Religious nones on the rise in Switzerland

There has been a major increase within the number of individuals in Switzerland who shouldn’t have any religious affiliation. 

‘Nones’ now comprise the biggest group relating to belief – or lack of belief – comprising over a 3rd of the population (34%). 

That marks a rise of greater than 13 percentage points since 2010, based on recent data published by the Swiss Federal Statistical Office, reports Evangelical Focus. 

The figures, that are for 2022, show that religious nones now outnumber Roman Catholics (32%) and Reformed Protestants (21%). 

It is an astonishing growth for nones, who made up just 1% of the population in 1970. 

The data revealed that nones usually tend to be young and male. The largest age cohort was the 25 to 34-year-old group (42%), in comparison with just 16% of the over-75s. 

Over a 3rd of men identified as a none (36%), in comparison with 31% of ladies. 

More than one in 10 previously had a faith but then lost it (15%). A 3rd said they didn’t agree with the statements of the religious community. 

Nearly a 3rd of nones nonetheless said they were somewhat or definitely spiritual, with over 1 / 4 (28%) saying it helped them deal with difficult moments in life.