(FSO) - A partial revision of the Ordinance on the Conduct of Statistical Surveys by the Confederation is currently being prepared. In addition to amendments taking account of new EU legislation, the implementation provisions in Article 14a of the Federal Statistics Act (BstatG) in particular are being revised. The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) will be consulting affected and interested parties until mid-June 2013 on the draught Ordinance and explanations.

(FSO) - According to the latest results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), 12,008 new bankruptcies were registered in Switzerland in 2012. In comparison with the previous year this represents an increase of 935 cases (+8.4%). Losses from completed bankruptcy proceedings rose during the same period by 4.4% to CHF 2.2 billion.

(FSO) - The Producer and Import Price Index calculated by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) rose in April 2013 by 0.2% compared with the previous month. In particular, watches and machinery showed rising prices, whereas metals and semi-finished products in metal were sold at lower prices. The index stands at 98.6 points (base December 2010 = 100). The price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell slightly by 0.1% year on year.

(FSO) - The Federal Statistical Office (FSO) has published the results of a second set of indicators for measuring the integration of the population with an immigration background. The aim of integration monitoring is to measure the opportunities for access to and participation in different areas of society. The numerous indicators show, among others results, significant differences between people with and without an immigration background in labour market participation and in the use of Switzerland's national languages.

(FSO) - According to provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), real turnover in the retail sector adjusted for sales days and holidays fell by 0.9% in March 2013 compared with March 2012 (in nominal terms -2.4%). Seasonally adjusted turnover, in both real and nominal terms, fell by 0.1% in March 2013 compared with the previous month.

(FSO) - The Swiss Consumer Price Index calculated by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) remained unchanged in April 2013 at 99.1 points (December 2010=100). Compared to the same month in the previous year, the inflation rate was -0.6%, compared with annualised rates of also -0.6% in March 2013 and of -1.0% in April 2012.

(FSO) - According to provisional results from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), the Swiss hotel industry registered 3.2 million overnight stays in March 2013, which corresponds to a growth of 4.7% (+143,000 overnight stays) compared with March 2012. Foreign visitors recorded 1.7 million overnight stays, representing an increase of 5.1% (+85,000 overnight stays). Domestic demand registered 1.5 million overnight stays, i.e. an increase of 4.2% (+58,000 overnight stays). In 2012, the Easter weekend took place during the first week of April, whereas in 2013 it fell in the last week of March. Therefore the results for both March and April should be taken into account in order to neutralise the effect of Easter.

This year, the Federal Office of Culture is once again awarding the Grand Prix Design to inter-nationally renowned Swiss designers. The three individual prizes go to textile designer Martin Leuthold, the designers and architects Trix and Robert Haussmann, and the graphic designer Armin Hofmann. Video portraits of the winners will be shown as part of Design Miami at the Art Basel art show.

(FSO) - In 2010 62,649 deaths were registered in Switzerland. In over 80% of cases more than one disease contributed to death. Today the majority of people die over the age of 80 from diseases typical for that age group. Cardiovascular diseases are the main cause of death at this age. Among persons aged under 80, however, cancer is the main cause. These are some of the findings from the Cause of Death Statistics of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

(FSO) - According to the calculations of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO), in 2012 the Swiss nominal wage index rose by 0.8% on average compared with 2011. It settled at 101.8 points (base 2010 = 100). Given a negative average annual inflation rate of -0.7%, real wages registered an increase of 1.5% (102.3 points, base 2010 = 100).