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The canton of Geneva
In south-west of Switzerland, this small "city-canton" tightens around the western end of Lake Geneva (Lake Léman). Surrounded by its french neighbor, it seems an enclave; Geneva is sharing 90% of its borders with France (over 100km) and only 4.5 kilometers with Switzerland.
With an area of just over 200km2, Geneva is one of the smallest Swiss cantons (the 20th in size) but one of the most populous (the 6th Swiss canton).
Historically, Geneva has a reputation of a city open to the world. Headquarters of many international organizations, the canton of Geneva has the highest proportion of foreign residents (37% of its population). In fifty years, the city has become a real international capital of diplomacy.
The "International Committee of the Red Cross" (ICRC) is the first international institution established in Geneva, immediately joined by many others including the most famous, who chooses his seat after the First World War : the United Nations (UN).
City of Geneva
"Genève" in French, "Genf" in German and "Ginevra" in Italian, is the largest urban agglomeration in the french part of Switzerland.
The old city of Geneva is remarkable. The tourist office offers audio guide to discover the old city of Geneva, the course begins at "Pont de l'île".
You can find good Restaurants, antique shops, bookshops, watchmakers on the fancy "Rue de Rive", Geneva's 5th Avenue .
On the other side of the Rhone, is the red light district of Pâquis, where you'll find the trendiest bars in the city.
Even if people here are avid users of public transport, the city is congested with traffic. Free parking doesn't exist anymore and public parking rates are really unaffordable. The best way to visit the city is to rent a bicycle.
Canton of Geneva / Practical information :
Area : 282 km2
Population : 389'910
Capital : Geneva
Language : French
Predominant religion : Protestant
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