Birth rate falls significantly

Friday, 20 October 2023 06:30

Far fewer babies were born in 2022 in Switzerland compared to the previous year.

The numbers from the Federal Statistics Office show that 82,371 babies were born last year.

The birthrate was down around 8% – but 2021 did experience a particularly high number of births, so the fall maybe just a short-term effect.

But the office says concerns about the future and financial instability could be part of the reason. .

The infant mortality rate was up slightly, from 3.1 per 1,000 live births to 3.8.

The statistics office says the first day of life remains the most critical. The majority of infant deaths occur within 24 hours.

More from Bitesize News

Heavy snow causes chaos

Heavy snowfall across central parts of the country brought chaos, cancelled trains, blocked roads and children building snowmen on the autoroute.
Geneva car tax issue dominates Grand Council

Although it wasn’t on the agenda for last night’s meeting of the Geneva Grand Council, the issue of the new vehicle tax dominated proceedings.
Franc strongest against euro

It’s good news for cross border shopping and frontaliers – the franc has reached its highest level against the Euro.
SRG/SSR faces massive cuts

Are the days numbered for public service broadcasting?
People now back nuclear power

A new survey suggests public opinion towards nuclear power has changed dramatically.
4m e-vignettes sold

Four million people last year chose to forgo the sticky mess of a vignette on their car and bought an electronic one instead.