Population of Switzerland 1800-2020

In 1800, the region of present-day Switzerland had a population of approximately 1.8 million people. This figure would grow steadily throughout the 19^th century, as political and religious grievances gave way to a united federation, whose economic policies saw Switzerland emerge as one of Europe's most prosperous and stable countries. Growth boomed between 1890 and 1910, as industrialization would see significant economic growth and migration to the country. While Switzerland’s neutrality in both World Wars would prevent the mass fatalities experienced across the rest of Europe during the early 20^th century, Switzerland’s population would nevertheless stagnate in both the First and Second World War and in the Great Depression in the 1930s, as the economic turmoil and conflict abroad would halt the migration that had previously driven population growth.

Following the end of the Second World War, growth would resume and would rise steadily until the late 1970s, before an economic recession saw the population fall again as workers migrated in search of employment elsewhere. However, population growth has steadily risen since the 1980s, reaching seven million in the mid-1990s and eight million in 2012. Today, with a population of 8.7 million, Switzerland is ranked among the wealthiest and most developed nations in the world, with very high standards of living.