Swiss population is becoming more diverse
The number of people with a ‘migration background’ in Switzerland is growing. In 2014, more than one third of people aged over 15 had roots abroad.
The term ‘migration background’ applies to those without a Swiss passport, those who have become Swiss and those who were born in Switzerland to parents who were born abroad.
Between 2013 and 2014 the number of adults from a migration background in Switzerland grew by 3%, while the percentage of those without such a background grew by 0.4%, according to the latest figures released by the Federal Statistical Office on Tuesday.
The majority of people within this growth category of the population come from European Union (EU) or European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, or are Swiss citizens. In some parts of the country, the majority of people living there have a migrant background. In Geneva for example, this figure is 61%, and in Basel, it stands at 51%. The nationwide average is 35%.
More than a third of the population with a migration background has a Swiss passport.
The second largest group within this category of the population is the Italians among the men (13%), and Germans among the women (9%).
The data came from the Swiss work force survey (SAKE).
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