Facts

Facts and evidence on Plural.

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The food sector accounts for 30% of the largest share of environmental burden in Switzerland.: The study by the Federal Office for the Environment (BAFU) shows that food consumption in 2023 accounts for the largest share of the total environmental footprint of Swiss final demand, ahead of housing (25 %) and private mobility (13 %). The high environmental impact of food is particularly linked to the high consumption of animal products, which has negative effects on land use, biodiversity loss, water consumption, and global supply chains. Since a large portion of food is imported, many environmental burdens arise outside Switzerland. The two biggest levers for reducing this environmental burden are reducing food waste and consumption of animal products.
The youngest SMI company is 29 years old. Five of the 20 most valuable US companies are younger.: The 20 companies in the Swiss leading index SMI were founded on average over 100 years ago. The youngest new foundation is Partners Group (1996). Not a single SMI company was founded after 1996. The picture is different in the S&P 500: five of the twenty largest US companies by market capitalization were founded after 1993 — Alphabet (1998), Amazon (1994), Meta (2004), Netflix (1997), and Tesla (2003). These five together represent around 10 trillion USD in market capitalization (as of March 2026) — more than the annual GDP of the entire Eurozone.
Climate sinner Switzerland? Domestic emissions per capita are lower than in our neighboring countries.‍: The Paris Agreement (Art. 4) requires the signatory countries to reduce their national emissions through measures within their own country. For example, the revised CO2 Act of Switzerland states that at least two-thirds of the reduction should take place domestically. According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), greenhouse gas emissions in Switzerland (domestic) in 2022 were 4.8 tons of CO₂ equivalents (t CO₂eq) per person. This domestic output is lower than in neighboring countries; 18% lower than in France (5.8 t CO₂eq per person), 31% lower than in Italy (7.0 t CO₂eq per person), 41% lower than in Austria (8.1 t CO₂eq per person), and 47% lower than in Germany (9.0 t CO₂eq per person).
Three quarters of Switzerland's greenhouse gas footprint occurs abroad.: The climate and innovation law adopted by the electorate in 2023 anchors the net-zero target by 2050 for domestic greenhouse gas emissions according to the Paris Agreement. However, in addition to domestic emissions, Switzerland is also responsible for emissions caused by imported goods and services. The greenhouse gas footprint captures all emissions caused by domestic final demand. Since this quantity is not directly measurable, it is partly based on model calculations.
Climate-friendly living? Since 2000, household emissions per inhabitant have fallen by more than half.: According to the Climate Reporting of the Federal Office for the Environment, the annual greenhouse gas emissions of private households in Switzerland have fallen significantly since 2000 – from 10.81 to 6.17 million tons of CO₂ equivalents (CO2eq) in 2023 (–43%).
Saving electricity at home? Since 2000, households have consumed over a quarter more electricity, although per capita consumption has remained practically constant.: Electricity consumption per person increased slightly or remained practically constant between 2000 and 2024, from 2,189 to 2,200 kilowatt-hours (kWh) (1% more, annual fluctuations). In the same period, however, the total electricity consumption of households rose significantly by 26%, from 15.7 to 19.8 terawatt-hours (TWh).
Skilled labor shortage? Since 2004, the proportion of companies with recruitment difficulties has more than doubled.: According to the Federal Employment Statistics (BESTA), in 2004 a total of 4.1% of all companies reported recruitment difficulties for qualified personnel. By 2024, this proportion had risen to 11.4%, more than doubling. This occurred despite various mitigating measures, especially better utilization of the domestic labor force potential and immigration, primarily within the framework of free movement of persons.
Less meat on the plate? Since 2007, meat consumption per capita in Switzerland has fallen by 12%.: According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), annual meat consumption per person fell from 52.1 kg in 2007 to 45.6 kg in 2023, a reduction of around 12%. Over the same period, the Swiss population grew by 1.37 million people, causing total meat consumption to rise from 402,000 tons to 410,700 tons despite the lower per capita consumption – an increase of about 2%.
Finances under control? Swiss national debt at 39% is far below that of our neighbors.: In 2023, Switzerland had the lowest gross debt (as % of GDP) relative to neighboring countries at 39%. Germany and Austria are at 63% and 78%, respectively, below the EU average of 82%, while France (110%) and Italy (135%) are above it.
More and more debt? Since 2000, Switzerland has had an average annual budget surplus of 0.1% of GDP.: In the period 2000-2023, Switzerland achieved an average annual budget surplus of 0.1%. Since the introduction of the Swiss debt brake in 2003, the annual budget surplus has improved from -0.89% to +0.21%.
Renewables in winter? In the winter half-year 2023/24, solar and wind produced 4.2% of electricity in Switzerland.: According to data from the Federal Office of Energy (BFE), a total of 36.9 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity was generated in Switzerland in the winter half-year 2024 (October 2023 – March 2024). The largest contribution was made by hydropower with 20.6 TWh (56%), followed by nuclear power with 13 TWh (35%).
Electricity gap in winter? Switzerland needs electricity imports in winter, especially from France.: In the summer half-year 2024 (April to September), Switzerland consumed 28.6 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity, in the winter half-year 2023/24 (October to March) it was 32.6 TWh. Switzerland is in continuous electricity trade with its neighboring countries Germany, France, Italy, and Austria. According to the Federal Office for Customs and Border Security (BAZG), the electricity trade balance for the winter half-year (October to March) shows the following average values for the years 2015 to 2024 (last 10 years):
Electricity security? Switzerland exported an average of 5.7 TWh in summer over the last 10 years, while it imported 3.7 TWh in winter.: According to the electricity statistics of the Federal Office of Energy (FOE), Switzerland exported an average of 5.7 TWh of electricity to neighboring countries during the summer half-year (April–September) in the period 2015–2024. In contrast, during the winter half-year (October–March), an average of 3.7 TWh per year had to be imported.
More older employees in the labor market? 78% of 55–64-year-olds participate in the labor market.: Since the year 2000, the employment rate of 55–64-year-olds has increased significantly – from 65.1% to 77.8% in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of 12.7 percentage points.
Economic growth = More prosperity? GDP per capita ("material prosperity") in Switzerland grows at half the rate of absolute GDP ("economy").: Switzerland's inflation-adjusted gross domestic product (GDP, real) has increased significantly over the past 24 years. While the absolute GDP grew from around 477 billion CHF in 2000 to around 742 billion CHF in 2024 (+55.6%), GDP per capita increased only from 65,801 CHF to 82,284 CHF in the same period – a plus of 25.0%.
More and more traffic? Since 2000, there have been over one third more passenger cars in Switzerland.: According to data from the Federal Roads Office (ASTRA), the number of registered passenger cars in Switzerland increased from 3.55 to 4.80 million between 2000 and 2024. This corresponds to an increase of 1.25 million vehicles or 35.3%.
Alpine Solar Express? The 24 planned alpine solar parks can supply 0.72% additional electricity.: To strengthen power supply in winter, the parliament created simplified approval procedures for large photovoltaic systems in the Energy Act. High alpine systems can – depending on location and orientation – generate more electricity per installed kilowatt in the winter half-year than comparable systems in the Central Plateau.
More and more new settlements of foreign companies? Since 2007, the number of new settlements of foreign companies has more than halved.: According to figures from the Conference of Cantonal Economic Directors (VDK) as well as the cantonal economic promotion offices and regional organizations, a total of 512 foreign companies newly settled in Switzerland in 2007. In 2024, there were only 231, corresponding to a decrease of 55%.
More train travel? In Switzerland, over 160 trains run daily per route – significantly more than in all our neighboring countries.: According to data from the International Union of Railways (UIC, Union Internationale des Chemins de Fer), in 2023 an average of 162 trains per route and day operated on the Swiss rail network (SBB) – regardless of the number of tracks. This means that the route network load in Switzerland is 1.7 times higher than in Austria (94 trains), 1.8 times higher than in Germany (92 trains), 2.7 times higher than in Italy (60 trains), and 3.6 times higher than in France (45 trains).
Growth and resource demand? The population of Switzerland grew in 2024 by the size of the city of Lucerne; with increasing demand for infrastructure and personnel.: According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the population of Switzerland grew in 2024 from 8,962,258 people on January 1 to 9,051,029 people on December 31. This corresponds to an increase of 88,771 people, approximately the population of the city of Lucerne (86,234).
Expand wind energy? Since 2000, the number of wind turbines has almost increased tenfold – and in 2024 they produced 0.224% of Swiss electricity.: According to the Federal Office of Energy (SFOE), the installed capacity of wind turbines in Switzerland increased from 2.8 megawatts (MW) in 2000 to 102.2 MW in 2024. The electricity generated from this increased from 3 gigawatt hours (GWh) to 171 GWh over the same period.
Skilled labor shortage? Over a quarter of all additional employees since 2011 work in the health and education sectors.: According to the business structure statistics from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), around 3.79 million people were employed in Switzerland in 2011 (in full-time equivalents). By 2023, this number rose to 4.38 million – an increase of 585,971 employees.
Is it still dark at night? In Switzerland, the area with night darkness decreased by 16 percentage points between 2014 and 2020.: According to the environmental indicators of the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) and the data from the Swiss Landscape Monitoring (LABES), the proportion of the national territory with natural night darkness in Switzerland declined significantly between 2014 and 2020: from 62 percentage points to 46 percentage points. This corresponds to a decrease of 16 percentage points.
Women work in low employment rates? 4 out of 5 employed women work more than 50%.: According to data from the Swiss Labour Force Survey and the Federal Statistical Office, in 2024 four out of five employed women worked at least 50% employment.
Sufficient arable land for national supply? More than two-thirds of the highest quality agricultural land is located in urban or peri-urban areas.: Crop rotation areas (CRA) are among the most valuable arable lands in Switzerland and are of central importance for food security. Despite their strategic importance, the expansion of settlements and the development of oversized building zones in recent years have led to a significant loss of CRA – even though soil losses are irreversible.
More women in the labor market? Over 80% of Swiss women of working age are in the labor market; more than in neighboring countries.: In 2024, the labor force participation rate of women of working age (15–64 years) in Switzerland was 80.8%. This places Switzerland among the top internationally. In neighboring countries, the labor force participation rate is significantly lower – between 4.3 and almost 23 percentage points below the Swiss value: in Germany it is 76.5%, in Austria 74.2%, in France 71.6%, and in Italy only 57.6%.
Too few women in the labor market? Four out of five women of working age are already participating in the labor market.: Since the year 2000, the employment rate of women of working age (15–64 years) has increased significantly – from 71.6% to 80.8% in 2024. This corresponds to an increase of 9.2 percentage points.
Too few workers? Since 2000, there have been over 1 million more employees (full-time equivalents) in Switzerland: According to employment statistics, there were 3.27 million employees (full-time equivalents) in Switzerland in 2000. By 2024, this number had risen to 4.32 million, an increase of almost 1.05 million employees or nearly a third (32%).
Rising health insurance premiums? Health costs per capita have increased by 56% since 2000.: According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the monthly health costs per capita rose from CHF 498 in 2000 to CHF 779 in 2022, an increase of 56%. In the same period, the population grew by 1.59 million people, from 7.18 to 8.78 million (+22%). Overall, health expenditures in Switzerland thus increased from CHF 42.96 billion to CHF 82.1 billion, corresponding to a real growth of 91% (adjusted for inflation with the national consumer price index CPI, see note).
More and more settlements? From 1997 to 2018, the settlement area grew by 16%; although it decreased per capita.: According to the land use statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the settlement area per inhabitant decreased from 403.6 to 396.4 square meters (m²) between 1997 and 2018 – a decline of 1.8%.
Do we have a labor shortage? Three times as many people commute to Switzerland for work as the city of Bern has inhabitants.: The number of foreign cross-border commuters in Switzerland increased from just over 149,000 in 2000 to over 405,000 in 2024, an increase of around 256,000 people, or 2.7 times. Cross-border commuters are defined as persons residing in an EU or EFTA country, working in Switzerland, holding a cross-border commuter permit (G permit), and usually returning to their place of residence abroad at least once a week. Cross-border commuters can be both employees and self-employed persons with a company based in Switzerland.
Do we need to protect our green spaces? In Switzerland, we lose around 2000 m2 of unsealed soil every hour.: Between 1997 and 2009 (survey periods see notes), the sealed area per inhabitant in Switzerland increased from 246 m² to 256 m². Since then, it has slightly declined and was 252 m² in 2018 – an increase of 2.4% compared to 1997.
All concreted over? In 9 years, the settlement area grew by twice the size of Lake Zurich.: According to the 2018 land use statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the settlement area in Switzerland grew on average by 7.7 football fields per day during the survey period from 2009 to 2018. The settlement area includes all buildings, facilities, and infrastructures for living, leisure (e.g., parks or golf courses), work (e.g., schools or office buildings), as well as mobility (e.g., roads). Thus, in just 9 years, 180.6 km² of new settlement areas were created, which corresponds to twice the area of Lake Zurich (88.1 km²).
Housing shortage? Over 80% of the additional living space is needed due to population growth.: Since the year 2000, the average living space requirement per person in Switzerland has increased from 44 m² to 46.6 m² in 2024, with this value stagnating nationwide since 2021 (46.6 m²), and even longer in larger cities such as Zurich, Basel-Stadt, or Geneva. The increase can be explained, among other things, by smaller households, higher housing standards, and the aging population.
Density stress? The population of Switzerland has been growing 16 times faster than in Germany since 2000.: According to World Bank data (various sources, see notes), the population of Switzerland grew by 25.4% between 2000 and 2024 – equivalent to an increase of around 1.8 million people (from 7.18 to 9.01 million). This growth not only clearly exceeds that of Germany but also that of other neighboring countries. In Germany, the population increased by only around 1.3 million people in the same period (from 82.21 to 83.52 million), corresponding to a growth of 1.6%. Thus, the population of Switzerland grew by 516,247 people more in absolute terms – and relatively even 16 times as much as that of Germany. Switzerland also grew significantly more than Austria (+14.6%), France (+12.5%), and Italy (+3.5%).
Food security? In 9 years, agricultural land shrank by an area as large as the entire canton of Schaffhausen.: According to the 2018 land use statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), agricultural land decreased on average by the area of 12.7 football fields per day between 2009 and 2018 (survey period). Agricultural land includes, among others, natural meadows and home pastures, alpine farming areas, arable land, as well as fruit, vine, and horticultural areas. During this period, a total of 298 square kilometers (km²) of agricultural land was lost – an area equivalent to the size of the canton of Schaffhausen (298.4 km²).
Housing shortage? Since 2000, there are 1.3 million more apartments in Switzerland.: Since the year 2000, the number of apartments in Switzerland has increased from 3,569,181 to a total of 4,840,096. This corresponds to an increase of around 1.3 million new apartments or a rise of 35.6%.
Apartments too large? The living space of newly built apartments today is about a quarter smaller than in the early 2000s.: According to the building and housing statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the average living space of new apartments between 2001 and 2005 was around 131.1 m². For apartments built between 2021 and 2023, it is on average only 99.1 m² – a decrease of 32 m² or almost a quarter (24.4%).
Saving water? Per person, water consumption has decreased by over 30% since 2000.: According to the Swiss Association for Gas and Water (SVGW), a total of 925.4 billion liters (925.4 million cubic meters) of water were extracted in 2023. This corresponds to a decrease of 13.2% compared to the year 2000 (1066 billion liters).
Density stress? Switzerland has grown by almost 1.9 million inhabitants since 2000; annually by a city the size of St. Gallen.: According to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the population of Switzerland grew by 1.89 million people between January 1, 2000 (7.16 million inhabitants) and December 31, 2024 (9.05 million). This growth corresponds, for example, to the population of 4.4 times Zurich, 14.0 times Bern, 24.5 times St. Gallen, 30.2 times Lugano, or even 49.5 times Chur.
Save electricity? Electricity consumption per inhabitant has decreased by 12% since 2000.: The final electricity consumption in Switzerland increased overall from 52.37 to 57.51 terawatt hours (TWh) between 2000 and 2024 – an increase of 9.8% or 5.14 TWh. This is more than the now decommissioned Mühleberg nuclear power plant produced per year (around 3.00 TWh).
Vegetables from the farmer in the village? The agricultural land area per inhabitant has decreased by almost a quarter since 2000.: According to the agricultural structural survey (STRU), the agricultural land area in Switzerland decreased by 3% between 2000 and 2024 – from 1,072,492 to 1,040,512 hectares (ha). These figures cover only the land area of larger farms (see notes) and also do not include summer pastures (pastures at high altitudes that are used only extensively and seasonally).
More space to live? Since 2000, the demands per resident have grown much more slowly.: According to the Building and Housing Survey of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the average living space per resident increased by 10 m2 (from 34 to 44 m2) from 1980 to 2000 (20 years). Since 2000, growth has strongly flattened according to the Building and Housing Statistics (BHS).
Traffic jam at Gotthard? Since 2000, there have been over 7 times more hours of traffic jams in Switzerland.: In 2024, the number of hours of traffic jams on Swiss roads amounted to a total of 55,569 hours (h) – this corresponds to 7.2 times the value of 2000 (7,711 h).
Too much waste? Since 2000, each inhabitant has caused 1-2% more municipal waste, with the total amount increasing by 28%.: According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), the annual municipal waste per inhabitant increased from 658.77 kg in 2000 by 10.23 kg to 669 kg in 2023 (+ 1.6%).
Switzerland's climate targets have been exceeded by almost double per capita.: According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Switzerland reduced its domestic greenhouse gas emissions per capita by 38% from 1990 to 2020, and by 44.1% by 2023. Thus, Switzerland—considered per capita—would have almost doubled the set climate targets.
Food security? Switzerland has 6 times less arable land per capita than France.: The arable land available per inhabitant in Switzerland is 4.5 ares (a). This area corresponds to a square of approximately 21 by 21 meters (450 m2, 1 a = 100 m2).
Transport more goods by rail? Two-thirds of freight traffic in Switzerland is transit through Switzerland.: 70% of freight traffic is transit traffic, while 8% is import and export and 22% is national traffic. The data is based on tonne-kilometers – a unit of measurement that considers both the amount transported and the distance traveled.
We feel the shortage of doctors - despite 69% more doctors in Switzerland than in the year 2000.: Between 2000 and 2024, the number of doctors in Switzerland increased from 25,216 to 42,602. This corresponds to an increase of 17,386 doctors or 69%.
Housing shortage? 45% more new apartments are built each year than in the year 2000.: In the year 2000, 32,214 new apartments were built. In 2023, 46,731 new apartments were built, which corresponds to an increase of 45% compared to the year 2000.