Two out of three Swiss people use the internet regularly
Just under 70 percent of the Swiss population uses the Internet regularly. This is according to the new publication «Indicators on the Information Society in Switzerland» by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). Just ten years ago, the figure was less than 10 percent of the population. However, Internet use varies greatly depending on educational level and age.
Almost 70 percent of the Swiss population aged 14 and over use the internet regularly. This is according to the new publication "Indicators on the Swiss Information Society" from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO). In spring 2008, around 77 percent of respondents stated that they had used the Internet at least once in the past six months. 68 percent use it weekly or daily. Ten years ago, this figure was less than 10 percent of the population. The proportion of regular users grew particularly strongly between 1997 and 2001, from 7% to over 40%. Since 2005, it has been over 60 percent.
However, internet usage varies greatly depending on education level and age. While 90 percent of people with a university degree or higher vocational training use the Internet, the proportion of people who have only completed compulsory schooling is 47 percent. This educational gap is only slowly narrowing. There are also differences in age: 90% of 14 to 19-year-olds use the Internet regularly, but only four in ten of those over 50. Although the older age groups are catching up, the gap between the age groups has not narrowed significantly.
70% of households in Switzerland have Internet access. This puts Switzerland above the average for EU countries, but behind South Korea and Scandinavia. Three quarters of households with Internet access have a broadband connection. This proportion is below that of the leading countries, for example 89% in Denmark.
The development of e-commerce fell short of expectations. In 2006, households spent around CHF 2.5 billion a year on goods and services purchased online. The most money was spent on travel, multimedia and IT equipment.
However, internet usage varies greatly depending on education level and age. While 90 percent of people with a university degree or higher vocational training use the Internet, the proportion of people who have only completed compulsory schooling is 47 percent. This educational gap is only slowly narrowing. There are also differences in age: 90% of 14 to 19-year-olds use the Internet regularly, but only four in ten of those over 50. Although the older age groups are catching up, the gap between the age groups has not narrowed significantly.
70% of households in Switzerland have Internet access. This puts Switzerland above the average for EU countries, but behind South Korea and Scandinavia. Three quarters of households with Internet access have a broadband connection. This proportion is below that of the leading countries, for example 89% in Denmark.
The development of e-commerce fell short of expectations. In 2006, households spent around CHF 2.5 billion a year on goods and services purchased online. The most money was spent on travel, multimedia and IT equipment.
