This is our theme front page about the city Geneva in Switzerland. Here you will find an overview over all our articles about Geneva, but also some interesting background information about the city.
Articles about Geneva
Tourism
- Activities in Geneva
- Exploring Geneva in December
- Geneva: A Perfect Destination for Tourism
- Geneva Day Trips
- Geneva Plage
- Geneva Sightseeing/What to see
- Geneva’s Old Town
- Jardin Anglais
- The 5 Best Places to Visit in Geneva
- The Flower Clock in Geneva
Neighborhoods
- Cité – Geneva City Centre (4 neighborhoods)
- Acacias Bâtie
- Eaux-Vives
- Florissant – Champel
- Grottes Saint-Gervais
- Paquis
- Plainpalais Jonction
- Saint-Jean Charmilles
- Servette Petit-Saconnex
- Living in Geneva
Frequently asked questions
Lake Geneva
Cities, Towns & Places Close to Geneva
- List of Cities & Towns by Lake Geneva
- 9 Captivating Cities Near Geneva
- 3 Places to Visit Near Geneva
- Versoix
- Coppet
History of Geneva
What is the historical significance of Geneva?
Well, let’s dive into the history of this fascinating city. Geneva was initially conquered by the Romans in 121 BC during their expansion.
It later became Christian under the Late Roman Empire and had its first bishop in the 5th century.
In the 16th century, Geneva played a pivotal role in the Protestant Reformation. John Calvin, a prominent figure in the Reformation and advocate of Calvinism, became the spiritual leader of the city in 1541. This led to the establishment of the Republic of Geneva.
However, Geneva’s history also includes periods of French annexation, where the city came under the influence of Catholic France.
Despite these challenges, Geneva flourished and became the seat of many international organizations in the 19th and 20th centuries.
Geography
To understand the geography of Geneva, take a closer look at its location and surroundings. Geneva is nestled at the south-western end of Lake Geneva, surrounded by three mountain chains belonging to the Jura.
The city covers an area of 15.93 km2, while the canton spans 282 km2, including small exclaves in Vaud. The land in Geneva is primarily built up, with only 1.5% used for agriculture and 3.1% forested. The rest is made up of rivers, lakes, and wasteland.
Urban development is a significant aspect, with industrial buildings comprising 3.4% and housing and buildings making up 46.2%. The geography of Geneva also includes notable geological formations, such as the Pierres du Niton, rocks from the last ice age.
The city’s commitment to environmental sustainability is evident in its land use and preservation efforts.
Politics
The politics of Geneva are influenced by its administrative divisions and the composition of its Administrative Council. Geneva is divided into eight districts, with each district having its own councilor who presides over a department.
The Administrative Council, consisting of five councilors, acts as the executive government of the city. The president of the executive department serves as the mayor. Elections for the Administrative Council are held every five years, and the current term is from June 2020 to May 2025.
The council is currently composed of representatives from the Social Democratic Party (PS), the Green Party (PES), and the Christian Democratic Party (PDC). This left-wing majority, including a female majority for the first time in history, reflects the results of the latest election held in March/April 2020.
Demographics
Taking a closer look at the demographics, you’ll find that Geneva has a diverse and rapidly growing population. The city’s population has been steadily increasing over the years, with the Geneva metropolitan area being one of the fastest-growing in Europe. From 2009 to 2020, the population grew at a rate of +1.48% per year.
In terms of language diversity, French is the official language, but English is also widely spoken due to the presence of international institutions and the banking sector. In 2013, 48% of the population were resident foreign nationals, reflecting the city’s cosmopolitan nature.
The gender distribution is fairly balanced, with 47.8% males and 52.2% females. Birth rates have contributed to the population growth, with a rate of 3.4% due to births and deaths from 1999 to 2009.
Society and culture
Immerse yourself in the vibrant society and rich cultural traditions of Geneva. As the main media center for French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva is home to numerous French language radio and television networks. You can tune in to local radio stations like YesFM, Radio Cité, OneFM, and World Radio Switzerland to stay connected with the latest news and entertainment.
Additionally, Geneva offers a wide range of festivals and events that celebrate its traditions and customs. One such event is Jeûne genevois, which commemorates the St. Bartholomew’s Day massacre of Huguenots. Another popular celebration is L’Escalade, which honors the defeat of the surprise attack by troops sent by the Duke of Savoy. During this festival, you can witness the Escalade procession on horseback and indulge in chocolate cauldrons filled with marzipan treats.
Geneva’s proximity to France also allows access to many French television channels, adding to the diverse cultural experience of the city.