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The People of Nyon and a Snapshot of its Diversity

Writer: SeemaSeema

Nyon is a town that’s constantly evolving, with people arriving, settling in, and moving on. The latest population statistics (as of June 30, 2024) give us a snapshot of who’s living here, where they’re from, and how the community changes. But who actually calls Nyon home right now?


A special thanks to Ville de Nyon for providing the data

The historic Château de Nyon and the Municipality Office.
The historic Château de Nyon and the Municipality Office.

A Town of Many Nations

With a resident population of 23,469, Nyon is a blend of long-time locals, Swiss newcomers, and a thriving international community. Nearly 40% of residents are foreign nationals, adding different cultures, languages, and global flavours to our lakeside town. Walk down the high street, step into a café, or browse the local shops, and you’ll hear not just French, German, and Italian—but a mix of languages from all over the world.


So, where is everyone from? Here are the top six foreign nationalities in Nyon:



  1. French

  2. Portuguese

  3. Italian

  4. Spanish

  5. Kosovar

  6. British


Any surprises here? There are over 130 nationalities represented in Nyon, including residents from Nepal, Uruguay, Vietnam, South Africa and Kazakhstan. The mix is never more obvious than during the Euros or the World Cup! Car horns beeping, flags waving from windows and cars and celebrations can last for hours after a big win—it’s all part of what makes Nyon such a lively place to call home. A small town with a big international heart.



A Town on the Move

Nyon has always had a transient side, with people arriving for work, study, and new adventure, while others move on to their next chapter. A snapshot of just one month in 2024 gives us a glimpse of this constant flow:


  • 77 foreign and 56 Swiss residents moved in.

  • 79 foreign and 69 Swiss residents moved out.

  • 14 babies were born—hello, future Nyonnais!

  • 12 residents officially became Swiss citizens.


And looking at the bigger picture, in the past year, over 1,299 foreigners and 753 Swiss arrived, while 1,130 foreigners and 897 Swiss moved away—almost an even trade! It’s like Nyon has its own revolving door, constantly welcoming new faces while sending others off to their next adventure.



Nyon is Young!

With 1,638 residents under 16, Nyon is undeniably a family-friendly town. From lakeside adventures to playgrounds and parks, it’s a place where kids can grow, explore, and enjoy an outdoorsy childhood.


Did You Know?

Nyon’s international spirit isn’t new—it’s been a melting pot since Roman times! Back in the day, it was known as Colonia Iulia Equestris or Noviodunum, a bustling town full of merchants and traders from across the Roman Empire. Fast forward a couple of thousand years, and the mix of cultures is still what makes Nyon special.


Roman Columns
Roman Columns

What Does It All Mean?

Numbers aside, this paint a picture of what living in Nyon is really like.

  • You’ll hear a mix of languages everywhere, in cafés, at the market, and on the train. This town thrives on its multicultural identity.

  • Change is constant. People come and go for work, study, and new adventures. If you’re new here, don’t worry, you’re not the only one figuring things out!

  • More people are putting down roots. With naturalisations nearly doubling since 2020, it’s clear that many who arrive in Nyon choose to stay for the long haul.

  • The next generation is growing up here. With over 1,600 kids under 16, it’s a place where families build a future.

  • So if you’re just passing through for a couple of years or looking to settle in, Nyon remains a dynamic place full of opportunity, culture, and community.


These stats are just a snapshot in time, and they’ll shift again in the months and years ahead. Are you one of Nyon’s newest residents? What’s been your favorite discovery so far? Drop us a message, we’d love to hear!


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