Foreign Population Grows In Switzerland; Swiss Daylight Savings To End; Auto Show Inaugural In Basel; UniBas Searches For Scare Study Subjects

News For 4 September 2018

Last Friday, the Swiss Federal Statistical Office released its latest statistics indicating more than a quarter of the population is made up of foreign residents.  The figures which represent figures as at end of 2017, reflect 2.13 million foreign nationals out of a total population of 8.48 million, just slightly more than 25%.  The two largest foreign national groups living in Switzerland are Italians at 14.9% and Germans at 14.3%. Interestingly, it appears that foreigners, once arrived, prefer to stay: more than half of foreign residents were actually born in Switzerland, and the average foreigner has lived in the country for at least 10 years.

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In a recent survey, roughly 84% of Europeans wish to abolish the regime of daylight savings, which sees the clocks change twice a year to accommodate the peak cycles of day length during the winter and summer.  Switzerland reluctantly joined the practice in 1978 despite 52% of its residents rejecting it, in order to maintain harmony with its European neighbors.  Now that the EU intends to roll back the practice, it appears Switzerland will also follow suit.

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The Grand Basel auto show will make its debut in Basel starting Thursday.  Unlike other auto shows, The Grand Basel is meant to showcase classic auto masterpieces, rather than production and concept vehicles.  Ferraris from the 60s, supercars and over 100 exceptional autos from different manufacturers will be on display.  The show hopes to attract an international group of collectors who are expected to trade in the cars on display.  A day ticket will set you back 45 Francs and the show will run until Sunday.

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The University of Basel has undertaken a study of scare and anxiety triggers.  Unfortunately, they are having difficulty finding subjects to participate.  It seems that once prospective participants are told their fear and anxiety response will be tested in the company of spiders and snakes, they opt out of continuing their participation.  UniBas remains undaunted, and has taken to running adverts looking for participants on trams and buses in addition to their website.  The sponsors of the study hope to find treatments and recommendations to help people ease their fears and anxieties.