Switzerland’s aging trend deepens as over-65 population surpasses youth for 1st time

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - Switzerland's population continued to grow in 2025, while a historic demographic shift saw older residents outnumber young people for the first time, according to provisional data released Thursday by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office.

The country’s permanent resident population reached over 9.1 million by Dec. 31, an increase of 73,300 people, or 0.8%, compared to 2024. However, this marked a slower growth rate than the previous year.

In a milestone reflecting long-term aging trends, Switzerland recorded over 1.8 million people aged 65 and over, compared to over 1.8 million under age 20. Both groups now account for about one-fifth of the population.

Births continued to decline for a fourth consecutive year, totaling 77,900 in 2025, a drop of 0.5%, although the pace of decline slowed. The average number of children per woman stood at 1.28, slightly below 1.29 in 2024, according to the provisional numbers.

Life expectancy also increased, the data showed, reaching 86.3 years for women and 82.7 years for men.

Deaths remained broadly stable at 71,700, with nearly nine out of ten occurring among those aged 65 or older.

Migration, a key driver of population growth, weakened. Immigration fell by 3.8% to 204,600, while emigration declined by 1.9% to 127,300. As a result, the net migration balance dropped by 6.6% to 77,300.

Meanwhile, Switzerland recorded 35,700 marriages in 2025, down 2.8% from the previous year, alongside 15,700 divorces, a decline of 2.7%.

If current patterns persist, authorities estimate that nearly two in five marriages could eventually end in divorce.