The population of Switzerland is 7,283,274, yielding an overall population density of 176 persons per sq km .The population of Switzerland is unevenly distributed, with the principal concentrations occurring in the Swiss plateau. Some 62 % of the population is classified as urban, but most live in small towns. Population growth is slow, and a surplus of jobs means that foreign laborers and their families make up nearly one-fifth of the population.

The Constitution guarantees freedom of worship, and the different religious communities co-exist peacefully. Switzerland consistently ranks high on quality of life indices, including highest per capita income, one of the highest concentrations of computer and Internet usage per capita, highest insurance coverage per individual, and high health care rates. For these and many other reasons,it serves as an excellent test market for businesses hoping to introduce new products into Europe.