Data published this week by Switzerland’s Federal Statistical Office show that 28% of children aged 0 to 12 years old were looked after by their grandparents. Overall, 61% of children under 13 years old spend part of their time being looked after by someone other than their parents. 35% spend time in childcare, 28% with […]
Large differences in number of C-section births across Switzerland
In Switzerland, around a third of births are by caesarean section. However, this average hides a significant difference between French- and German-speaking Switzerland, reported RTS. In 2021, there were 86,800 births of which 28,500 were delivered by caesarean section (33%). Overall, Switzerland has one of the highest rates of caesarean section in Europe. In France […]
New low cost passes for under 25s on Swiss trains
On 28 March 2023, SwissPass launched three new train passes for those under 25. The first is the “AG Night Pass”. This costs CHF 99 a year and allows the holder to make unlimited journeys on the Swiss Rail network after 7 pm. It is also valid on trains before 7 am at the weekends. […]
Ticks and lyme disease – it’s time to be careful
As the weather warms ticks emerge in their tiny nymph form. These small blood sucking insects carry diseases, bad ones. April, May, June, July and August are when most people get infected, according to the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health. Ticks become active when the temperature reaches 7 degrees. In 2023, they have started […]
Swiss government approves more money for childcare
This week, the federal government voted in favour of providing more money to parents for childcare, reported RTS. Parliament voted 107 versus 79 in favour of higher subsidies for childcare up to the end of primary school. The federal government is funding the creation of extra capacity in nurseries and other childcare facilities. Valérie Piller […]
Paid antenatal leave rejected by Swiss government
On 1 March 2023, Switzerland’s parliament rejected a plan to provide three weeks of paid antenatal leave, reported RTS. Parliament rejected the idea put forward by the Socialist Party by 107 votes to 73. According to those behind the plan, Switzerland is the only European nation that doesn’t offer paid antenatal leave. Those opposed to […]
Living alone most common way to live in Switzerland
Data published this week by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) show the number of single person households continues to rise. Eight years ago there were 1.3 million single person households. The latest figures show there are 1.4 million, a rise of around 10%. This type of household makes up 38.4% of the total, up from […]
Only 19% of Swiss youth positive about future
After taking a dive during the pandemic, life satisfaction bounced back in Switzerland, according to a recent survey. However, among those aged 18 to 25 life satisfaction has continued to decline, falling from 43% in 2021 to 19% in 2022. The aim of the annual survey is to assess the generation gap in Switzerland. Overall, […]
1 in 8 young people in French-speaking Switzerland has an e-cigarette habit
In French-speaking Switzerland 1 in 8 young people aged 14-25 is a frequent e-cigarette smoker, reported RTS. The study by Unisanté shows that two thirds would like to stop the highly addictive habit. The e-cigarette of choice for most children and young people is the disposable kind shown above. They are relatively cheap, small, easy […]
Professional training boosts pay by 46% in Switzerland
Switzerland offers workers the possibility of obtaining professional qualifications while working. Around 27,500 people graduate from these federally recognised higher vocational education programmes every year. Six years after graduating from these programmes the median income for a full-time job is about CHF 7,800 per month, compared with the CHF 5,300 received five years before obtaining […]
