Switzerland's permanent resident population has reached a new high of 9,048,900 people at the end of 2024, according to the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). This marks a growth of one percent, which is a decline from the previous year's growth rate, primarily due to a decrease in net immigration.
As reported on April 3, 2025, the population increase amounted to 86,600 individuals compared to the end of 2023. Despite the slower growth, all cantons in Switzerland recorded an increase in their populations. Schaffhausen led the way with a notable growth rate of 1.8 percent, while Ticino and Appenzell Ausserrhoden experienced the smallest increases at just 0.3 percent.
The FSO noted that the substantial net migration in 2023 was largely influenced by the arrival of people from Ukraine under protection status S, who were counted as part of the permanent resident population a year after their arrival. This demographic shift has had lasting impacts on the population statistics.
In addition to the population growth, economic tensions have emerged between Switzerland and the United States. On April 2, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new customs duty of 31 percent on goods imported from Switzerland, a rate that is 50 percent higher than the tariffs imposed on the European Union, which stand at 20 percent. This decision is a direct response to the 61-percent tariffs that Switzerland has levied on American imports.
Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter reacted swiftly, stating on X (formerly Twitter) that the Federal Council would “quickly decide on the next steps,” emphasizing the importance of the country’s long-term economic interests. She reaffirmed that adherence to international law and free trade remain central values for Switzerland.
Furthermore, reports indicate that several Swiss companies aiming to conduct business in the U.S. will soon receive letters from the U.S. Embassy in Bern, demanding the abandonment of their equality programs. This aligns with Trump’s administration stance against targeted advancement programs for women and minorities. Major Swiss corporations like UBS, Roche, and Novartis are reportedly removing their equality and diversity goals from publicly available documents to avoid conflict with U.S. regulations.
Criticism of Trump’s approach is growing among Swiss legislators. MP Min Li Marti voiced concerns, stating, “Swiss companies have to comply with our law, not U.S. regulations, especially since equality targets are enshrined in Switzerland's law. Preemptive obedience is out of place here.”
Amid these international tensions, Switzerland is also grappling with a worsening housing crisis. The Swiss Association of Entrepreneurs (SSE) has raised alarms over the country’s vacancy rate, which is currently less than 1 percent. This situation is exacerbating the existing housing shortage as fewer apartments are being constructed than necessary to meet the rising demand.
Gian-Luca Lardi, president of the SSE, noted, “Interest rate cuts need time to take effect,” suggesting that the construction industry will require time to recover and adapt to the current economic climate. The SSE is advocating for faster planning and permit procedures, adjustments to the legal framework for land use, and a better balance between construction interests and environmental preservation.
On the domestic front, public opinion regarding Switzerland’s relationship with the European Union remains divided. A recent survey by the LeeWas research institute revealed that 47 percent of the population supports the latest package of bilateral agreements reached between Bern and Brussels in December 2024, while 35 percent oppose it, and 18 percent remain undecided.
Interestingly, support for these treaties varies significantly along political lines. A majority of left-leaning party supporters, between 70 and 76 percent, are in favor of the new agreements, while support decreases among those affiliated with centrist and right-wing parties. Nevertheless, a significant 80 percent of respondents consider maintaining good relations with the EU to be “important” for Switzerland.
As the nation navigates these complex issues—population growth, international trade tensions, housing shortages, and EU relations—it remains to be seen how the government will respond to both domestic and international pressures. The outcome of these developments will undoubtedly shape Switzerland’s socio-economic landscape in the coming years.
