Switzerland's 'fifth canton' gathers to claim its place

Brunnen, nestled on the shores of Lake Lucerne, became a hub for international gathering as delegates from across the globe convened for a significant meeting of the "fifth Switzerland." This term refers to the vast community of Swiss citizens living abroad, who are increasingly seeking recognition and a more integrated role within their home country.

The "fifth Switzerland" is a substantial and geographically dispersed population, with Swiss nationals residing in 192 countries worldwide. As of December 31, 2025, there were 838,600 Swiss citizens living abroad, a figure that, if considered a canton, would rank it fourth in population size behind Vaud. A significant portion, a quarter of this diaspora, resides in France, with 12% in Germany and 6% in Italy. Overall, 64% live within Europe, and nearly half of those are in neighboring countries.

These Swiss expatriates, numbering around 230,000 of whom are registered to vote, are often perceived primarily through statistics. Their voices are typically amplified during voting periods, serving as a considerable bloc of potential votes. However, the recent gathering aimed to move beyond this statistical representation, emphasizing their active contributions and desire to be seen as a valuable asset to Switzerland.

Delegates traveled from countries including Mexico, the United States, Singapore, France, China, and Hungary to attend the meeting at the Seehotel Waldstätterhof. The discussions likely focused on how this "27th canton," as it's sometimes called, can be better integrated into national discourse and policy, ensuring their perspectives are considered and their connection to Switzerland is strengthened beyond mere residency statistics.