What is the share of the foreign resident population in Switzerland (as of 2020)?
Wie gross ist der Anteil der ausländischen Wohnbevölkerung in der Schweiz (Stand 2020)?
Correct answer: C
- A 10%10%
- B 60%60%
- C 25%25%
- D 40%40%
Why
In 2020, about 2.1 of 8.6 million people did not have a Swiss passport. That is about a quarter, so 25 percent.
Exam answer: «25 %» (as of 2020). Today: almost 28% (FSO, end of 2025, provisional).
Common mistakes
- D: 40%
- 40 percent is too high; that is more like the share in individual cities such as Geneva.
- A: 10%
- 10 percent is too low; in Switzerland the share is much higher than in most countries in Europe.
Topic
Population and share of foreigners
Today just over 9 million people live in Switzerland. The test often uses older figures «as of 2020». At that time there were about 8.6 million. Learn this figure for the test. The population is growing mainly because people immigrate from other countries.
Switzerland at a glance
Size, neighbours and population
Sources
Last checked: September 2026
Question 282 of the official question list of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.