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 […]
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 […]
Winter electricity cuts feared, says head of Swiss commission
Electricity cuts lasting several hours are predicted this winter in Switzerland, according to Laurianne Altwegg, vice president of the Federal Electricity Commission. This winter we should ensure we have enough candles and wood for a wood stove for those who have one, advised Altwegg in an interview with RTS. Outages may not occur, but it […]
Exceptionally heavy rain hits parts of Switzerland
After a long dry spell, skies opened in parts of Switzerland on 17 August 2022, reported RTS. 24-hour rainfall reached as high as 90 mm in parts of Ticino, in Switzerland’s Italian-speaking region. On Wednesday and Thursday evenings, thunderstorms brought heavy rain, wind and hail to certain parts of Switzerland, reported SRF. Hardest hit were […]
Covid and Ukraine aid push Switzerland’s deficit deeper into the red in 2022
On 17 August 2022, Switzerland’s government announced a new net spending estimate for 2022 showing a deficit of CHF 5 billion, more than double the budget deficit of CHF 2.3 billion announced in December 2021. The two main drivers of the higher estimated loss for 2022 are higher spending related to the Covid-19 pandemic (+3.2 […]
Abandoned animal numbers rising in French-speaking Switzerland
After a two-year lull the number of abandoned animals is on the rise, according to animal protection organisations in French-speaking Switzerland, reported RTS. Animal adoptions rose during the Covid-19 pandemic. But as people have transitioned back to normal life the number of abandoned animals has risen and the number in refuges is rising again, particularly […]
Swiss health premiums set for sharp rise in 2023
Swiss health insurance premiums are set to rise sharply in 2023, according to a new study. Price rises could reach close to 10% in some cantons. On average premiums across the country are expected to jump at least 5.4%, according to a study published by Accenture, reported RTS. One of the reasons behind the rises […]
