People and Society of Switzerland

Nationality

Swiss (singular and plural)

Ethnic Groups

German 65%, French 18%, Italian 10%, Romansch 1%, other 6%

Population

8,776,000

Population in Major Urban Areas

Zurich 1.194 million; BERN (capital) 353,000

Excellent medical care is widely available. G

Life Expectancy at Birth

Switzerland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world for life expectancy, reflecting the nation's exceptional healthcare system, high standard of living, and strong public health infrastructure. As of the most recent available data, the average life expectancy at birth in Switzerland is approximately 84 years overall, with women living to an average of around 85.6 years and men to approximately 82.3 years. These figures place Switzerland well above the global average of roughly 73 years and among the highest in Europe, alongside countries such as Spain, Italy, and Norway. Several factors contribute to Switzerland's impressive longevity. The country operates a universal healthcare system that requires all residents to carry basic health insurance, ensuring broad access to high-quality medical care. Switzerland also ranks among the highest in the world for healthcare spending per capita, enabling access to advanced medical technology, highly trained physicians, and comprehensive preventive care programs. The country's healthcare infrastructure is consistently recognized for both its quality and its accessibility. Lifestyle and environmental factors play an equally important role. Switzerland's population tends to maintain balanced, health-conscious diets, with influences ranging from Mediterranean-style eating in the southern canton of Ticino to an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced foods throughout the rest of the country. Physical activity is deeply embedded in Swiss culture, with hiking, skiing, cycling, and other outdoor pursuits widely popular across all age groups. Low levels of air pollution in most regions, reliable access to clean drinking water, and well-maintained urban environments further support overall public health. Socioeconomic stability also contributes meaningfully to long life spans. Switzerland has consistently low unemployment, a strong social safety net, and high levels of educational attainment — all of which are closely associated with better health outcomes. Low rates of poverty reduce the burden of stress-related illness and ensure that most residents can afford nutritious food and safe housing. Switzerland has sustained these high life expectancy figures for decades and continues to see gradual improvements over time, consistent with broader trends among highly developed nations. The combination of accessible, high-quality healthcare, healthy lifestyle habits, economic prosperity, and a clean natural environment positions Switzerland as one of the world's leading examples of sustained, population-wide longevity.

Infant Mortality Rate

Switzerland maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, reflecting the country's exceptional healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and robust public health systems. The infant mortality rate in Switzerland stands at approximately 3 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it among a small group of nations with the most favorable outcomes for newborns globally. This remarkably low rate is the result of several intersecting factors. Switzerland benefits from a highly developed network of hospitals and neonatal care facilities, with well-trained medical professionals and access to advanced obstetric and pediatric services available across both urban centers and rural cantons. Prenatal care is widely utilized, with the vast majority of expectant mothers receiving regular medical supervision throughout pregnancy. Skilled attendance at birth is essentially universal, with nearly all deliveries occurring in clinical settings with qualified medical staff present. Socioeconomic conditions also play a significant role. Switzerland consistently ranks among the wealthiest nations in the world by per capita income, and this prosperity translates into strong nutrition, housing, and hygiene standards for families. The country's mandatory health insurance system ensures that residents across income levels have access to maternal and child health services, reducing disparities that can drive up infant mortality in other nations. Switzerland's infant mortality rate compares favorably even against other developed European nations. The European Union average sits several points higher, and globally, Switzerland sits well below the worldwide average of roughly 27 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births. Over recent decades, Switzerland has sustained a steady decline in infant mortality, continuing a long-term trend seen since the mid-twentieth century as medical advances and public health improvements took hold. Ongoing monitoring of newborn health outcomes is conducted at both the cantonal and federal levels, with data regularly reported to international bodies. This commitment to tracking and improving child health indicators ensures that Switzerland continues to address even marginal areas for improvement in neonatal and infant care.

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Culture

Switzerland divides its education system into primary, secondary and tertiary levels. The primary and first secondary levels are the stages of compulsory schooling, which lasts for nine years. The second secondary level or gymnasia is the post-compulsory stage. More than 50% of young people chose a practical vocational training, which lasts up to four years. The tertiary stage covers universities and higher vocational training. Switzerland has universities providing general education and universities of applied sciences • Higher vocational training is provided by higher technical schools and technical schools, leading to vocational certificates and higher vocational diplomas. A good knowledge of the language of instruction is a prerequisite. The academic year usually starts in October in Switzerland.

• Roman Catholic46.1%
• Protestant40.0%
• none8.9%
• other5.0%

German (official) 63.7%, French (official) 19.2%, Italian (official) 7.6%, Romansch (official) 0.6%, other 8.9%

• German
• French
• Italian
• Romansch

Crime Information

Switzerland has a low rate of violent crime; however, crimes of all types which may include violence do occur. Pick-pocketing and purse snatching are the most common and frequently occur in the vicinity of train and bus stations, airports, and some public parks, especially during peak tourist periods (such as summer and Christmas) and when conferences, shows, or exhibits are scheduled in major cities. Be especially vigilant in the airports and railway stations in both Zurich and Geneva, as these locations experience multiple incidents of petty theft almost every day. You should be careful on trains, especially on overnight trains to neighboring countries. Thieves, who steal from passengers while they sleep, can enter even locked sleeping compartments. Thieves have been known to work in pairs to target train passengers; while one member of the pair creates a diversion at a train window or on a platform, the other steals items you have left briefly unattended. In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Switzerland is 144 for medical/ambulance services; 117 for the police department; and 118 for the fire department.

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Switzerland, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S.citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different from our own. In Switzerland it is expected that citizens and visitors carry an I.D. and/or a passport. Should the police stop you, and you are without an I.D., it is possible that you may be taken in for questioning. This is the decision of the individual police officer. Travelers should also be aware that photography is not allowed in certain areas (for example, at military airports). Please observe posted signs regarding photography. Driving under the influence of alcohol can lead to heavy fines and/or a ban from driving or in severe cases, a jail sentence, depending on the percentage of alcohol in the blood. Swiss law only allows up to 0.05% blood alcohol content (whereas the legal limit in the United States is 0.08%). Driving speeds in Switzerland are also much slower than in the rest of Europe and vary from area to area. In residential areas the speed limit is 30 km/h (18.6 m/h), on urban roads 50 km/h (31 m/h), on rural roads 80 km/h (49.7 m/h), on minor highways 100 km/h (62 m/h) and on the Autobahn 120 km/h (74.5 m/h). Travelers are advised to carefully observe the posted speed limits. Traffic fines are costly and vary according to where the infraction occurs and by how much one exceeds the speed limit. Fines assessed within the city limits are higher than those assessed on a highway or autobahn. Drug possession carries heavy fines and prison terms in Switzerland; these can vary depending on the amount and type of narcotics carried. Any attempt to cross an international border carrying drugs (for instance transiting Switzerland via Zurich airport) automatically constitutes trafficking charges. These charges can also carry heavy penalties. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Switzerland, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. Switzerland, through its 26 cantons (states), has programs to assist victims of crime and their immediate relatives. Medical, psychological, social, financial, and legal assistance are available throughout the country. This type of assistance must be applied for, and the local police can assist if necessary. These programs also protect the rights of the victim during criminal proceedings. The victim may receive compensation for some damages, if requested during the criminal procedure. Information is available at the Swiss Department of Justice located on Bundesrain 20, 3003 Bern, telephone: 41-31-322-4750. The United States and Switzerland do not have a bilateral agreement requiring mandatory notification of a U.S. citizen arrest to the U.S. embassy. Notification of arrests is only required if the arrested U.S. citizen so requests. If you are arrested and concerned that the Department of State may not be aware of your situation, you should request the police or prison officials to notify the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest. Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Switzerland, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Switzerland is a signatory to the European Convention on Human Rights, which requires arrestees be immediately heard before an independent Magistrate to determine if they will be held for investigative detention. Individuals “highly suspected” of a crime are generally placed under police detention until such time that their case can be heard by the Magistrate.