Over-65s Outnumber Young People in Switzerland
The milestone, long anticipated by demographers tracking the country's aging trajectory, arrived as both groups converged at roughly one-fifth of the total population — each surpassing 1.8 million people — marking a structural turning point with far-reaching implications for public finances, healthcare, and social policy.
Switzerland's permanent resident population climbed to just over 9.1 million by December 31, an increase of 73,300 people, or 0.8%, relative to 2024. While the figure confirms continued growth, the pace decelerated compared to the prior year.
The birth rate offered little relief. Switzerland recorded 77,900 births in 2025 — a 0.5% decline and the fourth consecutive annual drop, though the rate of contraction eased slightly. The average number of children per woman slipped to 1.28, fractionally below the 1.29 recorded in 2024, underscoring the persistence of sub-replacement fertility across the country.
On the other end of the generational spectrum, longevity continued to extend. Life expectancy reached 86.3 years for women and 82.7 years for men, according to the provisional figures. Deaths remained broadly unchanged at 71,700, with nearly nine in ten fatalities occurring among those aged 65 or older.
Migration — historically the primary engine of Swiss population growth — showed signs of cooling. Immigration contracted 3.8% to 204,600 arrivals, while emigration eased 1.9% to 127,300 departures. The resulting net migration balance fell 6.6% to 77,300, amplifying concerns about the country's ability to offset natural population decline through foreign inflows alone.
Social indicators also pointed to shifting patterns in family formation. Switzerland registered 35,700 marriages in 2025, a 2.8% decline from the prior year, alongside 15,700 divorces — itself down 2.7%. Should current trends persist, authorities project that nearly two in five marriages could ultimately end in dissolution.
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