DACH countries - Statistics & Facts
The DACH region refers to the three Central European countries of Germany (D), Austria (A), and Switzerland (CH). This region has a combined population of just over 100 million people. There are many shared traits in terms of culture, history, and lifestyle, but also many regional variations between and within the three countries. Germany is, by far, the largest of the three countries, with around 84 million people, whereas Austria and Switzerland have just under nine million inhabitants each. German is the most widely spoken language in all three countries.
Additionally, during the migrant crises of the 2010s, Germany took in the highest number of refugees in Europe, especially regarding applicants from Afghanistan and Syria. All three countries have strong legacies of accepting migrant workers since the Second World War, with large Southern and Eastern European communities living across the DACH region. Along with the humanitarian benefits, immigration has helped the DACH countries cope with recent demographic challenges, such as low birth rates. Migration not only sustains population growth, but migrant workers combat the labor shortage created by ageing societies. Not all view this as positive, however. The Swiss government has adopted more anti-immigration policies in recent years, and there have been surges of right-wing populism in Germany and Austria. As Switzerland shows signs of growing Euroscepticism, it remains to be seen how the other two countries will move forward in the years to come.
Geography and economy
Geographically, Germany is more than four times the size of Austria, and Austria is double the size of Switzerland. Austria and Switzerland are both landlocked, and largely mountainous, located in the Alps. The microstate of Liechtenstein (often included as part of the DACH region) is sandwiched between the two. Germany stretches from the Alps in the south, to the North and Baltic seas in the north, and is more topographically diverse than the other two. The DACH countries rank among the most advanced economies in the world. For over three decades, Germany has had the largest economy in Europe, and one of the largest in the world, while Switzerland has consistently ranked among the top countries in terms of GDP per capita (with almost double the rate of Austria or Germany), and it is considered the wealthiest country in the world. According to various global indexes, the DACH countries, or cities such as Geneva, Hamburg, Munich, Vienna, and Zurich, are often among the top 10 in terms of living quality, happiness, and social security.Recent history
The European Union was officially founded in 1993, with Germany as a leading member and de facto leader, while Austria joined in 1995. Switzerland has consistently rejected EU membership, continuing its somewhat unique approach of maintaining international involvement and European integration without sacrificing its autonomy. Despite the UN having an office in Geneva since 1946, Switzerland only became a full member state in 2002. After some economic stagnation across the DACH region in the 1990s and early 2000s, all three countries have seen strong and stable economic growth. This was followed by the effects of several international events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.Additionally, during the migrant crises of the 2010s, Germany took in the highest number of refugees in Europe, especially regarding applicants from Afghanistan and Syria. All three countries have strong legacies of accepting migrant workers since the Second World War, with large Southern and Eastern European communities living across the DACH region. Along with the humanitarian benefits, immigration has helped the DACH countries cope with recent demographic challenges, such as low birth rates. Migration not only sustains population growth, but migrant workers combat the labor shortage created by ageing societies. Not all view this as positive, however. The Swiss government has adopted more anti-immigration policies in recent years, and there have been surges of right-wing populism in Germany and Austria. As Switzerland shows signs of growing Euroscepticism, it remains to be seen how the other two countries will move forward in the years to come.
