In 2022, the number of Swiss citizens living abroad passed the 800,000 mark. Roughly 11% of the Swiss population lives abroad. Of the more than 800,000 Swiss abroad registered at the end of 2022, around 64% live in Europe.
The Swiss community around the globe
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Hunting: where two visions of nature clash
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It’s the hunting season again in Switzerland. Hunting is a well-established tradition in rural and mountain regions in Switzerland, but it also sparks criticism.
Evolving drone warfare sparks re-think in Swiss army
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In Ukraine, the widespread use of modified cheap drones is upending the rules of modern warfare. The Swiss army is assessing how to react.
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Former Swiss diplomat Claudio Mazzucchelli tells the incredible story of the discovery in Egypt of the mummy of his illustrious great-grandfather.
How an architect from Ticino ended up designing Bolivia’s capitals
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Antonio Camponovo emigrated to Bolivia as part of the Swiss migration to the New World in the 19th century, where he shaped the face of the country’s two capitals.
New plan could save Marseille’s abandoned Charmerettes Estate
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Since the closure of the Foyer Helvétique des Charmerettes in 2012, the Swiss enclave in the heart of Marseille has been abandoned. A rehabilitation plan is now planned.
Feline felons: what to do with Switzerland’s killer cats?
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Cats kill millions of animals every year in Switzerland, but most politicians are reluctant to do anything about it. Would a “cat moratorium” make a difference?
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When Switzerland builds wind turbines, it also thinks about bats. When a Swiss family builds a hotel, they also think about nature.
How the meat lobby tries to influence climate policy in Switzerland
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An investigation by Swiss public television, RTS, has put the spotlight on Switzerland’s meat lobby and its attempts to influence climate policy.
Switzerland revises pension expenditure downwards by billions
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The Swiss government has corrected downwards the projected expenditure on old-age and survivor insurance in 2033 by CHF2.5 billion ($2.66 billion).
Swiss Centre Party leader says report on proposed federal budget cuts ‘one-sided’
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Gerhard Pfister is criticising discussions launched by the Swiss government on an expert report aimed at making savings in the state budget.
Liberal Green party members criticise handling of Ameti affair
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Some Liberal Greens say the party acted too quickly after Zurich politician Sanija Ameti fired shots at an image of Jesus and Mary.
Collecting of vote signatures to continue in Switzerland as planned
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The Swiss government is refraining from taking drastic emergency measures following the revelation of suspected cases of fraud.
Swiss VAT to rise by 0.7 points to finance 13th pension payment
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VAT is to be increased by 0.7 percentage points in Switzerland to finance the 13th monthly pension payment. This payment will be introduced in 2026.
Swiss votes on September 22: pension reform looks unlikely
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With less than two weeks to go, most Swiss voters look set to reject a referendum on reforming occupational pensions, according to the second and final poll.
Poll: Switzerland is rather sceptical about the future
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Overall, people in Switzerland and the Swiss Abroad are doing well. But they are more pessimistic about the future than they were a year ago.
Poll: Swiss Abroad pensioners are enthusiastic while workers struggle
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Swiss pensioners abroad are generally happy with their lives but Swiss nationals who live and work overseas are less satisfied than the average citizen.
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Last Thursday Swiss football club Servette FC played on one of the biggest stages in football – against Chelsea at their Stamford Bridge ground in the heart of London.
How centuries of Swiss emigrants left their mark on the US
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Over time, some 460,000 Swiss have started a new life in the United States – bringing traditions and culture across the Atlantic with them.
SWISS passengers stranded in Kazakhstan flown to Zurich
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Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) has repatriated 331 passengers who were stranded in Kazakhstan after an incident at Astana airport on Saturday.
Electoral reform in France reignites old conflicts in New Caledonia
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Swiss linguist Jean Rohleder had to interrupt his work in New Caledonia owing to violent rioting. He explains what’s really behind the protests.
August 1 special: how Swiss expats embrace “Swissness” abroad
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The documentary series “Up and Away” follows three Swiss families who have relocated to Rwanda, Spain, and Germany. How are they adapting to their new lives?
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Pro Patria’s badge for this year’s August 1 celebrations takes the form of a signpost, honouring the Swiss people’s favourite pastime.
Anniversary Trip to the Square of the Swiss Abroad
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The 100th Congress of the Swiss Abroad came to an end with a visit to the Swiss Abroad Square in Brunnen. A photo gallery.
The Council of the Swiss Abroad says yes to more democratic elections
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The delegates have approved a project for more direct elections. New electoral constituencies sparks debate, as does the decision to hold the Congress only every four years.
Swiss Abroad Congress wraps up in Brunnen, central Switzerland
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The 100th Congress of the Swiss Abroad ended on Saturday with a visit to the Swiss Abroad Square in Brunnen, canton Schwyz.
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Over the centuries, the Swiss have been tireless migrants, with successive waves spreading to every continent – for various reasons.
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The population of the Swiss Abroad is growing. For OSA director Ariane Rustichelli, these figures reflect an increasingly mobile society.
After 100 years, the Swiss Abroad Congress remains politically significant
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While the Congress has evolved over the years, its core mission remains the same: to unite the Swiss Abroad and raise awareness of their specific needs.
Ticino rules on short-term holiday rentals attract federal ire
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In southern canton Ticino, owners of converted barns can rent them to tourists for 90 days without permission – flying in the face of federal rules.
What can be done to protect biodiversity in your country?
Swiss voters are set to decide on a people’s initiative calling for better protection of ecosystems in the country. Have your say on the September 22 vote.
