Switzerland’s exports grew almost tenfold in the 1970s. Five nuclear power plants were constructed, and hydroelectric power production expanded to meet the country’s growing energy demands. Switzerland introduced women’s suffrage by popular vote in 1971. Swiss society changed due to an ever-increasing population and the mobility of its inhabitants. Urban sprawl has particularly affected the Mittelland between Geneva and Lausanne and between Bern and Zurich and St. Gallen. Private incomes and the overall level of prosperity increased as a result of economic growth, especially in the service sector.
The cantons and municipalities implemented an ambitious environmental policy, which resulted in impressive progress on pollution abatement. Switzerland’s strong economy attracted many immigrants, first from Italy and Spain and then from Yugoslavia and Turkey. Around 1970, xenophobic parties began to gain significant support, though efforts to reduce foreign laborers were narrowly defeated. However, during the 1970s, many foreign workers, particularly those in construction and watchmaking, were forced to leave due to restructuring and rationalization.
