The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) reportedExternal link on Thursday that the number of Swiss nationals living abroad grew by 1.5% between 2021 and 2022 to pass 800,000. The steady upward trend over the past ten years continues: between 2002 and 2022, the total number rose by 34%.
Europe is still their preferred destination (510,900). The largest Swiss community lives in France (206,400), followed by Germany (98,100), Italy (51,200), the UK (39,500) and Spain (25,800).
Elsewhere, FSO found that 23% of the Swiss abroad live in North America, 7% in Asia, 4% in Oceania and 2% in Africa. The largest communities outside Europe are in the United States (82,700 people), Canada (41,200), Australia (26,100) and Israel (22,800). These countries all saw increases compared to 2021, but the biggest rise was in Israel (3.5%).
Looking at the age of Swiss expats, the FSO found that one in five (21%) is under 18, 56% are aged 18-64, and 23% are 65 or older.
Between 2002 and 2022, the total number of Swiss abroad rose from 598,900 to 800,000. The increase by continent has been even, but Asia saw the highest growth (+115%). The number of Swiss citizens in Asia has more than doubled over this period, rising from 25,400 to 54,600.
In Europe, Swiss communities grew strongly in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Croatia and Turkey over the past decade. Meanwhile, central and southern Africa saw decreases (-24% and -10%, respectively). Similar drops were observed in countries in the Caribbean and South Asia.
Meanwhile, the resident population in Switzerland increased by 0.8% to 8.8 million last year, with immigration offsetting a historically low birth-rate.
Numbers published by FSO showed the population increased by 73,900 in 2022, a similar rise to 2021. All 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. As in previous years, the most common place of origin of immigrants were the neighbouring countries of Germany, Italy, and France.
Gotthard traffic queue hits 20km during holiday weekend
This content was published on
The traffic jam at the Gotthard north portal reached a length of 20 kilometres on the motorway between canton Nidwalden and canton Uri.
Swiss Interior Minister visits Cannes Film Festival
This content was published on
Swiss Interior Minister left the Cannes Film Festival on Saturday after three days of intensive dialogue, meetings and film screenings.
Swiss theatre director breaks with tradition at Vienna’s Rathausplatz
This content was published on
With the proclamation of the "Free Republic of Vienna", the start of the festival on Friday evening was unusually political.
Swiss foreign minister backs Berset at Council of Europe
This content was published on
Cassis described Berset as the "ideal candidate" to help the Council realise its aim of ensuring security and peace in Europe.
Gay conversion therapy banned in Swiss canton of Valais
This content was published on
On Thursday, the canton approved a new Health Act which includes a ban on therapies aimed at changing sexual orientation or gender identity.
This content was published on
Some aspects of pro-Palestine sit-ins have gone too far, but the right to protest and debate must be upheld, the student association has said.
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.
Read more
More
Immigration spurred Swiss population growth in 2022
This content was published on
The resident population in the Alpine Nation increased by 0.8% to 8.8 million last year, with immigration offsetting a historically low birth-rate.
Going on a quest for a Swiss passport – as a Swiss national
This content was published on
Born to Swiss parents, Cate Riley was adopted by an Australian family in the 1970s. She is on a journey to be recognised as a Swiss citizen.
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.