Black people in Switzerland (Zürich)

romegan · 30 July 2011 17:28

I just wanted to ask if there are many black people living in Switzerland, especially in Zürich since I'm black myself. From where do these people originate?

Thanks

Devondre

Tamayra · 30 July 2011 17:32

I've met people from Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Cameroon, Zambia, Kenya...

leophillalo · 30 July 2011 17:37

Most are from Africa...but you will find some from the USA too. If you go in Kreis 4 near Langstrasse you will find more Black hair salons and various food products.

raj_kuma · 30 July 2011 17:42

There are many---in comparison to rest of Switzerland (other than Basel or Geneva).

But that's also very relative. Less than many other major cities in Europe.

siree_w · 30 July 2011 17:56

Hi,

I'm black (Haitian American) and will be moving to Zurich with my family.

Feel free to stay in touch and hopefully we will be able to get together in near future.

romegan · 30 July 2011 18:11

Hi

Will you move there permanently?

jiovann · 30 July 2011 20:17

Why the concern about how many black people live where? Even though sometimes it may sound or feel good to see someone who looks familiar, the important thing is to try to integrate with all people. Maybe easier said than done in Switzerland though.

Boderichee · 30 July 2011 20:19

I wonder what would happen if I posted "I want to meet white people..."

jalaisley · 30 July 2011 20:28

There are so many EFers in Zurich, you're just lucky to have an instant social circle! I wouldn't start getting preoccupied with superficial things.

romegan · 30 July 2011 20:29

Have I said that, no, so your post is completely inappropriate and polemic.

I merely wanted to know if there are many black people in Zurich, I haven't said I wanted to meet them. It was a question out of interest, nothing else.

Still, I'd completely understand it if some white guy from England was asking if there are many white people in some South African town he has to work in.

leophillalo · 30 July 2011 20:34

I have no problem with your original question.

But my OH's family 'escaped' SA because of apartheid in the late 40s - so maybe not a very sensible comparison, sorry.

leophillalo · 30 July 2011 20:40

Its OK, he saw my Avatar once and asked me if he could "Join my gang"... I of course told him no and now he's like this.

Welcome to the forum.

Switzerland is a pretty diverse place around the major cities. Because of the French component of Geneva and Lausanne its a bit more of an African contingent there. But its pretty well spread out. No one will stop and watch you in amazement.

I think you will meet much more black folks once you get here than on this forum though.

Boderichee · 30 July 2011 20:44

Did I say you wanted to meet Black People ? No.

You jumped to conclusions in your argument. Maybe an exposed nerve.

As for "polemic" , exactly how ?

leophillalo · 30 July 2011 20:57

This is a bit a weird question if you are living in Zürich.

My advise is to go out on the street and check it yourself.

Boderichee · 30 July 2011 21:08

Weird yes, and almost racist if you ask me. I could understand the Op if the question was along the lines of any Caribbeans, or Guyanans, Kenyans, or Nigerians here, but just asking about black people is purely a differentiation based on race and not origin. Hence my question. Many people come on here looking for people from their country...Now, I still wonder what would happen if I posted asking if there are any white people here.

Still, Op is a newbie so I had best bite my tongue and extend a welcome to the forum and to Zurich.

leophillalo · 30 July 2011 21:12

Well in the US when youre black, youre black.... Where I am from 80% of the population is black and no one really cares what anyones origin is. So Im guessing he is from the US. Perhaps Im wrong, but this is normal in the US.

In the US no gives a shiit if youre from Germany, France, Oz etc... If youre white, youre white..... I think you guys are getting worked up over nothing to be honest. I wouldnt take it personal.

Harietolie · 30 July 2011 21:14

Black or white - what does it matter? Why can't we just keep it without firing back. Ask why he/she wants to know if it is such a big deal. Don't take it the wrong way, I do not post much on all the conversations but it does tick me off with all the comments I get to read. This forum if I understand it correctly is to help each other, overcome the culture shocks, find new friends etc etc etc.

OK I got it out of my system now. All enjoy the long weekend.

P.S. there are lots of white people here, including myself, wife, daughter....

taivorge_ist · 30 July 2011 21:25

They're mostly Africans....then there are some Brazilians and a few Dominicans. Those are the largest demographics of black people in Zurich.

Joseltraia · 30 July 2011 21:36

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romegan · 30 July 2011 21:39

I'm from North London, it's basically the same over here, there are the Whites where no one cares about if you have Polish, Irish or English origins, African or Caribbean origins if you're Black and then there are the Asians including Pakistanis, Indians, Bangladeshis etc.

Personally I have Jamaican roots but I consider myself as a Black Englishman, people are getting worked up over nothing tbh.