Swiss revealed to be culture vultures

Two-thirds of the population went to concerts, visited historical sites or monuments or went to the cinema last year, a survey of Swiss cultural activity has found.

Young people tend to take more advantage of what is on offer culturally, particularly films and concerts, although educational level and household income also play an important role in access to culture.

The study, published jointly by the Federal Statistics Office and the Federal Culture Office, also shows that the Swiss like not only to watch but to join in, particularly when it comes to music.

The rate of participation in amateur music making is twice the European average. One in five people can play a musical instrument and 16 per cent are involved in singing.

The last Statistics Office survey of cultural practices was carried out in 1988.

The new study, based on a representative sample of the permanently resident population aged 15 and over, will be used to help develop cultural policy.

swissinfo.ch and agencies