By 2045, Swiss citizens aged 65 and over are expected to account for over a quarter of the population in all cantons, according to new projections by the Federal Statistical Office. 

Over the next thirty years, almost all cantons – with the exception of Uri - will see population growth, mainly as a result of people reaching retirement age or arrivals from other cantons or abroad.

Cantons Fribourg, Vaud, Thurgau, Valais, Zurich (+1.5-1.8 million) and Aargau will witness the greatest total population increases (+25%), the office reported on Thursday. 

The Swiss population – currently 8.2 million – is expected to grow to 10.1 million by 2045. 

The number of people of retirement age will increase by 50% in almost all cantons. Urban centres will age less quickly than suburban areas due to migration flows. Switzerland's share of older people will be higher than some European countries like France but much less than Japan.

By 2045, the cantons with the highest percentage of people of retirement age will be Uri, Ticino, Obwalden, Nidwalden and Graubünden. 

Only cantons Vaud, Geneva, Zurich and Fribourg will have less than 25% of the population over 65 by this date. 

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