The Swiss community around the globe

Around 760,000 Swiss citizens live outside the country's borders, making up about 10% of the total population. Most expats reside in neighbouring European countries. There is also a considerable Swiss abroad community in North America.

Registered expatriates have had the right to take part in votes and elections since 1992. The introduction of e-voting and concerns about the network of embassies and consulates are among the key concerns of the Swiss Abroad.

News and background

#SWIonTour Swiss in Boston discuss value of being heard in Bern

For the mobile Swiss community, should official voting materials be issued in English, too?

By Michele Andina (videographer) and Susan Misicka (moderator) in Boston

Swiss in the US: Part 4 of 4 The Swiss who ‘love that dirty water’

Members of the Swiss Society of Boston have traded the Aare, Emme and Rhine for the Charles.

By Susan Misicka in Boston

Swiss in the US: Part 3 of 4 Hundreds of Swiss in ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’

The Twin Cities Swiss American Association, founded in 1973, boasts 425 members – 43 of whom have joined in the past year.

By Susan Misicka in Minneapolis

Profiles

#SWIonTour What does an honorary consul do?

Meet the man bridging the distance between Switzerland and its people in Colorado, USA.

By Susan Misicka in Denver

Swiss National Day What being Swiss means to these expats

Today isn’t a federal holiday for Swiss people living abroad, but many will be thinking about their homeland.

#WeAreSwissAbroad What makes Germany different from Switzerland?

It was romance that enticed David Schaffner, 25, to leave Switzerland and move to Germany. But there’s more to like about Germany than just love.

By Christian Raaflaub

E-voting

Interview: Remo Gysin Expat Swiss lament government’s ‘lack of leadership’ on e-voting

E-voting is no longer an option for the parliamentary elections in October. What does this mean for the expatriate Swiss community?

By Urs Geiser

#SWIontour Swiss in Minnesota call for compromise and e-voting

Finding middle ground in an increasingly polarized political landscape is key, say Swiss voters living in the American Midwest.

By Michele Andina (videographer) and Susan Misicka (moderator) in Spring Park, MN

Swiss schools abroad

Schools abroad Swiss school in China celebrates opening

The Swiss School in Beijing – the first of its kind in China - has celebrated its official opening.

Difficulties Swiss school in Milan causes media uproar

The Swiss school in Milan has been asked to amend its statutes following an outcry over its recommendations against pupils with learning difficulties.

Global education How Swiss schools abroad stand out in a competitive market

Switzerland has a network of 18 schools abroad, all over the world, but not evenly distributed.

By Isobel Leybold-Johnson

Young Swiss abroad

100 Years of Young Swiss Abroad "So that every child can get to know their roots"

For a century, the Foundation for Young Swiss Abroad has enabled children with Swiss roots to spend holidays in Switzerland.

By Christian Raaflaub, Hergiswil LU

Opinion Should Switzerland have a parliament for young people?

Moves are afoot to create a new national youth parliament in Switzerland. The time has come to empower young people in politics, argues Jonas ...

By Jonas Hirschi

Congress of the Swiss Abroad, Basel 2017

Swiss Abroad Congress Martha Neidecker-Cabrera, US

Mexican-Swiss Martha Neidecker-Cabrera really likes the concept of the Organisation of the Swiss Abroad.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Monika Tiffany, US

First-time congress attendee Monika Tiffany feels Swiss banks should make banking less of a hassle for Swiss citizens living abroad.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Franz Boos, US

Besides e-voting and pension reform, Swiss expatriate Franz Boos is concerned about banking services.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Nicolas Szita, England

London-based Nicolas Szita thinks Swiss living abroad should be more bold regarding certain issues.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Cecilia Scherrer, Australia

For Basel native Cecilia Scherrer, it's important to bring a touch of Swissness to Australia.

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Swiss Abroad Congress Franz Muheim, Scotland

Originally from St Gallen, Franz Muheim now lives in Schotland, where he teaches particle physics at the University of Edinburgh. He serves as ...

By Susan Misicka, Basel

Forum Are you a Swiss expat? What kind of expo would you like?

In Switzerland, ideas for the next national exhibition are percolating. What role should the Swiss living around the world play? Join the discussion!

By Philipp Meier

#WeAreSwissAbroad Dear Swiss living abroad…

We’re on Instagram! Please share your pictures using the hashtag #WeAreSwissAbroad.

By Philipp Meier

Making the move What Swiss abroad must consider before heading home

Some 24,000 Swiss living abroad move home every year. Are there enough resources available to help them make the transition?

By Veronica DeVore

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The Swiss community around the globe

News and background

#SWIonTour Swiss in Boston discuss value of being heard in Bern

Swiss in the US: Part 4 of 4 The Swiss who ‘love that dirty water’

Swiss in the US: Part 3 of 4 Hundreds of Swiss in ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’

Profiles

#SWIonTour What does an honorary consul do?

Swiss National Day What being Swiss means to these expats

#WeAreSwissAbroad What makes Germany different from Switzerland?

E-voting

Interview: Remo Gysin Expat Swiss lament government’s ‘lack of leadership’ on e-voting

#SWIontour Swiss in Minnesota call for compromise and e-voting

Swiss schools abroad

Schools abroad Swiss school in China celebrates opening

Difficulties Swiss school in Milan causes media uproar

Global education How Swiss schools abroad stand out in a competitive market

Young Swiss abroad

100 Years of Young Swiss Abroad "So that every child can get to know their roots"

Opinion Should Switzerland have a parliament for young people?

Congress of the Swiss Abroad, Basel 2017

Swiss Abroad Congress Martha Neidecker-Cabrera, US

Swiss Abroad Congress Monika Tiffany, US

Swiss Abroad Congress Franz Boos, US

Swiss Abroad Congress Nicolas Szita, England

Swiss Abroad Congress Cecilia Scherrer, Australia

Swiss Abroad Congress Franz Muheim, Scotland

Additional content about the topic

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Forum Are you a Swiss expat? What kind of expo would you like?

#WeAreSwissAbroad Dear Swiss living abroad…

Making the move What Swiss abroad must consider before heading home

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