Summary

The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) published on June 18, 2026 the final results of natural population movement for 2025. The birth rate decline that has persisted since 2022 continued, but at a more moderate pace than in 2024 (–0.1% instead of –2.2%). The number of deaths remained stable, while marriages and divorces both declined. The positive natural increase decreased by 1.0 percentage point to 6,300 persons.

Persons

Topics

  • Demography and population development
  • Birth statistics
  • Marriages and divorces
  • Gender changes in the civil registry

Clarus Lead

Declining birth rates across Europe are also reaching Switzerland with structural consequences: With an average number of 1.28 children per woman, Switzerland is well below the replacement level of 2.1 and follows a trend affecting France (1.56), Italy (1.14), and Austria (1.29). This demographic shift raises long-term questions about the financial sustainability of pension and health care systems, while simultaneously marriage rates are declining—an indication of changing life models and family structures in Switzerland.

Detailed Summary

Switzerland's birth rate fell in 2025 to 78,200 live births, a decline of 100 cases (–0.1%) compared to 2024. This is the fourth consecutive year with a birth rate decline, with the decrease being significantly weaker than in previous years. A differentiated picture emerges when looking at age distribution: While births to mothers under 35 years declined by 2.0%, they increased by 3.1% for women aged 35 and over. The average age of mothers at birth rose to 32.5 years.

The number of deaths remained stable at 71,900 deaths (–40 or –0.1%). Approximately 88.6% of the deceased were older than 65 years, with 64.7% having exceeded the age of 80. 1,300 people died at the age of 100 or older, predominantly women (80.4%). The resulting natural increase—the difference between births and deaths—amounted to 6,300 persons, a significant decline compared to the peak of 22,900 in 2016.

Regarding changes in civil status, 35,900 marriages were registered (–2.3%), including 800 same-sex marriages and 200 conversions of registered partnerships. The divorce rate stood at 15,800 cases (–2.2%), with a projection that approximately 39.1% of all marriages will be divorced in the future. In the civil registry, 600 gender changes were recorded (+10.4%), with a slight predominance of transitions from male to female (313 vs. 262 cases). Young people between 15 and 29 years of age use this option most frequently.

Key Findings

  • The birth rate decline in Switzerland is slowing, but remains part of a four-year downward trend with European parallels.
  • The fertility rate of 1.28 children per woman is well below the replacement level and is approaching Southern European values.
  • Marriages and divorces are declining continuously, while gender changes in the civil registry are increasing.

Critical Questions

  1. Evidence/Data Quality: How robust are the FSO data for 2025, and what delays or corrections should be expected in future publications?

  2. Conflicts of Interest: What political or media narratives could be derived from these demographic data, and how neutrally does the FSO present the figures?

  3. Causality: The text does not clearly identify causes for the birth rate decline – which factors (economic, social, cultural) are scientifically documented as relevant?

  4. Alternatives: How do Swiss trends differ from other wealthy countries with similar prosperity levels, and which countries show opposite developments?

  5. Feasibility: What political measures (childcare, parental leave regulations, financial incentives) could increase the fertility rate, and how effective are such interventions demonstrably?

  6. Side Effects: What are the consequences of demographic change for skilled labor shortages, pension financing, and integration policy in Switzerland?

Sources

Primary Source: Statistics of Natural Population Movement 2025 – Final Results – Federal Statistical Office (FSO), 18.06.2026

Supplementary Sources:

  1. INSEE (France) – Birth rate 2024–2025
  2. Istat (Italy) – Birth rate 2024–2025
  3. Statistics Austria (Austria) – Birth rate 2024–2025
  4. Destatis (Germany) – Birth rate 2023–2024

Verification Status: ✓ 18.06.2026

This text was created with the support of an AI model. Editorial responsibility: clarus.news | Fact-checking: 18.06.2026