Naturalisation has changed Switzerland’s population balance; Swiss fuel prices increased by up to 25 percent; plus other news in our roundup this Friday.
Naturalisation has shifted Switzerland’s ‘statistical boundary’
A recent analysis by Avenir-Suisse think tank offers an interesting perspective on immigration – and particularly on how it changes Switzerland’s population landscape.
“As more immigrants become citizens, the statistical boundary between ‘foreign nationals’ and ‘Swiss’ is increasingly blurred,” the report points out.
Without naturalisation, on the other hand, “the number of Swiss citizens would have declined since the early 1990s, and the share of foreign residents would stand at about 39 instead of the current 27 percent.”
Swiss fuel prices increased by up to 25 percent in past several weeks
Since the start of the war in Iran on February 28th – and particularly the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz – pump prices in Switzerland have skyrocketed.
For instance, the price of unleaded 95 has gone up from 1.67 to 1.89 francs per litre, while unleaded 98 has risen from 1.78 to 2 francs.
As for diesel, its price surged from 1.75 to 2.24 francs.
These figures represent increases of 13, 12, and 25 percent, respectively.
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Report: Switzerland needs to reform its childcare system
In its new report published on Thursday, the Organisation for Economic Coopperation and Development (OECD) recommends that Switzerland strengthens and extends childcare options and offers better financial support to parents.
It says that costs of childcare in Switzerland “are among the highest in the world. This creates disincentives to work, especially for women.”
Additionally, there is a shortage of places all across the country.
The report points out, however, that Switzerland has already taken some action in this regard – concretely, “the affordability of childcare is currently being addressed in the Parliament.”
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Ahead this weekend:
The new Entry/Exit System (EES) will become fully operational on Saturday
The new EU digital border system was rolled out, gradually, on October 12th, 2025.
However, full implementation throughout the Schengen Zone, including in Switzerland, will happen by Saturday April 10th.
By this date, Switzerland, as well as other Schengen members, will fully deploy the EES across all their border crossing points.
However airports are allowed to suspend the checks if queues grow too large.
READ MORE: What you need to know about the start of new border checks at Swiss airports
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch