Canton of Geneva |
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 Geneva is an exceptional place. Not only is it the cradle of international organisations but it is also an important cultural centre with its art galleries, museums, opera house and picturesque streets. This, the smallest of the great capitals, is also a haven of greenery with magnificent parks right in the very heart of town. Still more bucolic, the Geneva countryside crossed by the Rhone: uncommon flora and fauna, vineyards and delightful restaurants. A little corner of paradise where even the nightbirds are catered for by the numerous in-places. And if you like shopping, you will find plenty to excite you among the great name brands and the exclusive craftsmen.
Canton of Geneva: all you need to know
| Geography |
Only an hour away by plane from Paris, Milan and Frankfurt and less than two hours from London, Rome or Madrid |
| Population |
Approx. 430.000 inhabitants, of which 40% are foreigners representing 180 nationalities |
| Capital |
Geneva, with 180’000 inhabitants |
| Communes |
45 |
| Area |
282 km2 , or 0,7% of Switzerland |
| Altitude |
374 metres |
| Frontiers |
103 km with France (Haute Savoie and l’Ain) and only 4,5 km with the rest of Switzerland (canton of Vaud) |
| Language |
French |
| Vegetation |
There are two trees per inhabitant |
Photo: CCA
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History of Geneva |
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From the Neolithic era to the Mère RoyaumeThe first traces of settlement appeared on the lake shores around 3,000 B.C. At the crossroads between the Mediterranean and northern Europe, Geneva soon aroused the greed of neighbours: Julius Caesar came to defend Geneva against the Helvetians. If Geneva was to remain of secondary importance from then until the end of the Middle Ages, the great commercial fairs of the 15th century were to stamp it with an international vocation. |
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Switzerland, french part 
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