In 2021, nearly 37,000 people became Swiss, roughly 11% more than in 2020, according to data published this week by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). The largest contingent of newly minted Swiss citizens in 2021 were German, followed by Italians, citizens of the former Federal Republic of Yugoslavia, French and Portuguese. Back in 2000, Italians […]
Early grape harvest looks promising for 2022 Swiss wine vintage
An unusually hot summer in Switzerland has brought forward grape harvesting by a record three weeks, reported RTS. A harvest this early has never been seen before and is expected to result in good quality grapes that could produce excellent wine. Last year, disturbed weather patterns took a huge toll on Swiss grape harvests. Yields […]
Swiss government opens door to car sharing fast lane
This week, Switzerland’s federal government opened the door to faster car sharing lanes from 1 February 2023, reported RTS. Federal government amendments to Switzerland’s road sign ordinance to include car sharing signs mean cantons and cities will soon be able to introduce car sharing lanes. Car sharing, or pooling, encourages car sharing by allowing vehicles […]
Swiss government sets 15% gas saving target
This week, the federal government fixed a voluntary objective for Switzerland to reduce gas consumption by 15% over the coming winter, according to RTS. The Federal Council’s 15% gas saving objective, announced on 24 August 2021, covers the period between October 2022 and March 2023. The EU has set the same objective. Switzerland produces no […]
No change in most popular Swiss names in 2021
In 2021, the most popular baby names in Switzerland were Mia for girls and Noah for boys. Mia is a long time favourite, scoring the top spot in 2019, 2020 and 2021. And Noah has had a good run in the top spot for boys. It came top in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 […]
Switzerland’s population older than ever, shows recent data
In Switzerland, almost 1.7 million people were aged 65 or older at the end of 2021, a figure that makes up 19% of the population, according to data published on 28 August 2022. In 2021, one woman in five and one man in six was aged over 64, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). […]
Federal court decision could end plans for free public transport across Switzerland
A decision by the government of the canton of Fribourg to declare free public transport illegal is being challenged at Switzerland’s Federal Tribunal. A decision by Switzerland’s top court in line with Fribourg’s government could impact plans for free public transport in other Swiss cantons. Switzerland’s constitution appears to exclude the possibility of free public […]
Price comparison website could combat Switzerland’s inexplicably high fuel prices
Crude oil prices are now back to where they were in January 2022, but retail pump prices are now more than 20% above prices back then. Many are wondering why. Without cost transparency suspicion understandably abounds. In mid January 2022, before Russia invaded Ukraine, WTI crude oil was trading below US$ 90 a barrel. Then […]
Federal motion aims to ban junk mail in Switzerland
Recently, a motion was put forward in Switzerland’s federal parliament to ban junk mail, reported RTS. In 2018, Swiss Post delivered 2.7 million adverts equivalent to 128 tonnes of paper, according to Katja Christ a parliamentarian from the Liberal Green Party and author of the motion. Nearly 60% of the adverts are unsolicited and around […]
Swiss ski resorts may have to close lifts to save electricity this winter
This coming winter, Swiss ski resorts may be required to cut services to save electricity, reported RTS. Ski lifts and snow making equipment consume the same amount of electricity as 30,000 to 40,000 Swiss households do across a year. It has been suggested that Switzerland’s federal government may require lift operators to cut electricity usage […]
