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Swiss Abroad

Swiss marine scientist dives into paradise in the Seychelles

Swiss marine scientist Henriette Grimmel lives on a remote island in the Seychelles. She spends her days studying life in the ocean.

By Janine Gloor

Swiss Abroad

Swiss distiller creates world’s best vodka in Cape Verde

By Janine Gloor

Swiss Abroad

How a Swiss musician is lending a hand to people in Ukraine

By Christian Raaflaub

Swiss Abroad

How Swiss-designed wigs make their way from Bali to the big screen

By Janine Gloor

Are young women and men in Switzerland drifting apart?

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 Political views of young women and men are drifting apart – a phenomenon that can be observed around the world.

China-US rivalry over artificial intelligence: what role for Switzerland?

This content was published on Feb 2, 2025 AI expert Bhaskar Chakravorti analyses the growing rivalry between the US and China on AI and Switzerland’s possible role.

An eye-opening guide to Switzerland’s ear-splitting sirens

This content was published on Feb 1, 2025 Every year, on the first Wednesday in February, the sound of 7,200 sirens fills the Alpine air, startling anyone who doesn’t know it’s a test.

Switzerland Today

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 Who wants to replace Viola Amherd in the Federal Council? Two government studies with very different consequences, and ski star Marco Odermatt.

A double triumph in Locarno raises the profile of Lithuanian cinema

This content was published on Feb 2, 2025 At the Locarno Film Festival in 2024, two Lithuanian films swept up five prizes, including the Golden Leopard.

Participants wait in the main lobby of the congress center prior to special address followed by a dialogue with US President Donald J. Trump, during the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland, Thursday, January 23, 2025.

Argentina, China, Thailand, Kosovo: Switzerland pushes free trade at the WEF

This content was published on Feb 1, 2025 Switzerland uses the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos as a key platform for trade diplomacy. This year, it took an especially active role.

Switzerland’s new 2035 climate goals disappoint

This content was published on Jan 31, 2025 The Swiss government has set new 2035 greenhouse gas emissions targets as part of its commitment to combat climate change. But environmental groups are unimpressed.

Coming soon Lost Cells A podcast uncovering the human stories behind private stem cell banking's promises and failures. Get notified

Recent stories for the Swiss Abroad community

Swiss Abroad

Spring begins in Geneva when the official horse chestnut tree says so

It’s spring in Geneva when the secretary general of the cantonal parliament sees the first leaf on the city’s official horse chestnut.

By Zeno Zoccatelli

Swiss Abroad

Solothurn, the Swiss city that goes up to 11

By Riccardo Franciolli

Luc Liebster in the cramped kitchen of the Canopia.

Swiss Abroad

Swiss chef Luc Liebster blends cultures with unique culinary creations

By Flurina Dünki

Swiss Politics

‘Parliamentarians are constantly campaigning’

By Samuel Jaberg

Guide to moving abroad

Emigration and pension benefits: how to save on taxes

This content was published on Jan 28, 2025 Taxes are due when withdrawing pension fund capital. Swiss citizens living abroad may, under certain circumstances, reclaim a portion of these taxes.

Swiss abroad health insurance – what are the options?

This content was published on Jan 6, 2025 Should you take out insurance abroad? Or with a health insurance company in Switzerland? Is that even possible? We explain.

A family of five paddling in the sea at sunset, on the beach.

Emigration: what steps should I take to leave Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 This article, along with a practical checklist, will guide you step by step through the emigration process – supplemented with further helpful articles and links.

Emigrating with family: what to do if a child doesn’t want to move

This content was published on Dec 17, 2024 New surroundings, new school, new friends – emigration can be a daunting prospect for children. Two experts share their tips.

From emigration to arrival: How to successfully integrate abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 From culture shock to new friendships: experts share their tips for successful integration and making new friends.

young woman sitting on the floor in an empty room with laptop and suitcase

What you need to know to get a job abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Emigrating from Switzerland in search of work in another country? Here is some sound advice.

Files next to a globe on a desk in an office of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office in Neuchatel in the canton of Neuchatel, Switzerland, pictured on November 6, 2010.

Tax information when emigrating from Switzerland: what you need to know

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Tax liability in Switzerland does not always end at the country’s border – here’s what you should bear in mind when moving abroad.

Bank account for Swiss citizens living abroad

Five things to know about your Swiss bank account before emigrating

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Swiss Abroad frequently pay significantly higher fees at Swiss banks than their compatriots in Switzerland. You can find an overview of prices here.

Private relocation, two young ladies carry a crate into a house. packing boxes well is inmportant for Moving abroad

Moving abroad: a helpful checklist

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Planning on emigrating? This checklist including expert tips will guide you through the logistical steps.

From CV to interview: how to apply for a job abroad

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Applying for jobs in other countries means adjusting to different standards and expectations.

Swiss state pensions abroad and what you need to know

This content was published on Apr 8, 2023 How can I claim my state pension abroad? Can I still make voluntary contributions from outside Switzerland? Answers to some FAQs.

Swiss passengers queuing to check in their luggage in a Swiss airport

Culture shock: The four phases of emigration

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Moving abroad is an exciting but often challenging experience. Many emigrants experience different phases between culture shock and assimilation.

Voting from abroad: How to register for Swiss elections

This content was published on Oct 16, 2024 Switzerland grants voting rights to its citizens living abroad. If you want to exercise your voting rights, you must first get on the electoral register.

Swiss Oddities

An eye-opening guide to Switzerland’s ear-splitting sirens

This content was published on Feb 1, 2025 Every year, on the first Wednesday in February, the sound of 7,200 sirens fills the Alpine air, startling anyone who doesn’t know it’s a test.

Spring begins in Geneva when the official horse chestnut tree says so

This content was published on Jan 25, 2025 It’s spring in Geneva when the secretary general of the cantonal parliament sees the first leaf on the city’s official horse chestnut.

Weapons or uniforms? The cost-cutting Swiss army has chosen

This content was published on Jan 18, 2025 One casualty of the Swiss Armed Forces’ austerity measures is the dapper service uniform.

Solothurn, the Swiss city that goes up to 11

This content was published on Jan 11, 2025 Eleven is a magic number for residents of Solothurn, Switzerland’s most beautiful Baroque city. But why?

Happy – and creepy – New Year in Switzerland!

This content was published on Dec 31, 2024 Billions of people around the world will be marking the New Year somehow – and the tradition-loving Swiss are no exception.

Ubersitz, the utterly unique – and deafening – Swiss custom

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 At the end of the year the villages around Meiringen pump up the volume and bizarre characters celebrate the ancient tradition of Ubersitz.

Switzerland, the promised land of coats of arms

This content was published on Dec 14, 2024 Most Swiss families have a coat of arms. This may come as a surprise abroad, where heraldry is often the preserve of nobility.

How Swiss festive bad boy Schmutzli cleaned up his act

This content was published on Dec 7, 2024 Once upon a time, a mysterious dark-faced figure would enter Swiss homes on December 6, beating and (briefly) abducting children into behaving better. Schmutzli needed an image makeover.

The CHF1,000 dance of death and other unforgettable Swiss banknotes

This content was published on Nov 30, 2024 The Swiss National Bank puts a lot of thought into the design of its banknotes, some of which really grabbed the public’s imagination.

Hornussen, the Swiss national sport with a sting

This content was published on Nov 23, 2024 The Swiss sport of Hornussen invariably generates stunned reactions from people seeing it for the first time.

An alphorn player in traditional costume on a meadow overlooking Lake Lucerne.

In search of the ‘authentic’ Swiss musical instrument

This content was published on Nov 16, 2024 The alphorn is the most emblematic instrument in Swiss folklore, but not necessarily the most authentic.

Heard the one about the Swiss company installing laugh detectors?

This content was published on Nov 9, 2024 A Swiss insurer is testing the frequency of laughter in an office to improve job satisfaction. Workers who don’t laugh enough are sent an email with a funny video.

Gold-digging: why some Swiss bury their wealth in the garden

This content was published on Nov 2, 2024 The Swiss sometimes keep their gold in surprising places.

When a Roman emperor risks falling from his pedestal

This content was published on Oct 26, 2024 Almost 85 years after its discovery, the identity of the golden bust from Avenches remains a mystery.

The surprising boom of Switzerland’s least-loved coin

This content was published on Oct 19, 2024 Switzerland’s five-centime/Rappen coin is one of the least popular coins in Swiss wallets, so why is the number in circulation shooting up?

Our highlights

Coming soon: our new podcast ‘Lost Cells’

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Come visit us on TikTok for our behind-the-scenes footage and short videos on everything from culture to politics to Swiss traditions.

Swiss popular votes – everything you need to know

Subscribe to our special newsletter to get all the latest information you need on Swiss popular votes.

Watch us on YouTube!

Visit our YouTube channel for informative and entertaining videos on a range of topics, including science, politics and Swiss people living abroad.

Listen to science stories with our podcast: The Swiss Connection

Explore Science stories and research from Swiss universities, research institutions and businesses. Please listen and follow the Swiss Connection Podcast.

Follow us on WhatsApp

Receive news from Switzerland and our latest stories directly in WhatsApp. Check out our new channel and make sure to hit ‘follow’.

Download the SWIplus app and stay informed

Do you want to stay informed abroad? Now our app SWIplus offers even more Switzerland: with news, stories and our briefing!

Newsletters

Follow us on Threads

We’re now live on Threads too. Tap this link to follow our new account and get updates on all our stories from Switzerland.

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Swiss Film Selection

SWI swissinfo.ch offers a selection of Swiss films in English chosen from the Swiss streaming platform Play Suisse.

Let’s talk

“Let’s Talk” is SWI swissinfo.ch’s format to discuss relevant topics with high-profile experts and political figures.

Special reports

Check out our long format stories on topics like the Swiss pharma industry, Switzerland’s struggles with dirty gold, and living in the Alps.

Switzerland: How To

How do you dispose of rubbish in Switzerland? What are the visa requirements? It’s all here.

Join the conversation

We’d love to hear what you think about what’s going on in the world. You can find all of our debate questions here.

Palestinian solidarity demonstration draws 2,000 people in Geneva

This content was published on Jan 26, 2025 Some 2,200 people took to the streets in Geneva Saturday to show solidarity with the Palestinian people and to denounce Swiss policy in the Middle East.

Iran nuclear talks in Geneva before Trump's return

Geneva hosts Iran nuclear talks before return of Trump

This content was published on Jan 14, 2025 Iran and the main European powers began two days of talks in Geneva on Iran’s nuclear programme on Monday, a week ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president.

Opinion

Iran won’t compromise on nuclear issues unless forced

This content was published on Jan 12, 2025 Germany, France and the UK are meeting in Geneva to discuss the future of Iran’s nuclear programme. How can they push Iran to end it?

Swiss foreign ministry to re-examine case of Swiss Islamic State fighter

This content was published on Dec 27, 2024 The Federal Supreme Court has accepted the appeal of a Swiss former fighter for the Islamic State held in Syria.

Divisional Officer Patrick Gauchat now also responsible for Golan Heights

Swiss major-general named acting head of UN observer force in Golan Heights

This content was published on Dec 23, 2024 Major-General Patrick Gauchat has been appointed acting head of the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) in the Golan Heights.

Iran summons Swiss ambassador over US and Italy arrests

This content was published on Dec 22, 2024 Iran has summoned the Swiss ambassador, who represents US interests, to protest against the arrest in the US and Italy of two Iranians.

Swiss midwife responds to call for aid from Gaza

This content was published on Dec 21, 2024 Drones, conflict, and new life: Swiss midwife Tamara Bonc describes what it’s like to work in the Red Cross Field Hospital in Rafah.

Child sitting on top of bags of flour donated to UNRWA

Switzerland and UNRWA: timeline of a rocky relationship

This content was published on Dec 19, 2024 Switzerland is considering ending its funding for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees – the latest chapter in the country’s turbulent history with the agency.

Parliament wants to ban Shia militia Hezbollah in Switzerland

Parliament votes to ban Shia militia Hezbollah in Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 17, 2024 Swiss lawmakers want to ban the Lebanese Shiite militia Hezbollah in addition to the Palestinian organisation Hamas.

Syria needs more "immediate humanitarian aid

UN envoy to Syria calls for ‘immediate humanitarian aid’

This content was published on Dec 15, 2024 According to UN estimates, over a million people have been displaced since the rebel offensive aimed at ousting Bashar al-Assad.

A woman waves an Syrian opposition flag in celebration days after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's government in Damascus, on December 12, 2024.

Swiss justice minister discusses plight of Syrian migrants in Brussels

This content was published on Dec 13, 2024 Swiss Justice Minister Beat Jans met his European counterparts in Brussels on Thursday to discuss the situation of Syrian asylum-seekers in Europe. Jans called for coordinated action by European states.

Gaza has been at the centre of conflict since the 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas

Switzerland supports UN Gaza ceasefire resolution

This content was published on Dec 12, 2024 Switzerland votes in favour of a UN resolution calling for lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of the hostage.

Hamas fighters celebrate the massacre of Israelis on 7 October 2023.

What does banning Hamas mean for neutral Switzerland?

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 Is Swiss foreign policy harmed if the neutral country bans Hamas? No, says parliament.

Parliament endorses five-year ban on Hamas

Swiss parliament approves a five-year ban on Hamas

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 Hamas will become a banned group in Switzerland for five years.

SEM: suspension of asylum procedures affects 500 Syrians in Switzerland

About 500 Syrians affected by Swiss asylum freeze

This content was published on Dec 11, 2024 The suspension of asylum procedures decided Monday following the fall of Bashar al-Assad affects 500 Syrian applicants in Switzerland.

As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?

In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?

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Discovering ancient microorganisms inside Swiss glaciers

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 Follow a team of scientists on the Rhône glacier as they hunt for new – and potentially beneficial – microorganisms which are increasingly being released from the melting ice.

Should the Swiss economy be forced to respect the limits of nature?

This content was published on Jan 23, 2025 On February 9, the Swiss will vote on the “environmental responsibility” initiative. The text requires the economy to respect the planet’s limits.

‘Uncertainty is the worst enemy of international trade’

This content was published on Jan 10, 2025 Against a backdrop of geopolitical turmoil, with whom and how should Switzerland trade? Our Let’s Talk debate tackles these issues.

Photo of two women sitting at a desk in an office looking at their laptops

How we work: the impact of our investigations

This content was published on Dec 28, 2024 How do SWI swissinfo.ch journalists conduct their investigations, and what impact do they have?

‘Parliamentarians are constantly campaigning’

This content was published on Dec 4, 2024 One year after Swiss national elections, are parliamentarians still in tune with the people and are they defending the interests of the Swiss Abroad?

The 10 Million initiative: putting a cap on immigration.

Putting the brakes on immigration in Switzerland

This content was published on Dec 2, 2024 The right-wing Swiss People’s Party has launched an initiative to stop the Swiss population exceeding 10 million people.

The rocky relationship between Switzerland and the European Union

This content was published on Nov 26, 2024 The Swiss president, Viola Amherd, would like to seal a deal by the end of the year to update relations with the European Union.

How the poorest country in Europe is integrating 120,000 Ukrainian refugees

This content was published on Nov 25, 2024 No country has taken in as many Ukrainian refugees relative to its population as the Republic of Moldova.

Reactions to ‘no’ vote on Swiss motorway expansion project

This content was published on Nov 24, 2024 On Sunday, a majority of Swiss voters (52.7%) rejected a CHF5 billion government plan to extend key stretches of the motorway network.

Motorway expansion vote: ‘We need to rethink the way we travel’

This content was published on Nov 14, 2024 Should Switzerland widen part of its motorway network? The two guests in our Let’s Talk debate discuss the proposal on which voters will decide on November 24.

Does Switzerland need bigger motorways?

This content was published on Nov 5, 2024 The Swiss are about to vote on a government plan to add lanes to six stretches of the country’s A1 motorway. The referendum will be held on November 24, 2024.

Lift off! Swiss students build next-gen reusable rockets

This content was published on Oct 10, 2024 Rocket-building used to be the sole preserve of space-faring nations like the United States or Russia. Now many other players are getting involved from private companies to young researchers, even from Switzerland.

Breaking menstruation taboos in West Africa

This content was published on Oct 7, 2024 Over 300 million girls and women worldwide menstruate every day, yet in West Africa the topic remains taboo. Some NGOs are trying to change local attitudes to periods.

Fish stocks hit by warming lakes. Climate change seems partly to blame.

Fish species are disappearing as Swiss lakes warm up

This content was published on Sep 26, 2024 As temperatures climb in Switzerland, Swiss lakes, fish species and their natural habitat are also suffering. A look at the impact on Lake Geneva.

Biodiversity initiative: Reactions to the rejection

This content was published on Sep 22, 2024 Our reporters, Zeno Zoccatelli and Christian Raaflaub, have been speaking to both the initiative committee and the group opposing the referendum.

External Content

Bloomberg Business

This content was published on Feb 4, 2025 – 01:11

Asian Shares Advance After Trump Delays Tariffs: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 22:47

S&P 500 Cuts Most of Its Losses on Tariff Hopes: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 17:55

European Shares Pare Drop as Mexican Tariffs Delayed for a Month

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 15:31

Julius Baer CEO’s First Strategy Moves Marred by Benko Hangover

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 13:56

Safra Sarasin Is Said to Explore Deal for Denmark’s Saxo Bank

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 – 09:50

Julius Baer Plunges as Bank Announces Cuts But No Strategy Plan

This content was published on Feb 1, 2025 – 12:48

Jail Sentence For Trafigura Powerbroker Shows Bribery Crackdown

This content was published on Jan 31, 2025 – 22:49

Stocks Jolted by Tariff Anxiety as Dollar Climbs: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jan 31, 2025 – 17:43

Trafigura and Ex-COO Convicted of Bribery by Swiss Court

This content was published on Jan 31, 2025 – 09:17

Novartis Sees Profit Gaining Despite Copycats for Top Drug

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 – 23:28

Tariff Talk Shakes Currencies as Apple Whipsaws: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 – 15:46

ABB Electrification Unit Powers Ahead While Automation Lags

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 – 13:07

Hearing-Aid Maker Transforms Into Unlikely AI Stock Winner

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 – 10:10

Swiss Gold Exports to US Surged Last Month on Trump Tariff Fears

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 – 09:29

Swatch Profit Plunges Almost 75%, Hit by Weakness in China

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 – 09:07

Roche Sees Profit Growth Outpacing Sales With Deals Ahead

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 – 23:35

Stocks Fall on Fed Day as Tech Mixed in Late Hours: Markets Wrap

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 – 23:15

Trump Reverses Spending Freeze Order That Sparked Chaos

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 – 14:41

Swiss End EU Stock Market Restrictions as Relations Improve

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 – 06:00

Swiss Set to Reject Strict Emission Curbs in Vote, Polls Show

Five ways health authorities hope to end medicine shortages

This content was published on Jan 31, 2025 Authorities in many countries are scrambling for solutions to mounting shortages of medicine. Will any of them work?

A surfer in Biarritz, France, December 2015. The AMOC is the current that is largely responsible for the warm climate in Europe.

How a Swiss-US study challenges what we know about the Gulf Stream system

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), the system of currents vital to regulating the European climate, has not shown any sign of decline in the last 60 years, a new study shows.

China's DeepSeek R1 model has set new standards on efficiency

Switzerland caught in middle of US-China race for AI dominance

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 The US is threatening to choke the supply of AI chips to Switzerland just as Chinese DeepSeek model boosts innovation.

WEF's host and hostess pose for a groupe picture on the stage of the Congress Hall prior to the 55th annual meeting of the World Economic Forum, WEF, in Davos, Switzerland, Monday,

How Swiss companies lobby in Brussels and at the WEF

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 New analysis shows where lobbyists and the European Commission met most often. And which Swiss-based organisations lobby in Brussels.

The Swiss-EU bilateral treaty updates, explained

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 Switzerland has negotiated a new agreement with the EU, marking a new chapter in the history of a complex relationship. What is set to change?

Ecological overhaul of Swiss economy faces ballot box defeat, poll finds

This content was published on Jan 29, 2025 A majority of voters at home and abroad look set to reject the “environmental responsibility initiative” on February 9, according to a new survey.

Beyond Godard’s shadow: in search of the evasive Anne-Marie Miéville

She doesn't have to yell to make her point: Anne-Marie Miéville with Jean-Luc Godard in a scene of her film "Nous sommes tous encore ici" (We are all still here), 1996.

This content was published on Jan 30, 2025 The Swiss filmmaker Anne-Marie Miéville is perhaps best-known as Jean-Luc Godard’s partner in life and art. Her films are now gaining new attention at festivals.

The Swiss Alps, a new Eldorado for real estate developers

This content was published on Jan 22, 2025 The Swiss Alps are attracting a growing number of investors, prepared to pump hundreds of millions of francs into vast tourist complexes. But at what cost?

What happened to the Olympic millions for breaking?

This content was published on Jan 22, 2025 An investigation into breaking at the Olympics reveals a story of power plays, opaque cash flows and dodgy deals.

Abortion in Europe: a right for some, a fight for millions of others

This content was published on Jan 21, 2025 As US President Donald Trump takes office following a campaign where access to abortion was a central theme, Europe also finds itself at a crossroads between liberal policies and restrictive laws.

Illustration of a person climbing a mountain and another person with a snowboard

Beyond the peaks: seven films to discover the Swiss mountains

This content was published on Jan 19, 2025 This season of Swiss Films celebrates the Swiss mountains, from punk winter sports and climbing legends to pioneering women and melting glaciers.

"It is impossible to fully go back, neither physically nor as a person," says Chris/Nadia Brönimann.

Switzerland’s most renowned trans person no longer wants to be a woman

This content was published on Jan 12, 2025 Chris Brönimann became Nadia just before the turn of the millennium. Now Switzerland’s most famous transgender figure is publicly grappling with regret over that choice.

Actor Tilda Swinton in a scene from The Room Next Door.

How film and literature have influenced the acceptance of assisted suicide

This content was published on Jan 6, 2025 Powerful stories of assisted dying are etched in our collective memory. Now, a research project from Switzerland is gathering artistic works on the subject.

In Focus

Illustration by Philip Schaufelberger shows an arid landscape being harvested with assistance from IV injections.

How Switzerland is managing foreign aid at a time of global upheaval

Switzerland, like other rich nations, is grappling with a shrinking foreign aid budget, as the war in Ukraine forces a reset in its priorities.

Moldova: A small neutral country at the crossroads between the EU and Russia

Switzerland is committed to democracy education and the integration of Ukrainians in Moldova.

What does the future hold for Swiss neutrality?

Switzerland is grappling with a key question: should it follow a path of openness or isolationism?

Why melting glaciers affect us all

Alpine glaciers could disappear by the end of the century. The consequences will be felt not only in the Swiss Alps but throughout Europe.

Sister republics: Switzerland and the US

The US and Switzerland were known as “sister republics”. Explore the links that still bind these two very dissimilar countries.

Swiss federal votes on September 22, 2024

Biodiversity and pensions are on the agenda for the federal votes on September 22.

Taiwan: a model democracy

Taiwan has developed into an exemplary democracy. This can be seen in schools as well as in election campaigns – despite or because of its precarious status.

Swiss federal votes on June 9

Two initiatives aimed at stemming healthcare costs took centre stage when voters went to the polls on June 9.

illustration depicting federal voting in Switzerland.

Federal votes on March 3, 2024

Pension reform is once again at the heart of Swiss politics. On March 3, voters will decide on two people’s initiatives from opposing camps.

The key ingredients of the Swiss financial sector

Switzerland’s fabled financial sector is made up of several crucial elements.

illustration: sport washing the world cup

Sportswashing the World Cup from Geneva

This three-part investigation shows the lengths to which Qatar went to whitewash its reputation and the role Geneva played in this marketing stunt.

The ethics of artificial intelligence

The challenges are immense for Switzerland, which is one of the leading developers of artificial intelligence (AI).

Important members of the Swiss-Kosovan diaspora

Kosovo in Switzerland, Switzerland in Kosovo

The two small mountain countries are linked by a dense network of relationships: political, economic, historical, but above all human.

Swiss solutions for storing the energy of tomorrow

The global challenge is not only to produce more energy from renewable sources, but also to store it efficiently and sustainably.

A global stress test for freedom of expression

One of democracy’s fundamental pillars is under attack, and under scrutiny, across the world.

Are young women and men in Switzerland drifting apart?

This content was published on Feb 3, 2025 Political views of young women and men are drifting apart – a phenomenon that can be observed around the world.

a girl holds up a sign with "girl power" written on it,

Are initiatives to combat gender-based violence having an impact?

This content was published on Nov 29, 2024 Authorities and civil society are looking for ways to deal with gender-based violence. Are these initiatives having an impact? Join the discussion.

The Swiss have embraced AI at record speed

This content was published on Nov 21, 2024 A new study shows that half of the Swiss population uses AI but the technology is also increasing digital inequality.

Woman sitting looking over the Aletsch glacier

Most Swiss doubt politicians’ ability to deal with climate change

This content was published on Nov 18, 2024 Two-thirds of Swiss believe global warming is a serious problem. However, only about a third thinks Swiss politicians can take sufficient measures on the issue.

Few people are sitting on the benches in a catholic church.

Poll finds over half of Swiss residents don’t believe in God

This content was published on Nov 15, 2024 More than half of people in Switzerland who took part in a recent survey say they do not believe in God.

Hard drugs: does prohibition sometimes do more harm than good?

This content was published on Nov 1, 2024 How can the growing consumption of crack cocaine in Switzerland be tackled? And what support can be provided to addicts? Join in the discussion!

Broken picture frame with an image of a woman with a child. - Picture frame, child, woman, shattered.

Fighting paedophile crime: What is the right balance between prevention and punishment?

This content was published on Oct 25, 2024 To fight paedophilia-related crimes, vigilante justice can take on a radical form. Fair or foul?

A customer sits behind his full shopping trolley and looks at his mobile phone

Cost-of-living crisis: only a minority of Swiss say they feel the pinch

This content was published on Oct 24, 2024 Around one-third of Swiss residents and the Swiss Abroad say their financial situation is a strain, while four out of five believe the wealth gap in Switzerland is too wide, a new survey shows.

Young person holding a cigarette in their hand.

New Swiss tobacco law: are minors sufficiently protected?

This content was published on Oct 3, 2024 Are minors in Switzerland sufficiently protected from the risks of tobacco consumption? Join the multilingual debate on “dialogue”!

Hunting: where two visions of nature clash

This content was published on Sep 19, 2024 It’s the hunting season again in Switzerland. Hunting is a well-established tradition in rural and mountain regions in Switzerland, but it also sparks criticism.

A smartphone with the APP of social networks Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin, Mastodon and X is pictured in Lausanne, Switzerland, Tuesday, September 12, 2023.(KEYSTONE/Laurent Gillieron)

Poll: Swiss are fed up with social media

This content was published on Sep 12, 2024 According to the latest figures, social media is being used less. One of the reasons: the platforms are no longer truly social.

Das Bundeshaus in Bern, aufgenommen bei starkem Wind

Poll: Switzerland is rather sceptical about the future

This content was published on Sep 5, 2024 Overall, people in Switzerland and the Swiss Abroad are doing well. But they are more pessimistic about the future than they were a year ago.

Poll: Swiss Abroad pensioners are enthusiastic while workers struggle

This content was published on Sep 5, 2024 Swiss pensioners abroad are generally happy with their lives but Swiss nationals who live and work overseas are less satisfied than the average citizen.

A man takes a prototype of the new insurance certificate of the AHV-IV (AHV: Federal old-age and bereaved people insurance/IV: Disabled people insurance) out of his wallet

‘Dialogue’: should the 2022 vote on the Swiss pension system be re-run?

This content was published on Aug 15, 2024 After news of miscalculated financial forecasts on the pension system, left-wingers want a re-run of a 2022 vote. What’s your opinion? Join the discussion on “dialogue”!

Waiter dressed in black in a restaurant in Zurich,

The ‘dialogue’ community wants to know: do we need a four-day work week?

This content was published on Aug 9, 2024 Should Switzerland introduce a four-day work week? Learn more about the topic with a selection of multimedia content and join the discussion.

People watch the fireworks during the Swiss National Day celebrations in Nyon on Monday 1 August 2022.

Swiss National Day: should fireworks for private individuals be banned?

This content was published on Aug 1, 2024 Many Swiss celebrate Swiss National Day on August 1 with fireworks. But the topic is controversial.

A nurse holding the hand of an elderly woman in a nursing home.

Assisted suicide: death with dignity or ethical dilemma?

This content was published on Jul 29, 2024 Assisted suicide is considered a controversial and personal topic. Does it mean death with dignity, or does it inevitably lead to an ethical dilemma?

Dr. Fernando Taveras, a psychiatrist and Hispanic mental healthcare expert with SOMOS Community Care Clinic, holds a model of a brain as he stands for a portrait in New York on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Mental health experts, community clinics and politicians are working to create new programs to break down barriers that Latinos might face to getting therapy or treatment.

Is Switzerland in a mental health crisis?

This content was published on Jul 19, 2024 Mental health has shifted more into focus in Switzerland, and the latest figures confirm an increase in mental illness.

Participating in democracy, a challenge for the Swiss Abroad

This content was published on Jul 12, 2024 Should the Swiss Abroad have more political influence in Switzerland? Join the discussion on “dialogue”.

Tourists wait with their cars for free parking spaces at the church car park, on Sunday, 19 May 2024 in Lauterbrunnen in the Bernese Oberland. The holiday resort of Lauterbrunnen wants to introduce an entrance fee for day tourists travelling by car. Like many other tourist resorts around the world, the municipality in the Bernese Oberland struggles with large streams of tourists.

Mass tourism in Switzerland: beneficial or detrimental?

This content was published on Jul 5, 2024 While some see tourism in Switzerland as a welcome boost, others are concerned about too many tourists in certain regions.