Mortality in Switzerland: key figures, trends and developments

How many deaths in Switzerland each year?

In 2023, Switzerland recorded approximately 74,000 deaths, according to the latest data from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). This figure marks a return to normal after the peaks in mortality linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, which had pushed the annual number of deaths to more than 76,000 in 2020 and 2021.

Over the past five years, the number of deaths has ranged between 67,000 and 76,000 per year, with a gradual upward trend linked to population ageing. By comparison, Switzerland records approximately 87,000 births per year, which maintains positive, albeit moderate, population growth.

This development reflects the ongoing demographic transition: the baby-boom generation is gradually reaching the age of death, which explains the gradual increase observed since the 2000s.

Distribution of deaths by canton

The most populous cantons logically record the highest number of deaths in absolute terms. Zurich leads with approximately 12,000 deaths per year, followed by Berne (10,000) and Vaud (7,500). These three cantons alone account for nearly 40% of annual deaths in Switzerland.

For a fairer comparison, the FSO calculates standardised mortality rates that take into account the age structure of each canton. These indicators reveal more subtle differences: some rural or alpine cantons show slightly higher rates due to an older population.

Urban cantons such as Geneva and Basel-City have some of the lowest mortality rates, thanks to a younger population and easier access to state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Mortality rate: trends and international comparison

The mortality rate measures the number of deaths per 1,000 inhabitants. In Switzerland, this rate currently stands at approximately 8.5 per 1,000, a level that has remained stable for several years. This figure fell significantly during the 20th century, dropping from more than 15 per 1,000 in the 1950s to its current level.

Compared to its European neighbours, Switzerland is in the lower average. Germany has a rate of 11.5 per 1,000, Italy 10.7, whilst France approaches the Swiss rate with 9.2 per 1,000. Austria, with 9.5 per 1,000, also presents a comparable situation.

These differences are mainly explained by the age structure of the population: countries with a higher proportion of elderly people automatically record higher mortality rates.

The main causes of death in Switzerland

The FSO publishes detailed statistics each year on the causes of death in Switzerland, classified according to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD). This data helps identify the main pathologies responsible for mortality and guide public health policies.

Three major categories dominate: cardiovascular diseases, cancers and diseases of the nervous system (particularly dementia). Together, they account for nearly 70% of all deaths in Switzerland.

External causes (accidents, suicides) and respiratory diseases complete the picture. Understanding this distribution helps contextualise the challenges of prevention and medical care in our ageing society.

Cardiovascular diseases

Cardiovascular diseases remain the leading cause of mortality in Switzerland, accounting for approximately 30% of annual deaths. This category mainly includes myocardial infarctions, strokes, heart failure and coronary heart disease.

Good news: cardiovascular mortality has been steadily declining since the 1970s, thanks to medical advances (treatments, surgery, stents), improved emergency care and prevention campaigns on risk factors (tobacco, hypertension, cholesterol).

Despite this positive trend, these pathologies particularly affect elderly people and remain a major public health issue, especially with the ongoing demographic ageing.

Cancers

Cancers are the second leading cause of mortality, responsible for 25 to 27% of deaths in Switzerland. The most common types vary by sex: lung, colorectal and prostate cancer in men; breast, lung and colorectal cancer in women.

Lung cancer remains the deadliest in both sexes, largely linked to smoking. However, cancer mortality rates tend to stabilise or even decline for certain forms, thanks to therapeutic advances and early screening.

Organised screening programmes (mammography, colonoscopy) enable tumours to be detected at an early stage, significantly increasing the chances of recovery and reducing long-term mortality.

Respiratory diseases and dementia

Diseases of the nervous system, particularly dementia (Alzheimer's and related conditions), are experiencing a sharp increase and now account for nearly 15% of deaths. This rise is directly explained by population ageing: the longer one lives, the greater the risk of developing dementia.

Chronic respiratory diseases (COPD, emphysema) and pneumonia in elderly people complete this picture, accounting for approximately 8% of deaths. These pathologies particularly affect frail seniors and often constitute the direct cause of death in people already weakened.

Increasing life expectancy automatically leads to an increase in these pathologies linked to advanced age, posing significant challenges in terms of palliative care and end-of-life support.

Accidents and external causes

External causes (accidents, suicides, trauma) account for approximately 7% of deaths in Switzerland, or nearly 5,000 deaths per year. Although they represent a minority in proportion, they often affect young people, which gives them a particularly significant social and emotional impact.

Road accidents have decreased significantly in recent decades thanks to safety measures, but remain a significant cause among young adults. Falls are the leading cause of accidental death among seniors, particularly after the age of 75.

Suicides account for approximately 1,000 deaths per year in Switzerland. Prevention mechanisms exist, such as the emergency line 143 (La Main Tendue), accessible 24 hours a day for people in psychological distress.

Mortality by age group

The distribution of deaths by age reveals a massive concentration among elderly people: more than 80% of deaths occur after the age of 65, and nearly 60% after 80. The median age at death is around 83 years, reflecting Switzerland's excellent life expectancy.

Infant mortality (deaths before 1 year) is extremely low, with a rate of 3.5 per 1,000 births, one of the best in the world. Among young adults (15-44 years), deaths remain rare and are mainly due to accidents and suicides.

Mortality increases gradually from the age of 45, with the onset of the first chronic diseases (cardiovascular, cancers). It is after 75 that mortality accelerates significantly, with a combination of pathologies linked to ageing.

Life expectancy in Switzerland: where do we stand?

Switzerland has one of the highest life expectancies in the world. In 2023, it reached 84 years for men and 86 years for women, placing the country in the global top 5. This performance results from an efficient health system, a high standard of living and good health habits.

The progress is spectacular: in 1970, life expectancy was 70 years for men and 76 years for women. The gap between the sexes, which reached 6 years, has gradually narrowed to approximately 2 years today, thanks in particular to the decline in male smoking.

Note: healthy life expectancy (without activity limitation) is approximately 72 years, about ten years less than total life expectancy. This indicator reflects the years lived with chronic diseases or functional limitations.

Changes in mortality over 20 years

Over the past two decades, Switzerland has experienced a significant reduction in premature mortality (before 70 years), particularly for cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers. This improvement results from medical advances, more effective treatments and better prevention.

Paradoxically, the absolute number of deaths is increasing since the 2000s, rising from approximately 62,000 annual deaths to 74,000 today. This increase is entirely explained by demographic ageing: the large baby-boom generation (born between 1945 and 1965) is gradually reaching the age of death.

Life expectancy gains continue, but at a slower pace than in the 20th century. Future progress will depend in particular on the ability to better prevent and treat neurodegenerative diseases and resistant cancers.

Impact of demographic ageing

The Swiss age pyramid is transforming rapidly: the proportion of people over 65, currently around 19%, is expected to reach 25% by 2040. This structural change will have a major impact on the annual number of deaths in the coming decades.

According to FSO projections, the number of deaths could reach 90,000 to 100,000 per year by 2050, an increase of nearly 35% compared to today. This peak in mortality will correspond to the death of the baby-boom generation.

This demographic change poses significant challenges: funeral infrastructure, capacity of care homes and palliative care, organisation of funerals. It is also transforming commemorative practices, with increasing digitalisation of death notices and memorial spaces.

Differences between urban and rural areas

Differences in mortality between urban and rural areas in Switzerland remain relatively small, with comparable life expectancy in both environments. However, some nuances exist in the causes of death and risk factors.

Urban areas have greater exposure to air pollution, stress and certain sedentary lifestyles. On the other hand, they benefit from easier access to specialised medical facilities and emergency services, reducing mortality from acute diseases.

In rural areas, accidents (agricultural, road accidents on secondary roads) account for a slightly larger proportion. Access to palliative care and end-of-life facilities may also be more limited, although efforts are being made to ensure uniform coverage of the territory.

Mortality and socio-economic inequalities

Despite an efficient and accessible health system, Switzerland does not escape socio-economic inequalities in mortality. Education level, income and occupation significantly influence life expectancy.

FSO studies show a gap of up to 5 to 7 years of life expectancy between people with tertiary education and those with only compulsory education. These differences are explained by varying health behaviours (smoking, diet, physical activity) and unequal access to prevention.

Manual and physically demanding occupations also show earlier mortality, linked to working conditions and exposure to risk factors. These inequalities persist despite compulsory health insurance, highlighting the importance of social determinants of health.

Demographic projections for the coming decades

The FSO demographic scenarios for 2030-2050 predict a gradual but significant increase in the annual number of deaths. The reference scenario estimates 85,000 deaths in 2030, 95,000 in 2040 and a peak of around 100,000 towards 2050.

This development will have major consequences for funeral infrastructure: capacity of crematoriums, availability of cemetery plots, organisation of ceremonies. Cantons and municipalities will need to anticipate these growing needs to guarantee dignified and respectful care.

The evolution of commemorative rites and practices is also accelerating: digitalisation of death notices, online memorial spaces, more personalised ceremonies. These transformations reflect the expectations of a society that seeks to honour its deceased whilst adapting to contemporary realities.

How this data influences funeral practices

The increase in the number of deaths and demographic change are profoundly transforming the funeral sector. Digitalisation is emerging as a response to families' needs: rapid publication of death notices online, easy sharing with geographically dispersed relatives, creation of memorial spaces accessible 24 hours a day.

Families are also seeking more transparency and accessibility, particularly regarding costs. Faced with the high rates of traditional press (800 to 2,000 CHF), solutions such as Wolky offer the option to publish a death notice for 180 CHF, with additional services to honour the memory of the deceased.

This development responds to post-death financial challenges. To learn more about available support, consult our article on financial assistance after a death in Switzerland or discover how death insurance works to protect your loved ones.

Every year, Switzerland records approximately 70,000 deaths, a figure that is constantly increasing due to demographic ageing. Cardiovascular diseases and cancers remain the main causes of mortality, whilst life expectancy continues to increase, placing Switzerland among the best-performing countries in the world. These developments directly influence the organisation of funerals and the way families honour the memory of their loved ones.

Faced with these demographic realities, funeral practices are evolving towards greater simplicity and accessibility. Wolky supports Swiss families by offering them a transparent digital solution to publish a death notice for 180 CHF, create memorial pages and share the memory of their loved ones with dignity. If you wish to inform those around you of a death or honour the memory of a loved one, publish your death notice in a few minutes and offer them the tribute they deserve.