Who knew? Zurich's population is among Europe’s unhealthiest
At least, that’s what emerges from a new study of 31 European cities carried out by a German healthcare provider Deutsche Medz.
For the study, the company analysed criteria such as the proportion of the population who commute to work by bike or on foot, the cost of a gym membership, and the proportion of green spaces.
Surprisingly, Zurich is fifth of the list of unhealthiest cities.
“One of the main reasons for this is the high cost of a gym membership, which is on average €77 (about 73 francs) per month – “the highest of all cities.”
Another very surprising finding is that “the number of healthy years of life is one of the lowest, at just 59.”
This is contrary to other research, which indicates that people living in Switzerland have one of the highest life expectancies in the world — 85.8 years for women and 82.2 years for men.
In fact, one study found that nowhere else in western Europe do people live as long as in Switzerland.
READ ALSO: Why living in Switzerland can prolong your life
From next week, you will know where your bread comes from
From February 1st, the origin of all baked goods sold in Switzerland must be indicated either on the label or on another sign — whether bought in stores or served in restaurants — to avoid being fined.
This new federal ordinance has been in force since February 2024, but retailers and restaurants had been granted a grace period of one year to comply with the new law.
If this rule is not followed, owners of errant shops will be fined, with the amount based on whether this is the first, or repeated, offence.
"What is important to us is that people buy baked goods with full knowledge of the facts", said Eric Emery, president of the Bakers Association in Geneva.
“We don’t want to ban the import of bread, that is not our role. We just want people to be able to know whether it is made in Switzerland or abroad according to other standards and with other wages.”
Reminder:
Don’t forget the 2025 car vignette
Starting from tomorrow, February 1st, all drivers in Switzerland must have the 2025 vignette — either the paper or digital version.
If you are caught driving without it on a Swiss motorway, you could be fined 200 francs.
The 40-franc sticker, which can be purchased from petrol stations, post offices, border crossings, or online, is obligatory for all vehicles driving on Swiss motorways, regardless of whether you are a resident, tourist, or are just transiting through the country.
This map shows on which roads the vignette is compulsory.
If you have any questions about life in Switzerland, ideas for articles or news tips for The Local, please get in touch with us at news@thelocal.ch
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