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New land use statistics results for western Switzerland Settlement areas continue to grow at the expense of agricultural areas

Neuchâtel, 24.11.2016 (FSO) - Within 33 years, settlement areas in western Switzerland have increased by 31%. This is equal to roughly 1041 hectares or more than 1400 football pitches per year. Their share of the total surface area rose from 8.6% to 11.3%. The growth of settlement areas was mainly at the expense of agricultural areas. These have decreased by 5.9% over a 33-year period or by 1110 hectares on average annually. These are some of the new results from the land use statistics conducted by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).