The Canton of Geneva is the westernmost canton or state of Switzerland,
surrounded on almost all sides by France and centered around the city
of Geneva. The official name of this canton is République et Canton
de Genève. Like some other Swiss cantons (Ticino, Neuchâtel,
Jura) this canton calls itself a republic, as part of the Swiss confederation.
The canton of Geneva is located in the south western corner of Switzerland.
Thanks to its capital, the canton of Geneva is one of the most cosmopolitan
areas of Switzerland. As a centre of Calvinist Reformation, the capital
Geneva exercised significant influence on the canton, which essentially
consists of Geneva and its hinterlands.
From 1584 Geneva was an "everlasting ally" of the Swiss Confederation. During the time of the Helvetic Republic Geneva was not part of Switzerland (République Helvétique), but was a part of France. The Canton of Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815, having been enlarged by French and Savoyard territories at the Vienna
EconomyThe city of Geneva is predominant. It is a centre of commerce, trade and finance. A great number of Swiss banks are located in Geneva, particularly in the area of private banking. The service industry is most significant in Geneva where there are headquarters of a number of international corporations as well as international organizations, such as the United Nations and the International Postal Union. As a financial centre the city of Geneva is of international significance. Agricultural is commonplace in the hinterlands of Geneva, particularly wheat and wine.
Precision machinery and instruments are another branch where the economy of the canton of Geneva is strong. This is also reflected in the tradition of watch-making in Geneva.
GeographyThe area of the canton of Geneva is 282 km2. The canton is practically isolated from other Swiss cantons. The canton is bordered only by Vaud. The adjoining French departements are Ain (to the North) and Haute-Savoie (to the South). The current boundaries of the canton were established in 1815. As of 2005 the population of the canton is 438,483.
ReligionAs home of Calvin's Reformation the canton of Geneva has traditionally been a Protestant Christian stronghold. However, over the latter part of the 20th century the proportion of Catholics rose, in large part due to immigration from southern Europe, and now Catholics outnumber Protestants in the canton. However, the canton is still officially considered Protestant. The French surroundings are mostly Roman Catholic.
TransportMost of the main roads in the canton of Geneva radiate from the capital Geneva. Of these main roads, a great number lead into France rather than any Swiss canton.
The canton is served by an international airport at Cointrin (Geneva International Airport) which has one terminal only.
There are good rail links to cities in France and Switzerland. Since 1984 the French high-speed trains (TGV) come to Geneva.
In 1964 the canton of Geneva was connected to the Swiss highway system, in 1970 to that of France.
International organizations* International Red Cross, since 1864
* League of Nations, 1919
* European headquarters of the United Nations, 1945
* European Organization for Nuclear Research CERN, 1954
* International Telecommunication Union ITU 1947
* World Trade Organization WTO, 1995
Related topics
Geneva Regional Restaurants in Geneva Best Nightlife in Geneva Sightseeing in Geneva Museums in Geneva Parks in Geneva United Nations in Geneva
