Berne: population and official figures
What is the population of Berne?
Berne, the capital of Switzerland, had 134,290 inhabitants (city proper) on 31 December 2021, according to a complete census (usual residents) reported to the United Nations.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow does Berne rank among cities in Switzerland?
Of the 14 cities the UN table lists for Switzerland (capitals and places of 100,000 or more), it is 5th largest.
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyHow many women and men live in Berne?
Women and girls made up 51.5% of residents (69,225 female, 65,065 male).
Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copyWhat is the population of Bern?
The city of Bern had 138,562 permanent residents at the end of 2025, 12.9% of the population of the canton of Bern.
Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copyMore figures
- The wider urban agglomeration had 424,734 inhabitants. Source: United Nations Statistics Division · saved copy
- During 2025 the population of the city of Bern changed by +567 (0.41%), with 1,372 births, 1,175 deaths and a net migration balance of +421. Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copy
- Between the end of 2015 and the end of 2025 the city of Bern grew by 5.3%, compared with 5.8% for the canton as a whole. Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copy
- Each year since 1999 the BFS has counted the city's residents: 122,686 at the end of 1999 against 138,562 at the end of 2025. Source: Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS) · saved copy
Who runs Berne?
In Switzerland, cities and towns are run by communes: Executive council elected; legislature is either a communal assembly of all citizens or an elected parliament. Schools, local planning, social assistance, utilities, local taxes; they also play a part in granting citizenship.
How local power works in Switzerland
Cities of a similar size in Switzerland
- Zürich 423,193
Up a level: all cities in Switzerland · Switzerland · government and power
Sources
- United Nations Statistics Division: Demographic Yearbook 2024, Table 8: Population of capital cities and cities of 100 000 or more inhabitants, latest available year, 2005-2024, read 23 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 0c6784df022e…)
- Federal Statistical Office (BFS/OFS): Bilanz der ständigen Wohnbevölkerung, nach Kanton und Stadt, 1999-2025 (T 01.02.04.01), read 24 October 2026 · saved copy (SHA-256 482963fd4ff7…)
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