Switzerland is located to the east of France and north of Italy. The population of Switzerland is 7.9 million and is expected to reach 8.9 million by 2030. The proportion of people aged over 65 is expected to increase from 25% to 38% over the same period. German, French and Italian are all official languages, although German is most widely spoken. 40% of the population are Catholic while 35% are Protestant. The Swiss Franc is the official currency, worth approximately €0.83. The standard rate of VAT is 8%.
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Switzerland Capital: Bern
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Population |
7.9 million à 8.9 million (2030) Proportion of people over 65 is 25% à 38% (2030) |
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Language |
Mostly German, also French & Italian |
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Religion |
40% Catholic, 35% Protestant |
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GDP / head |
€ 58,400 (EU average: € 25,100) |
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Currency |
Swiss Franc (€0.83) |
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VAT |
8% |
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GDP growth (volume)
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1.9% 1.9% in 2012 (f) 1.8% in 2013 (f) |
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Unemployment rate (Dec 2011) |
3.4% (EU average: 10.0%) |
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Inflation rate |
0.1% (EU average: 3.1%) |
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Figures relate to 2011, except where indicated. Source: Eurostat, Searce (2012) |
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Switzerland has a GDP per capita of €51,200, compared to the EU average of €24,400 in 2010. According to the OECD, the Swiss economy grew by 1.8% in 2011, and is expected to grow by 0.8% in 2012 and by 1.9% in 2013 (compared to the Eurozone average growth of 1.6%, 0.2% and 1.4% respectively). The inflation rate was -0.4% in 2011, compared to 3% in the EU. The unemployment rate was 3.4%, compared to 9.8% in the EU as a whole in 2011.
Searce
La Mationne
Saint Genès la Tourette
63580 France