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Global Geneva

Home to a million clocks, a thousand non-government organizations and a hundred Benneton ads, Geneva is a true global city, very beautiful and proud of its rich heritage.

Geneva is not the capital of Switzerland, as most people believe, and is actually only the third largest Swiss city. But Geneva is slick, cosmopolitan and very international. Four out of 10 Genevans were born in another country.

Geneva is known as a seat of world diplomacy, having served as the birthplace of the Red Cross and as an important base of the United Nations. It hosts the headquarters of the World Health Organization and will be one of the host cities of the European Football Championships in 2008.

Most people in Geneva speak French or English but there are also many people who speak Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Italian and Swiss German.

In 1541, Geneva was still an independent republic when it aligned with Protestant Rome. The Reformation played a central role in the city’s history, influencing its administration, economy and politics. In 1813, Geneva became the République et Canton de Genève, a Swiss Canton,

A key moment in Geneva’s history occurred in 1602 when the city turned back the invading army of the Dukes of Savoy to retain its liberty. This historic moment is celebrated during the Escalade, the city’s most important annual festival.

Geneva welcomes its tourists with open arms. It offers them countless museums and prominent landmarks as well as exquisite dining and an eclectic nightlife. Geneva has much to offer, from its beautiful and peaceful setting to its international flavor and sense of adventure.