English is more widely spoken in Switzerland than ever; Swiss cities have experienced a significant demographic change in the past years; and more news in our Friday roundup.
English gains more ground in Switzerland
According to media analysis of official statistics, the proportion of people who state English as one of their primary languages has increased significantly in all cities.
This trend is most widespread in Zurich, where the proportion of people with English as their primary language rose to 12.9 percent.
English is also becoming even more prevalent in the job market, the data indicates.
READ ALSO: Where do Switzerland’s English-speakers live?
This is how much Switzerland’s major cities have changed
Around three-quarters of the Swiss population live in urban areas.
However, there are sometimes considerable disparities between cities in terms of demographics and income and, in some cases, these differences are becoming increasingly pronounced.
The population of Winterthur (ZH) saw the largest increase between 2010 and 2024, rising by 18.8 percent. Zurich followed with 17.1 percent.
Meanwhile, the proportion of the population of Swiss nationals has fallen in each of the 10 largest Swiss cities, while the number of foreigners has grown.
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Switzerland’s ‘Jail Train’ no longer transports prisoners across the country
In complete secrecy, the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) has discontinued prisoner transport by rail.”
According to media reports, “prisoner transport by rail was a Swiss idiosyncrasy for many years. The ‘Jail Train,’ operated by the SBB on behalf of a security company, consisted merely of a converted railcar and a locomotive.”
There are several reasons why this is now finally over.
Firstly, the rolling stock was very outdated. Cost considerations were also the deciding factor: it would have been “economically unviable” to continue running the trains.
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Ahead this weekend:
New travel rules go into effect
Starting on Sunday October 12, Switzerland will, in line with the European Union, introduce the new Entry/Exit System (EES) for third-country nationals.
According to the government, “the Swiss airports in Basel [EuroAirport] and Geneva will implement the Entry/Exit System (EES) collection biometric data starting 12.10.2025. Zurich Airport will begin on 17.11.2025 and will also collect biometric data from the beginning.”
You can find out more about this system here:
READ ALSO: What you need to know about the start of new border checks at Swiss airports
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
