Integration

In 2018, over 37% of the permanent resident population of Switzerland aged 15 and over had a migration background. While 30% belonged to the first generation, over 7% were part of the second generation. This population represents the population for which integration into Swiss society is to be measured.

To measure integration, the reference typology of the population by migration status is adapted slightly: The population with a migration background includes all persons with foreign nationality (including third generation foreigners). This population also includes first generation naturalised Swiss citizens, second generation naturalised Swiss citizens with at least one parent born abroad and Swiss nationals from birth both of whose parents were born abroad.

Adapted migration status for measuring integration

Permanent resident population aged 15 and over by migration status adapted for measuring integration, 2018

	In thousand	In %
Total	7165	100.0
Population without a migration background	4374	61.0
Population with a migration background1	2686	37.5
1st generation	2165	30.2
2nd generation or more	521	7.3
Population for whom some relevant data are unavailable	105	1.5

1) Including foreign nationals of the 3rd or higher generation Sources: FSO, Swiss Labour Force Survey (SLFS)

Two other population classifications

The migration status of the permanent resident population cannot be deduced from all statistical sources used to measure integration as they do not all provide the necessary variables for its construction. It is thus necessary to use:

- Distinction by place of birth;

- Distinction by nationality.

In 2018, nearly 30% of the permanent resident population were born abroad and 25% were foreign nationals. These two percentages are nonetheless lower than the share of persons with a migration background.

Discover the system of integration indicators, which aims to provide an independent statistical database on the integration of the population with a migration background. Click here: link to the integration indicators

Definitions

There is no clear definition of the concept of integration. However, three central aspects may be identified. Integration aims to:

- create equal opportunities and ensure equal treatment, giving everyone a fair chance to participate in political and societal decisions and guaranteeing everyone equal access to society’s resources;

- reduce the gap in living standards between different groups of society;

- guarantee, as a precondition for equality of opportunity and reducing the gap in living standards, that the host society is welcoming towards the migrant or foreign population.

Swiss legislation states that integration must enable foreign nationals staying in Switzerland legally and for an extended duration to participate in the country's economic, social and cultural life. Integration is a slow process requiring input and effort from both the migrants (at individual level) and the host society, aiming to create equal opportunities between Swiss and foreign nationals within Swiss society.

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