Swiss Birth Rates Hit Historic Low

Federal statistics reveal continuing decline in family size with third births dropping 3.6% in 2024

Key Takeaways

AI

The average number of children per woman in Switzerland has fallen to 1.29, the lowest level ever recorded.
Birth rates for third and second children dropped significantly more than for first children in 2024.
Marriage numbers have hit their lowest point since 1981, excluding the pandemic years.
Divorce rates are rising alongside the average duration of marriages ending in divorce.

By The Numbers

-3.6%

Decline in third births

1.29

Children per woman

-2.6%

Decline in marriages

+3.6%

Increase in divorces

They Said

"The birth rates, which have been falling for years, are therefore less of an obstacle to the formation of families than to their expansion."
— Federal Statistical Office Report

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