Comparing the fertility behaviour of women from the different population groups allows to observe differences and similarities. This is less an indicator of integration than of assimilation, the measure of which shows the demographic context and the different challenges that the population groups are confronted with in organising their family life. For example, in the political and social climate of Switzerland today, a woman with many children will probably encounter more obstacles in training and education and in building up a career.
Relevance/Result
Trends over time
Canton
Note: On the German and French version of this page, the tables have been updated with the latest data. Graphs and texts will be updated shortly.
In 2020, the total fertility rate of Swiss and foreign national mothers born in Switzerland were very similar (1.36 and 1.45). The differences were greater for women born abroad and the indices were higher: Swiss women have a TFR of 1.43 and foreign nationals 1.81.
Since 2011, the TFRs of mothers born in Switzerland and of those born abroad have been stable, so that the differences between these indicators have remained the same.
In all cantons, women born abroad have a TFR higher than that of women born in Switzerland (all nationalities taken together). The largest relative difference is a ratio of 1.5 to 1 and can be found in the cantons of Solothurn and Jura.
Definitions
The total fertility rate (TFR) shows the average number of children a women would have during her lifetime if she were to experience the fertility rates by age observed during a given year. The TFR is the sum of the age-specific fertility rates for all ages defined as fertile (from 15 to 49 years).
The fertility rate by women’s age is the number of births to women aged X years (actual age) divided by the average permanent female population aged X years.
Contact
Federal Statistical Office Section Demography and MigrationEspace de l'Europe 10
CH-2010 Neuchâtel
Switzerland