ministry has already suspended payments to the … [Read more...]
Swiss public-transport fares to rise by 3.9% in December 2026
Ticket prices in Switzerland are set to increase again at the end of 2026, three years after the previous rise. Citing economic pressures and the need for investment, the strategic board of Alliance Swisspass has approved an average increase of … [Read more...]
Above average number of avalanche victims this winter in Switzerland
Avalanches swept away more people than usual in the winter of 2025–26, though the death toll remained broadly in line with the average. A fragile snowpack led to a surge in incidents. By the end of March, 244 people had been caught in 171 … [Read more...]
Guides
Hiring a cleaner – around half break law on Swiss accident insurance
Brought to you by quitt.ch - No. 1 provider of registration and administration services for domestic help in Switzerland. In Switzerland, around one in seven hire someone to do their cleaning, but around half break the law, risking fines and a big … [Read More...]
Setting up a business in Switzerland – a guide
Brought to you by Winbiz online accounting for Swiss businesses. So you have decided to start a business. You have a business plan and are ready to get started. Before you launch you need a name and possibly a company. Broadly there are two options … [Read More...]
Activities
The Swiss town on the 2019 New York Times’ places-to-visit list
Every year the New York Times assembles a list of 52 recommended places to visit. This year it lists Vevey at number 49. 2019 is a big year for Vevey. It is the year of the Unesco-recognized Fête des Vignerons, an event held every 20 to 25 … [Read more...]
20 ice skating rinks around Lake Geneva. Get your skates on!
Ice skating season is here so get your skates on! There are ice-skating rinks all over Geneva, Vaud and neighbouring Fribourg. Entrance prices vary and all rinks have skates that you can hire. The links below will take you to the relevant websites … [Read more...]
Switzerland’s spectacular dams and their uncertain future
Switzerland’s 604 hydroelectric plants aren’t just powerhouses for clean energy. Some dams are also dramatic destinations. But their source of fuel is literally drying up. By Bill Harby Switzerland’s glaciers are shrinking. In 2015, of 99 Swiss … [Read more...]
