Self-image, cohesion and the future: Switzerland takes a critical look at itself whilst, at the same time, placing its trust in its democratic strengths

Those surveyed provide a clear answer as to what lies at the heart of Switzerland. Most frequently, they cite direct democracy and the opportunity for political participation as the most important pillars of national cohesion. Economic stability, security, the rule of law and reliability are also key factors. It is thus shared institutions and social values, above all, that shape Switzerland’s self-image, to a far greater extent than cultural distinctions or national symbols.

Even in international comparison, the population sees Switzerland’s greatest strengths as lying in its institutions. The political system and democracy, infrastructure, education and research, and the healthcare system are rated particularly highly. The results paint a picture of a country whose strengths are primarily found at home: where state institutions function effectively and shape people’s everyday lives.

At the same time, the results show that social cohesion is perceived as vulnerable. Respondents cite growing inequality and political polarisation as the greatest threats to the typical Swiss identity. Both of these developments are more frequently regarded as major threats than immigration or European integration.

It is striking that perceptions vary depending on the issue. Whilst, for example, views on immigration are strongly influenced by political orientation, people across different age groups share concerns about increasing polarisation. The study thus suggests that internal social tensions are now perceived as having a greater impact on identity than external influences.

There appears to be a general openness to change. Only a small minority would like Switzerland to remain unchanged. The majority see a need for at least some adaptation to ensure the country remains successful in the future.

In addition, the Swiss often describe themselves as close to nature, down-to-earth, hard-working and democratic. Innovation and cosmopolitanism feature far less prominently in their self-image. The findings thus point to a self-image in which tried-and-tested qualities remain important, without changes being ruled out in principle.

By international comparison, the population takes a nuanced view of their country. Whilst the political system and democracy, infrastructure and public transport, as well as education and research, are regarded as particular strengths, those surveyed see room for improvement, particularly with regard to Switzerland’s role as a political player on the world stage. Switzerland’s cultural influence and creativity, as well as gender equality, are also viewed with a comparatively critical eye. Weaknesses are also perceived in the areas of environmental protection and sustainability, the treatment and integration of minorities, the way the country comes to terms with its own history, and social mobility and equal opportunities. The findings point to a society that takes a self-critical view of its own country.

At the same time, personal life satisfaction remains high. Whilst people’s own life circumstances are generally viewed in a positive light, their views on various social and political issues are significantly more critical.

The respondents’ visions of the future also reflect this ambivalence. Switzerland in 2036 is described simultaneously as successful and self-assured, yet also as an ageing or backward nation. This coexistence of differing expectations points to a self-image that is less idealised and more pragmatic and realistic.

Across all the analyses, a consistent picture emerges: the Swiss population continues to have confidence in the strengths of its democratic institutions and views its own living conditions predominantly in a positive light. At the same time, there is a growing awareness that social cohesion, the ability to adapt and the way internal tensions are managed will be decisive factors in how Switzerland develops in the future.

The results are taken from the study ‘So tickt die Schweiz’ (‘How Switzerland Works’), which was carried out by gfs.bern on behalf of Der Beobachter. Between 4 and 11 May 2026, 1,024 Swiss residents aged 16 and over were surveyed online via the company’s own ‘Polittrends’ panel. The sample was weighted by age and gender within the language regions, as well as by language, canton, type of settlement, education and party preference. The statistical margin of error is ±3.1 percentage points at a 95 per cent confidence level.