What is the population of Switzerland? ——Analysis of the latest data and hot topics in 2023
As a well-known wealthy country in Europe, Switzerland is famous for its beautiful natural scenery, stable political and economic environment and high quality of life. So, what is the population of Switzerland? This article will combine the latest data and recent hot topics to provide you with a comprehensive analysis of Switzerland’s population status.
1. Basic situation of Swiss population

| indicator | data |
|---|---|
| total population | 8,736,500 people (2023 statistics) |
| population density | 219 people/square kilometer |
| Male proportion | 49.3% |
| Female ratio | 50.7% |
| Proportion of foreign residents | 25.7% |
| population growth rate | 0.7% (year) |
| average life span | Males are 81.6 years old and females are 85.4 years old. |
2. Characteristics of population distribution in Switzerland
Switzerland’s population distribution shows obvious uneven characteristics:
| area | population | Proportion |
|---|---|---|
| canton of zurich | 1,553,400 | 17.8% |
| Canton of Bern | 1,034,000 | 11.8% |
| canton vaud | 814,800 | 9.3% |
| Canton Aargau | 694,100 | 7.9% |
| canton of st gallen | 514,500 | 5.9% |
| Other areas | 4,125,700 | 47.3% |
3. Recent hot topics in Switzerland
1.Immigration policy adjustments: The Swiss government recently announced that it will moderately tighten its immigration policy, especially the reduction of quotas for immigrants from non-EU countries. This policy change sparked widespread discussion.
2.Population aging intensifies: The latest data shows that the proportion of the population over 65 years old in Switzerland has reached 18.7%, and is expected to exceed 25% by 2045. The reform of the pension system has become a hot topic.
3.housing shortage: Housing supply in major cities such as Zurich and Geneva is tight, rents continue to rise, and young people and low-income groups are facing greater housing pressure.
4.Multilingual culture protection: With the increase in population mobility, how to protect the balanced development of the four official languages of German, French, Italian and Romansh has become a focus of social concern.
5.Impact of COVID-19: Although the epidemic has basically ended, its long-term impact on population structure, fertility rates and migration flows are still being assessed.
4. Swiss population development trends
| Year | Projected population | Main factors of change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8,850,000 | Natural growth + immigration inflow |
| 2030 | 9,020,000 | Fertility rate rebounded slightly |
| 2035 | 9,150,000 | Accelerating aging |
| 2040 | 9,250,000 | Immigration policy impact |
| 2045 | 9,300,000 | Population stabilizes |
5. Summary of Swiss population characteristics
1.High degree of internationalization: With more than a quarter of its residents being expatriates, it is one of the most international countries in Europe.
2.Significant aging: The proportion of people over 65 years old continues to rise, putting pressure on the social welfare system.
3.Concentrated urbanization: About 85% of the population lives in urban areas, and population density in major cities continues to increase.
4.high level of education: Among people aged 25-64, holders of higher education degree account for more than 40%, ranking among the top in the world.
5.low fertility rate: The total fertility rate remains at around 1.5, which is lower than the natural population replacement level.
Although Switzerland is small in land area, its population development model is typical and reflects the common characteristics and challenges faced by developed countries. Understanding the population situation in Switzerland can help us better understand the current socio-economic development and future trends of this country.
check the details
check the details