A recent study by the Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH), which analysed the blood and urine of members of the public, revealed undesirable levels of chemical compounds, in particular perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a substance banned since 2010 in Switzerland. PFOA exposure has been associated with two kinds of cancer as well as four other […]
British climber found after 52 years in Saas Fee
In early August 2023, two mountaineers discovered human remains on the Chessjen glacier near Saas Fee. However, the identity of the individual was unknown until DNA test results provided an answer. Forensic analysis was done at a hospital in Valais. The work involved an investigation of unfound missing persons. An examination of the bones further […]
Credit Suisse layoffs to hit thousands of workers
The rushed sale and merger of Credit Suisse into UBS is set to involve around 3,000 layoffs, mainly in the Zurich region, announced UBS this week. The large number of resulting jobseekers in a single industry is likely to make the job search difficult for those losing their jobs. The mood in at the Uetlihof […]
Swiss government throws lifeline to Red Cross
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is facing financial difficulties due to numerous crises and record numbers of people in humanitarian distress, alongside a fall in donations. This week, Switzerland’s Federal Council offered to provide a CHF 50 million loan and delay the repayment of Covid loans by four years to give the […]
One third of Swiss ski resorts threatened by climate change
Under a scenario where the planet warms by 2 degrees one third of Swiss ski domains would probably not receive sufficient snow to be viable, according to a report published on nature climate change, reported RTS. Between 1961 to 1990, one in five winter seasons provided poor snow. With a 2 degree rise in temperatures […]
The hardest cantons to become Swiss
Becoming a Swiss citizen is a lengthy and sometimes arduous process. For those with an EU passport 10 years of residency is required before applying. In addition, there are language requirements, general knowledge tests, proof of not having received welfare recently and of having paid taxes, along with typically significant fees, depending on the canton. […]
Swiss politicians and voters care about different things
Democracy is built around the idea of political candidates promising policies that voters want. A recent survey suggests there are significant differences between what Swiss voters and political candidates consider important. According to the survey run by gfs.berne based on responses collected in April and May this year, several topics that have received significant political […]
More than 80% of Switzerland satisfied with life
A survey published this week shows that 82% of Switzerland’s population is at least moderately satisfied with life. The survey published by gfs.berne, based on data collected during April and May 2023, showed that only 18% of the population were either not very satisfied (13%) or not at all satisfied (5%) with life. The remaining […]
Most popular names in Switzerland in 2022
According to figures published this week by Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office, Emma and Noah were the most popular names for newborns in Switzerland in 2022. In 2021, the leaders were Mia and Noah. Noah has been the leading name for boys for three years in a row. Mia had a long run as the leading […]
Switzerland records highest annual temperature
On Thursday afternoon, the air temperature in Geneva reached 39.3 degrees celsius, its highest level in 2023. The heat was so high in schools the authorities in Geneva lifted to obligation to go to school on Thursday and Friday afternoon, reported RTS. The decision was taken to protect the health of staff and students, said […]
