Church goers in the cantons of Zurich and St. Gallen have been leaving the catholic church at an accelerated pace recently, reported SRF this week. Churches in most of Switzerland’s cantons receive much of their funding from voluntary church taxes. The canton of Vaud is the exception. There all taxpayers automatically contribute to the funding […]
Switzerland’s population passes 9 million
Recently published data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) show that Switzerland’s total population passed the 9 million mark at the end of June 2023, reported RTS. At the end of June 2023, 9,006,664 people were living in Switzerland. 8,902,308 were permanent residents and a further 104,356 were present on visas lasting no longer than […]
Switzerland’s catholic sex abuse investigation finds document destruction
In late 2021, the catholic church in Switzerland instructed historians to investigate sexual abuse within the organisation following evidence of widespread sexual abuse in the church in France. In May 2022 researchers from the University of Zurich started their investigation. This week they presented some of their results, reported RTS. The investigation marks the first […]
Switzerland celebrates 175 year anniversary of its Federal Constitution
On 12 September 2023, Switzerland’s parliament celebrated the 175th anniversary of the nation’s federal constitution. Exactly 175 years ago in 1848 Switzerland’s federal constitution came into force following political crisis and a war between protestants and catholics in 1847 known as the Sonderbund War. The new federal constitution gave the cantons sovereignty as long as […]
Swiss workers report fewer health risks compared to rest of Europe
A recently published survey shows 23% of employees in Switzerland reported a risk to safety or health due to their work in 2021, compared to a European average of 34%. In 2021, 23% of employees in Switzerland identified a risk to safety or health due to their work. The rate across Europe this was significantly […]
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 […]
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 […]
Demand for workers pushes up EU migration to Switzerland
Over the first half of 2023, the number of foreign residents in Switzerland rose by 47,200. Most came from the EU to work, show recently published statistics. After deducting the number of people leaving Switzerland, a net 9,384 people were added to the resident population during the first half of 2023. Much of the movement […]
Small amounts of drugs will no longer be confiscated, rules Swiss court
A recent decision by the Federal Tribunal, Switzerland’s highest court, opens the way for the police to allow drug users caught with small amounts of banned drugs to keep them, reported SRF. The federal court decision, which relates to cannabis possession, is likely to be applied to other drugs such as cocaine, according to legal […]
