Numbers published on Tuesday by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) showed the population increased by 73,900 in 2022, a similar rise to 2021. All of the country’s 26 cantons saw an increase.
The rise was driven by immigration: after a slowdown in new arrivals during the Covid-19 pandemic years 2020-2021, last year saw 190,500 people moving to Switzerland, a 15% increase on the previous year, the FSO said.
With emigration numbers rising only slightly, to 120,400, net migration (the difference between arrivals and departures) thus climbed by 43.5% to 70,100.
As in previous years, the most common place of origin of immigrants were the neighbouring countries of Germany, Italy, and France.
Low birth-rate
At 82,000 the number of births fell by 8.5% in 2022, while the birth rate in terms of the overall population fell to a historic low of 9.3 births per 1,000 residents.
In most cantons, there were more deaths recorded than births.
Some projections predict the resident population is set to top the 9 million mark this year, with the symbolic 10 million point to be reached by 2050. How to deal with the country’s ageing society and demographic shifts is an ongoing political battlefield, one which may also play a role in national elections in October.
Tying and untying the knot
The FSO statistics also included figures on marriages and divorces. The former grew last year by 11.7%, including some 700 same-sex couples (such unions became possible in 2022 for the first time) and 2,200 conversions of same-sex partnerships to marriages. Divorces fell by 6.3% 40,700. Current trends show around two of every five marriages ending in separation.
This content was published on
Production in Switzerland's secondary sector fell in the second quarter of 2025. The decline was more pronounced in the construction sector than for industry.
Swiss army recruits remain in hospital after gruelling test exercise
This content was published on
Four potential recruits for the elite Swiss grenadier unit were hospitalised last week after taking part in a gruelling exercise in hot weather. Three remain in hospital with one placed temporarily in an artificial coma.
University of Basel to mark 125th anniversary of Nietzsche’s death
This content was published on
This month the University of Basel is celebrating the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche, who was a professor there from 1869 to 1879. August 25th marks the 125th anniversary of his death.
Trump tariffs: Swiss brands struggle to adapt to 39% tariff
This content was published on
Swiss brands like Victorinox, the manufacturer of the iconic pocket knife, are struggling to adapt to the 39% tariff imposed by the United States on imports of Swiss goods.
Fish and aquatic plants are under ‘severe pressure’ in Swiss rivers and lakes
This content was published on
Fish, aquatic plants and other animals in Swiss rivers, lakes and streams remain under 'severe pressure', according to the Federal Office for the Environment.
Swatch withdraws ‘slanted eyes’ ad after China uproar
This content was published on
The Swiss watch manufacturer Swatch has apologised and withdrawn an advertising campaign worldwide following accusations of racism in China. The ad features a model pulling the corners of his eyes.
Police identify bodies of three climbers who died in Swiss Alps
This content was published on
Police have formally identified the bodies of three climbers who died in the Upper Valais region in early August: they are from Germany, France and Austria.
Bern exhibition reunites Kirchner paintings after 92 years
This content was published on
The painting Sonntag der Bergbauern (Alpsonntag) [Sunday of the Mountain Farmers (Alp Sunday) by Ernst Ludwig Kirchner (1880-1938) is being transferred from Berlin to Bern to feature in an upcoming exhibition at Kunstmuseum Bern.
Voters approve extension of Engadine Airport in Switzerland
This content was published on
Residents in the Upper Engadine region gave the greenlight on Sunday to the expansion of the regional airport at Samedan, one of Europe’s highest airports (1,707 metres) that serves the nearby resorts of St Moritz and Davos.
Private equity group Advent to buy U-Blox for $1.3 billion
This content was published on
Private equity group Advent International has agreed to take over Switzerland's U-Blox Holding in a cash offer worth CHF1.05 billion ($1.30 billion).
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.