The end of end-of-world prophecy is nigh

The world ends on December 21 – if you were to believe pseudo-scientific readings of the Maya calendar and esoteric magazines.

This content was published on December 20, 2012 - 11:00

1 minute

Cults and esoteric experts, scientists and even Maya priests say it’s not true, but some anxious people are calling Swiss telephone hotlines and even buying survival kits. (RSI/SF/RSR/swissinfo.ch)

Climate adaptation

Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world

Cooks at work in the kitchen, pictured during a look behind the scenes at Hotel Seedamm Plaza in Pfaeffikon, canton of Schwyz, Switzerland, on March 31, 2014. (KEYSTONE/Christian Beutler)

Foreign Affairs

In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

Demographics

Suicides in Switzerland quadruple among older people

Criminals are targeting Swiss car dealerships

French gangs target luxury cars in Switzerland

The additional costs that Switzerland will incur when purchasing the US F-35 fighter jet continue to be a concern.

Swiss Politics

Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

Do you have Swiss ancestors? Are you planning to visit where they lived in Switzerland?

We’d love to hear more about your genealogical research.

Join the discussion

Jul 8, 2025

28 Likes

49 Comments

View the discussion

Swiss Abroad: How do you celebrate Swiss National Day where you live?

Do you have any special traditions for Switzerland’s birthday? Let us know where you live and how you usually celebrate.

Join the discussion

Jul 15, 2025

4 Comments

View the discussion

Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?

Some regions of the world are on an upward trajectory with the promise of a steadily improving future. Where do you live? And in which direction is your region or continent developing?

Join the discussion

Jul 21, 2025

4 Likes

4 Comments

View the discussion

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

The end of the world is nigh, again

This content was published on Jan 8, 2012 Fear of the end of time has been a feature of countless civilisations, but what humanity really dreams of is a better world, according to Mayer. To date, the world has lived through dozens if not hundreds of prophesies of its demise. Various theories interpret ominous warnings from wars, tsunamis, attacks, nuclear catastrophes, crises, pandemics…

The end of end-of-world prophecy is nigh

The world ends on December 21 – if you were to believe pseudo-scientific readings of the Maya calendar and esoteric magazines.

Popular Stories

More

Why Switzerland is among the ten fastest-warming countries in the world

More

In Switzerland four out of ten people have a migrant background – who are they?

More

Suicides in Switzerland quadruple among older people

More

French gangs target luxury cars in Switzerland

More

Renewed controversy in Switzerland over US fighter jets – explained

Most Discussed

More

Do you have Swiss ancestors? Are you planning to visit where they lived in Switzerland?

More

Swiss Abroad: How do you celebrate Swiss National Day where you live?

More

Has your continent reached its peak or is there still potential for economic growth?

More

The end of the world is nigh, again