Switzerland profile

Demography and Health

Switzerland is a high-income, relatively small-population economy with 9,034,102 people in 2024. The population size places it around the 100th rank globally, but it remains highly dynamic due to net migration of about 40,099 people in 2024 (rank 27). The birth rate is low at 9.0 per 1,000 people and the crude death rate is 8.1 per 1,000, indicating gradual aging of the population, a common characteristic of advanced economies. Life expectancy at birth is notably high at 84.1 years (rank 6), reflecting strong health outcomes and a high standard of living. Under-5 mortality sits at 3.9 per 1,000 live births (rank 141), illustrating robust child health relative to global peers, though continued attention to maternal and pediatric care remains essential. The poverty headcount ratio stands at 15.8% (2021, rank 42), suggesting that even in a wealthy country, disparities persist and social policies continue to play a key role. Health expenditure is substantial, with current health expenditure at 11.7% of GDP (rank 13) and domestic general government health expenditure per capita, PPP, at 3,729 international dollars (2022, rank 26), underscoring a well-funded health system. The system benefits from a high physician density of 4.44 physicians per 1,000 people (rank 11) and 4.44 hospital beds per 1,000 people (rank 9), indicating strong primary and tertiary care capacity. The country also records a suicide mortality rate of 14.0 per 100,000 (2021, rank 35), a metric that continues to be monitored within the broader public health context. Internet access is nearly universal (97.3% of the population in 2023, rank 10), which supports health information, telemedicine, and digital health initiatives. Overall, Switzerland combines high life expectancy, strong health financing, and broad access to care, while facing demographic pressures from aging and migration.

Economy

Switzerland displays an exceptional level of wealth by standard measures: GDP per capita stands at 103,670 current US$ in 2024, placing it among the world’s wealthiest economies (rank 4). The GDP is complemented by a robust productivity profile, with high-technology capabilities and private-sector dynamism. The economy benefits from a well-educated workforce, strong institutions, and a favorable business climate that supports innovation and competition. Inflation remains low at 1.06% in 2024 (rank 138), helping to preserve purchasing power and price stability in a modern economy. The unemployment rate sits around 4.04% in 2023 (rank 56), signaling a tight labor market by many standards, though regional and sectoral variations exist. The current account balance is healthy at 5.04% of GDP in 2024 (rank 21), reflecting Switzerland’s strong external position and ability to attract foreign capital and goods while maintaining a surplus in trade with the rest of the world. Poverty remains a concern in the sense that 15.8% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2021 (rank 42), highlighting continued social challenges despite overall wealth. The economy is highly export-oriented, with exports of goods and services comprising 72.2% of GDP in 2024 (rank 20) and imports accounting for 61.9% of GDP (rank 32), signaling a deeply integrated economy with global supply chains. The country shows a strong capacity for innovation: R&D expenditure amounts to 3.31% of GDP (rank 6), and patent activity is notable with 1,288 resident patent applications recorded in 2021 (rank 28). High-technology exports are substantial, totaling about 89.5 billion US$ in 2024 (rank 3), underscoring Switzerland’s role as a leading exporter of advanced goods and services. Together, these indicators point to an economy driven by knowledge-intensive sectors, strong competitiveness, and a global footprint in high-value industries.

Trade and Investment

Switzerland’s trade profile is characterized by openness and sophistication. Exports of goods and services reach 72.2% of GDP in 2024 (rank 20), reflecting a highly export-dependent economy that leverages its advanced manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, precision engineering, and financial services to engage with global markets. Imports also constitute a significant share of GDP at 61.9% (rank 32), indicating deep participation in international supply chains. The country boasts a strong external balance with a positive current account balance of 5.04% of GDP in 2024 (rank 21). Foreign direct investment, net inflows as a share of GDP, are negative at -12.0% in 2024 (rank 106), suggesting either a net outflow of capital for investment abroad or complex reallocation within multinational corporate structures, rather than a lack of investment appetite domestically. Switzerland excels in innovation-driven trade, as seen in high-technology exports totaling roughly 89.5 billion US$ in 2024 (rank 3) and 3.31% of GDP spent on R&D (rank 6). The patent landscape also supports a strong knowledge economy, with 1,288 resident patent applications in 2021 (rank 28). The architecture for logistics and trade is highly capable: the Logistics Performance Index for Switzerland’s trade and transport infrastructure stands at 4.4 (rank 2), indicating top-tier logistics readiness that facilitates efficient cross-border commerce. The country’s internet penetration (97.3% in 2023, rank 10) and advanced services sector further reinforce its prominence as a hub for international business and innovation. Overall, Switzerland shows exceptional integration into global trade networks, anchored by high-value exports, advanced logistics, and a strong emphasis on research and development, even as some capital flows move outside the country.

Governance and Institutions

Switzerland scores highly on governance indicators, reflecting a stable political system and a robust institutional framework. Political stability and absence of violence/terrorism register at 1.07 (rank 19), signaling a low propensity for domestic risk and a predictable political environment. Regulatory quality stands at 1.73 (rank 10), and the rule of law at 1.76 (rank 4), underscoring strong legal and regulatory institutions that support contract enforcement, property rights, and predictable policymaking. Control of corruption is solid at 2.02 (rank 7), while government effectiveness is notably high at 2.13 (rank 2), indicating efficient public administration and service delivery. Together, these governance traits contribute to Switzerland’s reputation as a reliable destination for investment, business operation, and long-term planning. These institutions also support the country’s innovation ecosystem, skilled labor market, and the rule-based framework that underpins financial stability and high levels of trust in public institutions.

Infrastructure and Technology

Switzerland combines outstanding infrastructure with cutting-edge technology. The Logistics Performance Index score of 4.4 (rank 2) highlights an exceptional capacity to move goods efficiently, underpinning Switzerland’s export strengths and integrated supply chains. Internet usage is near universal at 97.3% of the population (rank 10), enabling widespread digital services adoption, e-government, and innovation ecosystems. The health and education infrastructure is robust, with 4.44 hospital beds per 1,000 people (rank 9) and 4.44 physicians per 1,000 people (rank 11), reflecting a well-resourced health system and a strong medical workforce. High-technology exports are substantial, totaling about 89.5 billion US$ in 2024 (rank 3), complemented by 3.31% of GDP in R&D expenditure (rank 6) and 1,288 resident patent applications in 2021 (rank 28), indicating a vibrant culture of invention and intellectual property creation. The economy’s technology orientation is also visible in a thriving knowledge ecosystem, with strong performance in innovation indicators and a climate that supports research, development, and sophisticated manufacturing. Overall, infrastructure and technology in Switzerland enable efficient trade, high-quality public services, and leading-edge production.

Environment and Sustainability

Switzerland demonstrates commitment to environmental stewardship, though challenges remain in balancing growth with sustainability. Renewable energy accounts for 27.7% of total final energy consumption in 2021 (rank 77), indicating a meaningful share of renewables in the energy mix but room for further transition toward decarbonization. Total greenhouse gas emissions excluding LULUCF per capita are 4.89 t CO2e (rank 94), reflecting a relatively lower per-person footprint compared with many large economies, partly due to density, lifestyle, and efficiency. The level of water stress, measured as freshwater withdrawal relative to available resources, is 6.5% (rank 112), suggesting moderate pressure that requires ongoing management and water-use efficiency. The prevalence of undernourishment is low at 2.5% (rank 91), consistent with high standards of food security and nutrition. The country also faces a notable but manageable poverty rate at national levels (15.8%) and health indicators that emphasize equitable access to services. Taken together, Switzerland’s environmental indicators point to a country actively pursuing sustainability, energy transition, and climate-conscious policies while maintaining high living standards and economic prosperity.