Survey on diversity and coexistence in Switzerland – Federal Statistical Office

Attitudes of the Swiss population: between openness and distance towards certain population groups

Neuchâtel, 12-Oct-2017 — /EuropaWire/ — In 2016, 36% of the population said they might feel uncomfortable in the presence of people perceived to be different, due to, for example, their nationality, religion or skin colour. Nevertheless, overall the population is tolerant: most are in favour of granting more rights to foreign nationals. 66% recognise that racism is a key social problem and 56% believe that the integration of migrants in Swiss society is working well. These are some of the findings from the survey on diversity and coexistence in Switzerland, conducted for the first time in 2016 by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

The presence of many social groups and a variety of affiliations is a feature of life in Switzerland. For example, there are more than ten main religious communities in a population of over 190 nationalities. This diversity is enriching for society but can also create challenges in living together. The FSO’s new survey helps us to feel the pulse of multicultural coexistence in Switzerland.

You will find further information such as tables and graphs in the PDF below. Please note that the English version only includes the release’s lead.

SOURCE: Swiss Government