Switzerland Population

Switzerland has low fertility but continues to grow thanks to substantial immigration, giving it one of the highest foreign-born shares in Europe. A strong economy draws workers from across the continent, offsetting the low birth rate. Ageing proceeds gradually beneath that migration-driven growth.

Switzerland is the world's 100th most populous country, home to about 9.0 million people in 2026. In Western Europe, where it lies, that future is driven by fertility, longevity and the movement of people across its borders. Population density stands at about 225 people for every square kilometre of land.

The defining marker in Switzerland's future is its peak, expected around 2052 at about 9.3 million. After that the population eases back toward 9.1 million by 2100, having passed through 9.3 million at mid-century.

Half of Switzerland is currently younger than about 43, but by 2100 the median age is projected to reach around 48, even as life expectancy improves from about 84 years. An older population gradually reshapes the labour force, pension systems and healthcare demand.

With fertility near 1.44, just under the 2.1 replacement mark, natural increase is fading. Net inward migration adds to the population each year and partly offsets the low birth rate.

All of this is a projection, not a prediction. The further out it runs the wider the plausible range becomes, which is why Switzerland's charts show a low-to-high band around the central line.