Population
Vaz/Obervaz has a population (as of 31 December 2011) of 2,621. As of 2008, 15.2% of the population was made up of foreign nationals. Over the last 10 years the population has decreased at a rate of -2.8%.
| Population growth | |
|---|---|
| Year | Population |
| 1735 | 554 |
| 1775 | 614 |
| 1819 | 750 |
| 1970 | 2,003 |
| 2000 | 2,691 |
| 2004 | 2,466 |
Until 1900, the permanent population lived almost exclusively through agriculture, and the number of inhabitants remained nearly constant through the centuries.
The Jenische (a race of nomadic people) who called Obervaz home were mostly on trips to peddle goods, and therefore hardly influenced the population statistics. Nevertheless, the death records show, between 1892 and 1905, 115 farmers, 2 table-ware salesmen, and peddlers and one bell caster. (Source: Website of the municipal school of Vaz/Obervaz)
Even today many Jenische live in Vaz/Obervaz, for example, the Moser and Kollegger families; some even take public office. Other Jenische whose families' have called Vaz/Obervaz home live spread throughout Switzerland, particularly in the cities of St. Gallen, Zürich, and Basel. Still alive, although mostly in central Switzerland, are some "Vazer Jenische," in their "home-wagons" who still follow their traditional trades.
In all of Switzerland, the concept of "Vazer" was erroneously used as a synonym for Jenische or Gypsie for a long time; this (incorrect) meaning even found an entrance into the Historical Encyclopedia of Switzerland. Although the established Jenische of Obervaz are well integrated, the Vazer are, on the whole, understandably unhappy are still being labeled "Gypsies."
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