Third study on the question
‘How are you, Switzerland?’

In 2025, the majority of the Swiss population is still satisfied with their lives. Around four out of five respondents rate their personal situation positively, despite geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties and rising health insurance premiums.

At the same time, the population is increasingly sceptical about the future. More than 70 per cent are convinced that the days of carefree living are over and that the world is going downhill. This pessimism is particularly evident among the younger generations. Only around one-fifth believe that children today can grow up as carefree as no generation before them.

The things that people are worried about have shifted accordingly. Health insurance premiums remain the dominant everyday topic at 85 per cent. However, concerns about geopolitical conflicts and new technologies such as war, security and terrorism, or artificial intelligence, are increasingly coming to the fore. Concerns about energy shortages, on the other hand, have clearly lost importance since 2023.

In an international comparison, Switzerland scores very well in areas such as political stability, education, freedom and prosperity, according to its residents. However, its influence on the international stage is viewed more critically. A clear majority would like Switzerland to act more confidently towards major powers such as the United States or China. At the same time, neutrality remains a key point of reference: many continue to see Switzerland’s role as a mediator in conflicts and as a player with a humanitarian tradition. Military involvement or a reduction in neutrality, on the other hand, are met with reluctance.

A majority perceive a common set of values. At the same time, there is a widespread belief that inconsiderate behaviour and selfishness have increased in everyday life. The remarkable discrepancy between how others are assessed and how people assess themselves in specific situations. While the people as a whole are viewed critically, respondents assess themselves more positively. This is evident, for example, in the respectful treatment of people who speak a different language, or in situations such as on the road and in public transport.

Most respondents understand wealth to mean intangible things such as good health, freedom and close relationships. Money, property or consumer goods such as clothes and cars play a comparatively much smaller role. Although financial aspects are not entirely unimportant, for the majority, material wealth is not a primary motivation in life.

At the same time, economic inequality is clearly perceived as a problem by the resident population. The wealth inequality is considered too wide, and many criticise the fact that the rich have excessive influence on politics and society because of their wealth.

The feeling of safety in Switzerland is high: nine out of ten respondents feel safe in their everyday lives. This feeling is mainly supported by a functioning legal system (police and courts), stable institutions and the social environment. In contrast, structural risk factors tend to be perceived as threatening. Respondents particularly often regard the influence of economically powerful actors, cybercrime and possible restrictions on democratic processes as risks to their own security. Traditional dangers such as burglaries, violence in public spaces or military attacks play a significantly lesser role in comparison.