Difference between revisions of "Geneva" - New World Encyclopedia

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{{Infobox Swiss town
 
{{Infobox Swiss town
  | subject_name = Geneva
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  | subject_name = '''Geneva'''
 
  | municipality_name = Geneva
 
  | municipality_name = Geneva
 
  | municipality_type = municipality
 
  | municipality_type = municipality
 
  | image_photo=Geneve 2005 001 Ork.ch.jpg
 
  | image_photo=Geneve 2005 001 Ork.ch.jpg
 
  | image_caption=A view over Geneva
 
  | image_caption=A view over Geneva
| image_snow=
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  | snow_image=
  | image_snowcaption=  
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  | snow_imagecaption=
 
  | imagepath_coa = Coat_of_Arms_of_Geneva.svg|pixel_coa=
 
  | imagepath_coa = Coat_of_Arms_of_Geneva.svg|pixel_coa=
 
  | map = Karte Kanton Genf.png
 
  | map = Karte Kanton Genf.png
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  | municipality_code = 6621
 
  | municipality_code = 6621
 
  | area = 15.86
 
  | area = 15.86
  | elevation = 375|elevation_description=  
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  | elevation = 375|elevation_description=
  | population = 186,825|populationof=2008
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  | population = 191803 | populationof = Aug 2011
  | agglomeration        = 960000
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  | agglomeration        = 1,240,000
  | website = ville-ge.ch
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  | website = ville-geneve.ch
  | mayor = Patrice Mugny|mayor_asof=2008|mayor_party=Vert
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  | mayor = [[Pierre Maudet]]|mayor_asof=2011|mayor_party=PLR
 
  | mayor_title = Maire|list_of_mayors = List of mayors of Geneva
 
  | mayor_title = Maire|list_of_mayors = List of mayors of Geneva
  | places =  
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  | places =
 
  | demonym = Genevois
 
  | demonym = Genevois
  | neighboring_municipalities= [[Carouge]], [[Chêne-Bougeries]], [[Cologny]], [[Lancy]], [[Grand-Saconnex]], [[Pregny-Chambésy]], [[Vernier, Switzerland|Vernier]], [[Veyrier, Switzerland|Veyrier]]
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  | neighboring_municipalities= [[Carouge]], [[Chêne-Bougeries]], [[Cologny]], [[Lancy]], [[Grand-Saconnex]], [[Pregny-Chambésy]], [[Vernier, Switzerland|Vernier]], [[Veyrier]]
  | twintowns =  
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  | twintowns =
|}}
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}}
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'''Geneva''' ({{lang-fr|Genève}}) is the second-most populous city in [[Switzerland]] (after [[Zürich]]) and is the most populous city of [[Romandie]] (the [[French language|French]]-speaking part of Switzerland).  
 
'''Geneva''' ({{lang-fr|Genève}}) is the second-most populous city in [[Switzerland]] (after [[Zürich]]) and is the most populous city of [[Romandie]] (the [[French language|French]]-speaking part of Switzerland).  
  
Geneva was a center of the [[Reformation]] in the 16th century, and was a favoured destination for persecuted French and Italian [[Protestant]] refugees.
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Geneva was a center of the [[Reformation]] in the sixteenth century, and was a favored destination for persecuted French and Italian [[Protestant]] refugees. Politically and culturally cut off from its geographic surroundings following the Reformation, the city was forced to develop relationships with more distant [[Europe]]an locations and overseas nations. This undoubtedly helped to shape its character as a city willing to reach beyond the common borders of nationality or [[religion]]. Today Geneva is a worldwide center for [[diplomacy]] and international cooperation.
  
Geneva is a worldwide center for [[diplomacy]] and international cooperation, and is widely regarded as a [[global city]], mainly because of the presence of numerous [[international organization]]s, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the [[United Nations]]<ref>{{cite web|title= Staying on the Safe Side; Geneva|work=[[The New York Times]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|url=http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CEEDE133EF937A15755C0A966958260&scp=7&sq=Canton+of+Geneva&st=nyt|date=1990-06-24|accessdate=2008-04-19}}</ref> and the [[International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement|Red Cross]].<ref>{{cite web|title=36 Hours in Geneva|work=[[The New York Times]]|publisher=[[The New York Times Company]]|url=http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/09/16/travel/16hours.html?scp=1&sq=Geneva+Switzerland&st=nyt|date=2007-09-16|accessdate=2008-02-02}}</ref> It is also the place where the [[Geneva Conventions]] were signed, which chiefly concern the treatment of wartime non-combatants and [[prisoners of war]].  
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It is widely regarded as a [[global city]], mainly because of the presence of numerous [[international organization]]s, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the [[United Nations]] and the [[Red Cross|International Red Cross]]. It is also the place where the [[Geneva Conventions (1949)|Geneva Conventions]] were signed, which chiefly concern the treatment of wartime non-combatants and [[prisoners of war]].  
 
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{{toc}}
A 2007 survey by [[Mercer (consulting firm)|Mercer Consulting]] found Geneva to have the second-highest [[quality of life]] in the world (narrowly outranked by Zürich).
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A survey conducted by the Mercer Consulting Firm in 2008 found Geneva (for the 2nd year in a row) to have the second-highest [[quality of life]] in the world, tied with [[Vienna, Austria]] and outranked only by [[Zurich]].
<ref>Mercer Human Resource Consulting [http://www.mercerhr.com/pressrelease/details.jhtml/dynamic/idContent/1173105 World-wide quality of living survey]. London, 2 April 2007. Last accessed 13 January 2008</ref>
 
  
 
==Geography==
 
==Geography==
[[Image:Geneva SPOT 1124.jpg|thumb|left|250px|Geneva seen from SPOT Satellite]]
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[[Image:Ginebra-Suiza-NieveDeEnero-02.jpg|thumb|left|225px|The [[old town]] of Geneva in winter.]]
[[Image:Ginebra-Suiza-NieveDeEnero-02.jpg|thumb|left|250px|The [[old town]] of Geneva in winter.]]
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[[Image:Geneva SPOT 1124.jpg|thumb|right|225px|Geneva seen from SPOT Satellite]]
[[Image:Eaux-Vives.JPG|thumb|left|250px|The Eaux-Vives quarter of Geneva.]]
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[[Image:Eaux-Vives.JPG|thumb|left|225px|The Eaux-Vives quarter of Geneva.]]
The name ''Geneva'' is probably of [[Celtic languages|Celtic]] origin; the city was mentioned in [[Latin]] texts with the spelling ''Genava''. The name takes various forms in modern languages — ''Geneva'' in [[English language|English]] and  {{pronEng|dʒɨˈniːvə}}, {{lang-fr|Genève}} {{IPA2|ʒənɛv}}, {{audio-de|Genf|de-Genf.ogg}}  {{IPA|[gɛnf]}}, {{lang-it|Ginevra}} {{IPA|[dʒiˈneːvra]}}, and {{lang-rm|Genevra}}.
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The name ''Geneva'' is probably of [[Celtic languages|Celtic]] origin; the city was mentioned in [[Latin]] texts with the spelling ''Genava''. The name takes various forms in modern languages.  
  
Geneva is located at the south-western end of [[Lake Geneva]] (French ''Lac Léman''), where the lake flows back into the [[Rhône River]]. It is surrounded by two mountain chains, the [[Swiss Alps|Alps]] and the [[Jura mountains|Jura]].
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Geneva is located at the southwestern end of [[Lake Geneva]] (French ''Lac Léman''), where the [[lake]] flows back into the [[Rhône River]]. It is surrounded by two [[mountain]] chains, the [[Swiss Alps|Alps]] and the [[Jura mountains|Jura]].
  
The city of Geneva has an area of {{convert|15.86|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=on}}, while the area of the [[Canton of Geneva]] is {{convert|282|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=on}}, including the two small [[enclave]]s of [[Céligny]] in [[Vaud]]. The part of the lake that is attached to Geneva has an area of {{convert|38|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=on}} and is sometimes referred to as ''Petit lac'' ({{lang-en|small lake}}). The Canton has only a {{convert|4.5|km|mi|1|abbr=on|sp=us}} long border with the rest of Switzerland; out of a total of {{convert|107.5|km|mi|1|abbr=on|sp=us}} of borders, the remaining 103 are shared with [[France]], with the [[Ain|Départment de l'Ain]] to the North and the [[Haute-Savoie|Département de la Haute-Savoie]] to the South.
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The city of Geneva has an area of {{convert|15.86|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=on}}, while the area of the [[Canton of Geneva]] is {{convert|282|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=on}}, including the two small [[enclave]]s of [[Céligny]] in [[Vaud]]. The part of the lake that is attached to Geneva has an area of {{convert|38|km2|sqmi|1|abbr=on}} and is sometimes referred to as ''Petit lac'' ({{lang-en|small lake}}). The Canton has only a {{convert|4.5|km|mi|1|abbr=on|sp=us}} long border with the rest of [[Switzerland]]; out of a total of {{convert|107.5|km|mi|1|abbr=on|sp=us}} of borders, the remaining 103 are shared with [[France]], with the [[Ain|Départment de l'Ain]] to the north and the [[Haute-Savoie|Département de la Haute-Savoie]] to the south.
  
The [[altitude]] of Geneva is {{convert|373.6|m|ft|1|sp=us}}, and corresponds to the altitude of the largest of the [[Pierres du Niton]], two large rocks emerging from the lake which date from the [[Wisconsin glaciation|last ice age]]. This rock was chosen by General [[Guillaume Henri Dufour]] as the [[reference point]] for all surveying in Switzerland.<ref>[[Swisstopo]], [http://www.swisstopo.ch/en/basics/geo/faq/horizon Height reference for Switzerland]. Last accessed on 1 February 2007.</ref>
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The [[altitude]] of Geneva is {{convert|373.6|m|ft|1|sp=us}}, and corresponds to the altitude of the largest of the [[Pierres du Niton]], two large rocks emerging from the lake which date from the [[Wisconsin glaciation|last ice age]]. This rock was chosen by General [[Guillaume Henri Dufour]] as the reference point for all surveying in Switzerland.<ref>''Swisstopo,'' [http://www.swisstopo.ch/en/basics/geo/faq/horizon Height reference for Switzerland.] Retrieved November 18, 2008.</ref>
  
The climate of Geneva is temperate. Ice storms near the [[Lac Léman]] are quite normal in the winter, when the average maximum daytime temperature in January is 39°F (4°C). In the summer many people enjoy swimming in the lake, and frequently patronize public beaches such as [[Genève Plage]] and [[Bains des Pâquis]]. The average maximum is around 77°F (25°C) in July. Mean annual precipitation is 33.5 inches (853mm).
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The [[climate]] of Geneva is temperate. Ice storms near the [[Lac Léman]] are normal in the winter, when the average maximum daytime temperature in January is 39°F (4°C). In the summer many people enjoy swimming in the lake, and frequently patronize public beaches such as [[Genève Plage]] and [[Bains des Pâquis]]. The average maximum is around 77°F (25°C) in July. Mean annual precipitation is 33.5 inches (853 mm).
  
 
The second main river of Geneva is the [[Arve River]] which flows into the [[Rhône River]] just west of the city center.
 
The second main river of Geneva is the [[Arve River]] which flows into the [[Rhône River]] just west of the city center.
  
Most of the drinkable water (80 percent) is extracted from the [[Lake Geneva|lake]]; the remaining 20 percent is provided by [[groundwater]] originally formed by infiltration from the [[Arve River]].  
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Most of the drinkable water (80 percent) is extracted from [[Lake Geneva]]; the remaining 20 percent is provided by [[groundwater]] originally formed by infiltration from the [[Arve River]].  
  
Thirty percent of the Canton's electricity needs is locally produced, mainly by three [[hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]] [[dam]]s on the [[Rhone River]] (Seujet, Verbois and Chancy-Pougny). In addition, 13 percent of the electricity produced in the Canton is made from the heat induced by the burning of waste at the [[Waste management#Incineration|waste incineration facility]] of [[Les Cheneviers]].  
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Thirty percent of the Canton's [[electricity]] needs is locally produced, mainly by three [[hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]] [[dam]]s on the [[Rhone River]] (Seujet, Verbois and Chancy-Pougny). In addition, 13 percent of the electricity produced in the Canton is made from the heat induced by the burning of waste at the [[Waste management#Incineration|waste incineration facility]] of [[Les Cheneviers]].  
  
Natural gas is available in the City of Geneva, as well as in about two-thirds of the municipalities of the canton, and is imported from [[Western Europe]].
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[[Natural gas]] is available in the City of Geneva, as well as in about two-thirds of the municipalities of the canton, and is imported from [[Western Europe]].
  
{{wide image|Rade Geneve.jpg|1500px|}}
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{{wide image|Rade Geneve.jpg|1200px|Panoramic view of Geneva}}
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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[[Image:ReformationsdenkmalGenf2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Reformation Wall|The International Monument to the Reformation]]]]
 
[[Image:ReformationsdenkmalGenf2.jpg|thumb|right|250px|[[Reformation Wall|The International Monument to the Reformation]]]]
 
[[Image:Jean Henri Dunant.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Henri Dunant.]]
 
[[Image:Jean Henri Dunant.jpg|right|thumb|250px|Henri Dunant.]]
[[Image:Jet d'au Geneva.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Jet d'Eau]] in [[Lake Geneva]] ]]
 
  
The first traces of human civilization in Geneva, discovered on the shores of Lake Léman, date from around 3000 b.c.e. The hill of the Old City, that dominates the outlet of the lake, was not inhabited until 1000 b.c.e. Around 500 b.c.e., Geneva was a Celtic fortified settlement.  
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The first traces of human [[civilization]] in Geneva, discovered on the shores of Lake Léman, date from around 3000 B.C.E. The hill of the Old City that dominates the outlet of the lake, was not inhabited until 1000 B.C.E. Around 500 B.C.E., Geneva was a Celtic fortified settlement.  
  
The name ''Geneva'' first appeared in history as a border town, fortified against the Celto-Germanic [[Helvetii]], which the Romans took in 120 b.c.e. The Romans and the Helvetians used Geneva as a staging point in the campaign for Gaul in 58 b.c.e.
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The name ''Geneva'' first appeared in history as a border town, fortified against the Celto-Germanic [[Helvetii]], which the Romans took in 120 B.C.E. The Romans and the Helvetians used Geneva as a staging point in the campaign for [[Gaul]] in 58 B.C.E.  
  
By 379 c.e., Geneva was the seat of a bishop and was within the Roman Empire, although details remain under debate. In 440 [[Salonius|St Salonius]] appears as Bishop of Geneva.
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By 379 C.E., Geneva was the seat of a bishop and was within the [[Roman Empire]], although details remain under debate. In 440 [[Salonius|St. Salonius]] appears as Bishop of Geneva.
  
In 443 c.e., it was taken by Burgundy, and, with the latter, fell to the [[Frankish Kingdom|Franks]] in 534. In 888, the town was part of the new [[Kingdom of Burgundy]]. In 1032, the kingdom passed into the hands of the Germanic emperors.
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In 443 C.E., the city was taken by [[Burgundy]], and, with the latter, fell to the [[Frankish Kingdom|Franks]] in 534. In 888, the town was part of the new [[Kingdom of Burgundy]]. In 1032, the kingdom passed into the hands of the Germanic emperors.
  
From the 11th century to the [[Reformation]], bishops who had become the de facto lords of the city ruled Geneva. In 1387, Bishop Adhémar Fabry granted the town its great charter, the basis of its communal self-government, which every bishop on his accession was expected to confirm.
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From the eleventh century to the [[Reformation]], bishops who had become the de facto lords of the city ruled Geneva. In 1387, Bishop Adhémar Fabry granted the town its great charter, the basis of its communal self-government, which every bishop on his accession was expected to confirm.
  
Genevese counts controlled the city until they became extinct in 1394. From 1416, the dukes of Savoy dynasty sought to bring the city under their power, particularly by elevating members of their family to the episcopal see. Geneva's burghers had the Savoy dukes recognize the public assembly, to which every citizen belonged, as the city's legislative body.
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Genevese counts controlled the city until they became extinct in 1394. From 1416, the dukes of [[Savoy dynasty]] sought to bring the city under their power, particularly by elevating members of their family to the episcopal see. Geneva's burghers had the Savoy dukes recognize the public assembly, to which every citizen belonged, as the city's legislative body.
  
Geneva's trade fairs reached their peak in the 15th century, giving the city an international reputation. During the first third of the 16th century, the Swiss cantons of Fribourg and Bern helped Geneva retain its autonomy against Savoy.
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Geneva's trade fairs reached their peak in the fifteenth century, giving the city an international reputation. During the first third of the sixteenth century, the Swiss cantons of Fribourg and [[Berne]] helped Geneva retain its autonomy against Savoy.
  
The [[Protestant Reformation]], that began in 1517, plunged Geneva into new entanglements. In 1511, the nearby Catholic city of [[Fribourg]] had renounced its allegiance with Geneva. The city of [[Bern]], located further to the northeast from Geneva, favoured the introduction of the new teaching and demanded liberty of preaching for the French evangelists [[Guillaume Farel]] (1489–1565) and [[Antoine Froment]] (1508-1581),
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The [[Protestant Reformation]] that began in 1517, plunged Geneva into new entanglements. In 1511, the nearby [[Catholic]] city of [[Fribourg]] had renounced its allegiance with Geneva. The city of [[Berne]], located further to the northeast from Geneva, favored the introduction of the new teaching and demanded liberty of preaching for the French evangelists [[Guillaume Farel]] (1489–1565) and [[Antoine Froment]] (1508-1581).
  
In 1532, Geneva's Roman Catholic bishop, Pierre de La Baume, was obliged to leave his residence, never to return. The burghers declared the see vacant, and proclaimed themselves a a republic in 1535. Savoy threatened to invade. Geneva needed military support from Protestant Berne. In 1536, the burghers declared the city Protestant.
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In 1532, Geneva's Roman Catholic bishop, Pierre de La Baume, was obliged to leave his residence, never to return. The burghers declared the See vacant, and proclaimed themselves a a republic in 1535. Savoy threatened to invade. Geneva needed military support from Protestant Berne. In 1536, the burghers declared the city [[Protestantism|Protestant]].
  
French theologian and Protestant leader [[John Calvin]] (1509–1564), was based in Geneva from 1536 to his death. While expelling all those who would not convert to the Reformed religion, Calvin presided over Geneva's transformed into a modern city-state. The city was called "Protestant Rome", and from 1550, persecuted Protestants, mainly French and Italians, streamed into Geneva.  
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French [[theology|theologian]] and Protestant leader [[John Calvin]] (1509–1564), was based in Geneva from 1536 to his death. While expelling all those who would not convert to the Reformed [[religion]], Calvin presided over Geneva's transformation into a modern [[city-state]]. The city was called "Protestant Rome," and from 1550, persecuted Protestants—mainly [[France|French]] and [[Italy|Italians]]—streamed into Geneva.  
  
Geneva became a center of Protestant activity, producing works such as the [[Genevan Psalter]], though there were often tensions between Calvin and the city's civil authorities. Though the city proper remained a Protestant stronghold, under bishop [[St Francis de Sales]] (1567–1622) a large part of Geneva returned to Catholicism in the early 17th century.  
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Geneva became a center of Protestant activity, producing works such as the [[Genevan Psalter]], though there were often tensions between Calvin and the city's civil authorities. Though the city proper remained a Protestant stronghold, under bishop [[Francis de Sales|St. Francis de Sales]] (1567–1622) a large part of Geneva returned to [[Catholicism]] in the early seventeenth century.  
  
 
The Roman Catholic [[Charles Emmanuel I]], Duke of Savoy (1562–1630), led a final unsuccessful attempt to recapture Geneva with a surprise attack on the night of December 11–12, 1602.  
 
The Roman Catholic [[Charles Emmanuel I]], Duke of Savoy (1562–1630), led a final unsuccessful attempt to recapture Geneva with a surprise attack on the night of December 11–12, 1602.  
  
French and Italian Protestant refugees included noble families who assumed a right to rule. From the mid-16th century, these nobles controlled an aristocratic a Council of Twenty-five, which took over city government while the public assembly rubber-stamped decisions. By the end of the 17th century, opposition to the aristocratic rulers grew among the diminishing numbers of residents who qualified as citizens.
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French and Italian Protestant refugees included noble families who assumed a right to rule. From the mid-16th century, these nobles controlled an aristocratic Council of Twenty-five, which took over city government while the public assembly rubber-stamped decisions. By the end of the seventeenth century, opposition to the aristocratic rulers grew among the diminishing numbers of residents who qualified as citizens.
  
A second wave of refugees flooded into Geneva at the end of the 17th century following [[Louis XIV]]'s persecution of Protestants in France.
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A second wave of refugees flooded into Geneva at the end of the seventeenth century following [[Louis XIV]]'s persecution of Protestants in [[France]].
  
The 18th century was a golden age when industries, especially [[horology]], business and banking boomed, while culture and artistic creativity in the 18th century flourished. Geneva was the birthplace of [[Jean Jacques Rousseau]] (1712–1778), a home for [[Voltaire]] (1694–1778), and attracted other Enlightenment luminaries.
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The eighteenth century was a golden age when industries, especially [[horology]], business and [[banking]] boomed, while [[culture]] and [[art]]istic creativity in the 18th century flourished. Geneva was the birthplace of [[Jean Jacques Rousseau]] (1712–1778), a home for [[Voltaire]] (1694–1778), and attracted other [[Enlightenment]] luminaries.
  
The revolution in Geneva in 1792 brought down the aristocratic government of the Ancien Régime. Geneva was annexed by France in 1798 and made the administrative centre of the Department of Léman.  
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The revolution in Geneva in 1792 brought down the aristocratic government of the ''Ancien Régime''. Geneva was annexed by France in 1798 and made the administrative center of the Department of Léman.  
  
Freedom was returned on December 31, 1813, after the defeat of [[Napoleon Bonaparte]]'s armies. The republic's magistrates sought entry into the Swiss Confederation, which was granted in 1815. That year, the [[Congress of Vienna]] fully re-established Swiss independence and the European powers agreed to recognise Swiss neutrality, marking the last time that Switzerland fought in an international conflict.
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Freedom was returned on December 31, 1813, after the defeat of [[Napoleon Bonaparte]]'s armies. The republic's magistrates sought entry into the [[Swiss Confederation]], which was granted in 1815. That year, the [[Congress of Vienna]] fully re-established Swiss independence and the European powers agreed to recognize Swiss neutrality, marking the last time that Switzerland fought in an international conflict.
  
A revolution in 1846 led by [[James Fazy]] overthrew the restored government. A civil war broke out in 1847, caused by the Sonderbund, which was league among seven Catholic and Conservative cantons, seeking to protect their interests against a centralization of power. The war lasted for less than a month, causing fewer than 100 casualties, and resulted, in 1848, in a federal constitution and the extensive use of referenda in the process of government.  
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A revolution in 1846, led by [[James Fazy]], overthrew the restored government. A [[civil war]] broke out in 1847, caused by the Sonderbund, which was league among seven Catholic and Conservative cantons, seeking to protect their interests against a centralization of power. The war lasted for less than a month, causing fewer than 100 casualties, and resulted, in 1848, in a federal constitution and the extensive use of referenda in the process of government.  
  
Geneva-born businessman and social activist [[Henri Dunant]] (1828–1910) inspired the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863. The 1864 [[Geneva Convention]], concerning the treatment of non-combatants and prisoners of war, was based on Dunant's ideas.
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Geneva-born businessman and [[social activism|social activist]] [[Henri Dunant]] (1828–1910) inspired the creation of the [[Red Cross|International Committee of the Red Cross]] in 1863. The 1864 [[Geneva Convention]], concerning the treatment of non-combatants and [[prisoners of war]], was based on Dunant's ideas.
  
After [[World War I]] (1939-1945), Geneva was chosen as the site for the headquarters of the [[League of Nations]], the forerunner of the [[United Nations Organisation]].
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After [[World War I]] (1939-1945), Geneva was chosen as the site for the headquarters of the [[League of Nations]], the forerunner of the [[United Nations]].
  
 
== Government ==
 
== Government ==
[[Image:Palais des nations.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Palace of Nations.]]
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[[Image:Palais des nations.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The [[Palace of Nations]] in Geneva was built between 1929-1938 as the headquarters of the [[League of Nations]]. Since the 1950s, it has served as the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva, although [[Switzerland]] did not become a member of the [[United Nations|U.N.]] until 2002.]]
[[Switzerland]] is formally a confederation but similar in structure to a federal republic. The president is both the chief of state and head of government, representing the Federal Council, which is the formal chief of state and head of government, whose council members, rotate in one-year terms as federal president. The bicameral Federal Assembly consists of the Council of States (46 seats) and the National Council (200 seats).  
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[[Switzerland]] is formally a confederation but similar in structure to a federal republic. The president is both the chief of state and head of government, representing the Federal Council, which is the formal chief of state and head of government, whose council members rotate in one-year terms as federal president. The bicameral Federal Assembly consists of the Council of States (46 seats) and the National Council (200 seats).  
  
The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 cantons, each of which are responsible for healthcare, welfare, law enforcement, public education, and retain the power of taxation. The cantons comprise a total of 2889 municipalities. Geneva is the capital of the Canton of Geneva, which continues to call itself La Republique du Genève.
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The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 cantons, each of which are responsible for healthcare, welfare, law enforcement, public education, and retain the power of taxation. The cantons comprise a total of 2889 municipalities. Geneva is the capital of the Canton of Geneva, which continues to call itself ''La Republique du Genève''.
  
 
The canton is governed by an executive power, the Council of State, which consists of seven members elected for four-year terms, and by a legislature, the Great Council, comprising 100 deputies, also elected for four-year terms by proportional ballot.  
 
The canton is governed by an executive power, the Council of State, which consists of seven members elected for four-year terms, and by a legislature, the Great Council, comprising 100 deputies, also elected for four-year terms by proportional ballot.  
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The canton is divided into municipalities (or communes) which have their own assemblies and a mayor, a ''(Stadtpräsident)'', who is a first among equals in the executive council.  
 
The canton is divided into municipalities (or communes) which have their own assemblies and a mayor, a ''(Stadtpräsident)'', who is a first among equals in the executive council.  
  
The city of Geneva is divided into eight "quartiers" or [[district]]s, often made up of several conglomerated neighborhoods.<ref>{{cite web|title=Districts of Geneva|publisher=''Official Website of Geneva''|url=http://www.ville-ge.ch/en/quartiers/index.htm|accessdate=2008-02-09}}</ref> On the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) these include Jonction, Centre / Plainpalais / Acacias, Eaux-Vives and Champel while the Right Bank includes Saint-Jean / Charmilles, Servette / Petit-Saconnex, Grottes / Saint-Gervais and Paquis / Nations.
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The city of Geneva is divided into eight "quartiers" or [[district]]s, often made up of several conglomerated neighborhoods. On the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) these include Jonction, Centre / Plainpalais / Acacias, Eaux-Vives and Champel while the Right Bank includes Saint-Jean / Charmilles, Servette / Petit-Saconnex, Grottes / Saint-Gervais and Paquis / Nations.
  
Geneva is the seat of the European headquarters of the [[United Nations]] and of many other [[international organization|inter-governmental organizations]].
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Geneva is the seat of the [[Europe]]an headquarters of the [[United Nations]] and of many other [[international organization|inter-governmental organizations]].
  
 
==Economy==
 
==Economy==
 
[[Image:Train Geneva.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Geneva [[tram]].]]
 
[[Image:Train Geneva.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The Geneva [[tram]].]]
 
[[Image:Train Station Geneva 2006 808.JPG|thumb|right|250px| Geneva Sécheron Train station.]]
 
[[Image:Train Station Geneva 2006 808.JPG|thumb|right|250px| Geneva Sécheron Train station.]]
Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and stable modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP ($40,100 in 2007) larger than that of the big Western European economies.  
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[[Switzerland]] is a [[peace]]ful, prosperous, and stable modern market economy with low [[unemployment]], a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP ($40,100 in 2007) larger than that of the big [[Western Europe]]an economies.  
  
Geneva's economy is mainly [[service sector|services]] oriented. The city has an important and old [[Financial services|finance sector]], which is specialized in [[private banking]] (managing assets of about 1 trillion USD) and financing of [[international trade]]. It is also an important centre of [[Commodity markets|commodity trade]].  
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Geneva's economy is mainly [[service sector|services]] oriented. The city has an important and old [[Financial services|finance sector]], which is specialized in [[private banking]] (managing assets of about 1 trillion USD) and financing of [[international trade]]. It is also an important center of [[Commodity markets|commodity trade]].  
  
Many people work in the numerous offices of [[international organization]]s located in Geneva (about 24,000 in 2001). Geneva hosts the international headquarters of companies like [[Japan Tobacco|JT International (JTI)]], [[Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A.|Mediterranean Shipping Company]], [[Serono]], [[SITA]], [[Société Générale de Surveillance]] and [[STMicroelectronics]]. Many other [[Multinational corporation|multinational companies]] like [[Caterpillar Inc.|Caterpillar]], [[DuPont]], [[Take-Two Interactive|Take Two Interactive]], [[Electronic Arts]], [[Hewlett-Packard]], [[INVISTA]], [[Procter & Gamble]] and [[Sun Microsystems]] have their European headquarters in the city too.
+
About 24,000 people worked in the numerous offices of [[international organization]]s located in Geneva in 2001. Geneva hosts the international headquarters of companies such as Japan Tobacco, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Serono, SITA, Société Générale de Surveillance and STMicroelectronics. Many other multinational companies like Caterpillar, DuPont, Take-Two Interactive, Electronic Arts, Hewlett-Packard, INVISTA, Procter & Gamble, and Sun Microsystems have their European headquarters in the city also.
  
There is a long tradition of [[watch]]making ([[Baume et Mercier]], [[Chopard]], [[Franck Muller]], [[Patek Philippe & Co.|Patek Philippe]], [[Rolex]], [[Raymond Weil]], [[Omega]], etc.). Two major international producers of [[flavour]]s and [[fragrance]]s, [[Firmenich]] and [[Givaudan]], have their headquarters and main production facilities in Geneva.
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There is a long tradition of [[watch]]making (Baume et Mercier, Chopard, Franck Muller, Patek Philippe & Co., Rolex, Raymond Weil, Omega). Two major international producers of [[flavor]]s and [[fragrance]]s, Firmenich and Givaudan, have their headquarters and main production facilities in Geneva.
  
The city's main newspaper is the ''[[Tribune de Genève]],'' with a readership of about 187,000, a [[Newspaper|daily newspaper]] founded in 1879. ''[[Le Courrier]],'' founded in 1868, was originally supported by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], but has been completely independent since 1996.  
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The city's main newspaper is the ''Tribune de Genève,'' with a readership of about 187,000, a daily newspaper founded in 1879. ''Le Courrier,'' founded in 1868, was originally supported by the [[Roman Catholic Church]], but has been independent since 1996.  
  
Geneva is covered by the various [[French language]] [[radio network]]s of the [[Swiss Broadcasting Corporation]], in particular the [[Radio Suisse Romande]].  
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Geneva is covered by the various [[French language]] [[radio network]]s of the [[Swiss Broadcasting Corporation]], in particular the [[Radio Suisse Romande]]. The main television channel covering Geneva is the Télévision Suisse Romande.  
  
The main [[television channel]] covering Geneva is the [[Télévision Suisse Romande]]; while its headquarters are located in Geneva, the programs cover the whole of [[Romandy]] and are not specific to Geneva.  
+
The [[Geneva Motor Show]] is one of the most important international auto-shows. The show is held at [[Palexpo]], a giant convention center located next to the International Airport.
  
The [[Geneva Motor Show]] is one of the most important international auto-shows. The show is held at [[Palexpo]], a giant convention center located next to the International Airport
+
Geneva is connected to both the Swiss railway network SBB-CFF-FFS, and the [[France|French]] SNCF network, including direct connections to [[Paris]], [[Marseille]] and [[Montpellier]] by TGV. Geneva is also connected to the motorway systems of both Switzerland and France. [[Public transport]] is by [[bus]], [[trolleybus]], [[tram]], or by [[boat]], which link the two banks of the lake within the city. The city is served by the Geneva Cointrin International Airport.
 
 
Geneva is connected to both the [[Rail transport in Switzerland|Swiss railway]] network [[SBB-CFF-FFS]], and the [[France|French]] [[SNCF]] network, including direct connections to [[Paris]], [[Marseille]] and [[Montpellier]] by [[TGV]]. Geneva is also connected to the motorway systems of both Switzerland ([[A1 (Switzerland)|A1 motorway]]) and France. [[Public transport]] is by [[bus]], [[trolleybus]], [[tram]], or by [[boat]], which link the two banks of the lake within the city. Taxis in Geneva can be difficult to find, and often refuse to take babies and children. The city is served by the [[Geneva Cointrin International Airport]].
 
  
 
==Demographics==
 
==Demographics==
 
[[Image:University of Geneva.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[University of Geneva]]]]
 
[[Image:University of Geneva.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[University of Geneva]]]]
As of June 2008, the population of the Commune (city) of Geneva was 186,825. The city of Geneva is at the center of the Geneva metropolitan area, known as the ''agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise'' in [[French language|French]]. The  ''agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise'' includes the [[Canton of Geneva]] in its entirety as well as the [[Nyon (district)|District of Nyon]] in the Canton of [[Vaud]] and several areas in the neighboring French [[departments of France|departments]] of [[Haute-Savoie]] and [[Ain]]. In 2005 the ''agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise'' had 769,000 inhabitants, two-third of whom lived on Swiss soil and one-third on French soil. The Geneva metropolitan area is experiencing steady demographic growth of 1.2 percent a year and the ''agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise'' is expected to reach one million people in 2030.
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As of June 2008, the [[population]] of the city of Geneva was 186,825. The city of Geneva is at the center of the Geneva metropolitan area, known as the ''agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise'' in [[French language|French]], which includes the Canton of Geneva as well as the District of Nyon in the Canton of [[Vaud]] and several areas in the neighboring French departments of [[Haute-Savoie]] and [[Ain]]. In 2005 the ''agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise'' had 769,000 inhabitants, two-third of whom lived on Swiss soil and one-third on French soil.  
  
The population of the Canton contains 148,500 people originally from Geneva (33.7 percent), 122,400 Swiss from other cantons (27.6 percent) and 170,500 foreigners (38.7 percent), from 180 different countries.<ref>[http://www.geneve.ch/statistique/statistiques/domaines/apercus/pop_etat.asp Population of Geneva], on the website of ''Statistique Genève''. Last accessed 1 February 2007.</ref> Including people holding [[multiple citizenship]], 54.4 percent of people living in Geneva hold a foreign passport.<ref>OCSTAT. Les binationaux dans le canton de Genève. Résultats du recensement fédéral de la population 2000. Communications statistiques n° 24, Geneva, December 2005.</ref>  
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The population of the canton contains 148,500 people originally from Geneva (33.7 percent), 122,400 Swiss from other cantons (27.6 percent) and 170,500 foreigners (38.7 percent), from 180 different countries. Including people holding [[multiple citizenship]], 54.4 percent of people living in Geneva hold a foreign passport.<ref>OCSTAT. Les binationaux dans le canton de Genève. Résultats du recensement fédéral de la population 2000. Communications statistiques n° 24, Geneva, December 2005.</ref>  
  
The ethnic make-up of Switzerland is: German 65 percent, French 18 percent, Italian 10 percent, Romansch 1 percent, other six percent.  
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The ethnic make up of Switzerland is: German 65 percent, French 18 percent, Italian 10 percent, Romansch 1 percent, other six percent.  
  
Geneva is remarkable for its linguistic diversity, the result of the presence of the United Nations and over 150 international organisations, the headquarters of some 140 multi-national companies, 120 diplomatic missions, and a centuries of trade. Geneva has a 40 percent non-Swiss resident population with English the language of communication. Language [[Franco-Provençal language]] German, which is spoken by 63.7 percent of the Swiss population, French 20.4 percent, and Italian 6.5 percent, are all official languages.
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Geneva is remarkable for its linguistic diversity, the result of the presence of the [[United Nations]] and over 150 international organizations, the headquarters of some 140 multi-national companies, 120 diplomatic missions, and centuries of trade. Geneva has a 40 percent non-Swiss resident population with [[English language|English]] the [[language]] of communication. [[German language|German]], which is spoken by 63.7 percent of the Swiss population, [[French language|French]] 20.4 percent, and [[Italian language|Italian]] 6.5 percent, are all official languages.
  
While Geneva is usually considered a [[Protestant]] city, there are now more [[Roman Catholics]] (39.5 percent) than Protestants (17.4 percent) living in the Canton. About 22 percent of the inhabitants claim no religion, and the remainer practice [[Islam]] (4.4 percent), [[Judaism]] (1.1 percent), other religions, or did not respond.<ref>[http://www.geneve.ch/statistique/statistiques/domaines/apercus/lang_religion.asp Inhabitants of the Canton of Geneva according to their religion], on the website of ''Statistique Genève''. Last accessed 1 February 2007.</ref>
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While Geneva is usually considered a [[Protestant]] city, there were more [[Roman Catholic]]s (39.5 percent) than Protestants (17.4 percent) living in the Canton in 2008. About 22 percent of the inhabitants claim no [[religion]], and the remainder practice [[Islam]] (4.4 percent), [[Judaism]] (1.1 percent), other religions, or did not respond.<ref>''Statistique Genève,'' [http://www.geneve.ch/statistique/statistiques/domaines/apercus/lang_religion.asp Inhabitants of the Canton of Geneva according to their religion.] Retrieved February 1, 2007.</ref>
  
Geneva is home to the [[University of Geneva]], founded by [[John Calvin]] in 1559. Also, the oldest [[international school]] in the world is located in Geneva, the [[International School of Geneva]], founded in 1924 along with the [[League of Nations]]. [[Webster University]], an accredited American university also has a campus in Geneva.  
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Geneva is home to the [[University of Geneva]], founded by [[John Calvin]] in 1559. The oldest [[international school]] in the world is located in Geneva, the [[International School of Geneva]], founded in 1924. [[Webster University]], an accredited [[U.S.|American]] university has a campus in Geneva. The [[Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations]] is a [[private university]] on the grounds of the Château de Penthes.
  
The [[Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations]] is a [[private university]] on the grounds of the Château de Penthes, an old manor with a park and view of [[Lac Leman]].  
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The [[European Organization for Nuclear Research]], or CERN, is probably the best known educational and research facility in Geneva. Founded in 1954, CERN was one of [[Europe]]'s first [[joint venture]]s and has developed as the world's largest particle [[physics laboratory]].
  
However, out of all the educational and research facilities in Geneva, CERN is probably the best known on a world basis. Founded in 1954, CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear Research) was one of Europe's first [[joint venture]]s and has developed as the world's largest particle [[physics laboratory]]. Physicists from around the world travel to [[CERN]] to research matter and explore the fundamental forces and materials that form the [[world]].
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==Society and culture==
 +
[[Image:WIPO3.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The World Intellectual Property Organization.]]
 +
Since 1818, a particular [[chestnut|chestnut tree]] has been used as the official "herald of the spring" in Geneva. The ''sautier'' (secretary of the Parliament of the Canton of Geneva) observes the tree and notes the day of arrival of the first bud. While this event has no practical impact, the sautier issues a formal [[News release|press release]] and the local newspaper will mention the news.
  
==Of interest==
+
As this is one of the world's oldest records of a plant's reaction to climatic conditions, researchers have been interested to note that the first bud appears earlier and earlier in the year. The first recorded dates were in March or April. In recent years, it has usually been in mid-February and sometimes even earlier.<ref>''REPUBLIQUE ET CANTON DE GENEVE,'' [http://www.geneve.ch/fao/2006/20060814.asp La Treille, promenade et lieu d'observation climatique.] Retrieved November 18, 2008.</ref> In 2002, the first bud appeared unusually early, on February 7, and then again on December 29 of the same year. The following year, one of the hottest Europe has ever had, became a year with no bud. In 2008, the first bud also appeared very early, on February 19.
[[Image:WIPO3.JPG|thumb|right|250px|The World Intellectual Property Organization.]]
 
Since 1818, a particular [[chestnut|chestnut tree]] has been used as the official "herald of the spring" in Geneva. The ''sautier'' (secretary of the Parliament of the Canton of Geneva) observes the tree and notes the day of arrival of the first bud. While this event has no practical impact, the sautier issues a formal [[News release|press release]] and the local newspaper will usually mention the news.
 
  
As this is one of the world's oldest records of a plant's reaction to climatic conditions, researchers have been interested to note that the first bud appears earlier and earlier in the year. The first recorded dates were in March or April. In recent years, it has usually been in mid-February and sometimes even earlier.<ref>[http://www.geneve.ch/fao/2006/20060814.asp La Une de la FAO no 93 année 253 : FAO: La Treille, promenade et lieu d'observation climatique<!-- Bot generated title —>]</ref> In 2002, the first bud appeared unusually early, on February 7, and then again on December 29 of the same year. The following year, one of the hottest Europe has ever had, became a year with no bud. In 2008, the first bud also appeared very early, on February 19.
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* CERN built the Large Hadron Collider, which is the world's largest and highest-energy [[particle accelerator]], intended to [[Collider|collide]] opposing [[Charged particle beam|beams]] of [[proton]]s or [[lead]] ions. It lies underneath the Franco-Swiss border between the [[Jura Mountains]] and the [[Alps]] near Geneva.  
  
* Geneva observes [[Jeune genevois]] on the first Thursday following the first Sunday in September. By local tradition, this commemorates the date the news of the [[St. Bartholomew's Day massacre]] of Huguenots reached Geneva.  The Genevois joke that the federal equivalent holiday, ''Jeune fédéral'', is observed two weeks later on account of the rest of the country being a bit slow on the uptake.
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* Geneva observes [[Jeune genevois]] on the first Thursday following the first Sunday in September. By local tradition, this commemorates the date the news of the [[St. Bartholomew's Day massacre]] of [[Huguenots]] reached Geneva.  
  
* The "Escalade" (literally, "scaling the walls") on December 11-12 each year, which commemorates victory against Roman Catholic Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, in 1602, is Geneva's main patriotic celebration.  
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* The "Escalade" (literally, "scaling the walls") on December 11-12 each year, which commemorates victory against Roman Catholic [[Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy]], in 1602, is Geneva's main patriotic celebration.  
  
* The main sport team in Geneva is [[Servette FC]], a [[football (soccer)|football]] club founded in 1890 and named after a borough on the right bank of the [[Rhône]]. Geneva is also home of the [[Genève-Servette HC|Genève-Servette Hockey Club]], who play in the Swiss [[National League A]].  
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* The main sport team in Geneva is [[Servette FC]], a [[football (soccer)|football]] club founded in 1890 and named after a borough on the right bank of the [[Rhône]]. Geneva is also home of the [[Genève-Servette HC|Genève-Servette Hockey Club]], who play in the Swiss [[National League A]].
  
 
==Looking to the future==
 
==Looking to the future==
Does the city face no challenges or offer up anything else as a legacy?"
+
Geneva was a center of Protestant activity in the sixteenth century, the base for Protestant leader [[John Calvin]], and a favored destination for persecuted Protestants.
  
Geneva was a center of Protestant activity in the 16th century, the base for Protestant leader [[John Calvin]], and destination for persecuted Protestants. It was the birthplace of the Red Cross and the Geneva Convention.  
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The city is synonymous with [[humanitarianism]], being the birthplace of the [[Red Cross]], and of the man who formulated the [[Geneva Convention]]. A noted center for international cooperation, the city hosted the headquarters of the [[League of Nations]], remains the seat of the European headquarters of the [[United Nations]], and of many other inter-governmental organizations. CERN's Large Hadron Collider is located nearby.  
  
Does the city need reconstruction?
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Geneva has a touch of opulence, is the home of [[Rolex]] watches, and has a per capita GDP that is larger than that of the big [[Western Europe]]an economies. A 2008 survey by Mercer Consulting found Geneva to have the second-highest quality of life in the world, tied with [[Vienna, Austria]], outranked only by [[Zurich]].<ref>''Mercer Human Resource Consulting,'' [http://www.mercer.com/qualityofliving?siteLanguage=100 Mercer's 2008 Quality of Living survey highlights.] Retrieved November 18, 2008.</ref>
 
 
Is it a model city?
 
The second-highest [[quality of life]] in the world
 
 
 
Will it run out of water?
 
 
 
Does it have a crucial role to play in the nation?
 
  
 +
==Notes==
 +
<references/>
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
+
* Cityspots. ''Geneva''. Peterborough: Thomas Cook, 2007. ISBN 978-1841577722.
 
+
* Fahrni, Dieter. ''An Outline History of Switzerland. From the Origins to the Present Day,'' 8th ed. Zürich: Pro Helvetia, 2003 (original 1997). ISBN 3908102618.
==Further reading==
+
* Monter, E. William. ''Calvin's Geneva''. New dimensions in history: Historical cities. New York: Wiley, 1967. {{OCLC|183613}}.
*{{HDS|2903|Geneva (municipality)}}
 
* Dieter Fahrni. 2003. ''An Outline History of Switzerland. From the Origins to the Present Day,'' 8th enlarged edition. Pro Helvetia, Zürich. ISBN 3908102618
 
* Senarclens, Jean de, and Jean de Senarclens. 1995. ''Geneva: historical guide''. Genève: Editions du Tricorne, S. Kaplun. ISBN 9782829301445
 
* ''Geneva''. 2007. Cityspots. Peterborough: Thomas Cook. ISBN 9781841577722
 
* Monter, E. William. 1967. ''Calvin's Geneva''. New dimensions in history: historical cities. New York: Wiley. OCLC 183613
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
{{commonscat|Geneva}}
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All links retrieved May 26, 2017.
* Encyclopaedia Britannica [http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/229000/Geneva.htm Geneva] Retrieved November 14, 2008.
 
* World Fact Book 2008 [https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sz.html Switzerland] Retrieved November 14, 2008.
 
* [http://www.geneva.ch/EYL.htm Geneva] Retrieved November 14, 2008.
 
* [http://www.geneva.ch/ Welcome to Geneva] Retrieved November 17, 2008.
 
* [http://www.ville-ge.ch/index_e.htm City of Geneva] Retrieved November 17, 2008.
 
* [http://www.ge.ch/grandconseil/service/accueilmarron.asp The official Chestnut Tree] Canton of Geneva website, retrieved November 17, 2008. {{fr icon}}
 
* [http://www.salon-auto.ch/ International Geneva Motor-Show] Retrieved November 17, 2008.
 
* [http://www.geneva-tourism.ch Geneva Tourism] Retrieved November 17, 2008.
 
* [http://www.geneva.ch/GenevaHistory.htm Brief history of Geneva] Retrieved November 17, 2008.
 
*{{wikitravel}}
 
* [http://www.geneva.info/ Geneva information]
 
* [http://www.eu-student.eu/erasmusblog Student Blog Geneva]
 
* [http://www.unige.ch University of Geneva] Retrieved November 17, 2008.
 
  
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* [http://www.salon-auto.ch/ International Geneva Motor-Show]
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* [http://www.geneva-tourism.ch Geneva Tourism]
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* [http://www.geneva.info/ Geneva information]
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* [http://www.unige.ch University of Geneva]
  
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
 
[[Category:Cities]]
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[[Category:Europe]]
  
 
{{credit|Geneva|250662063|}}
 
{{credit|Geneva|250662063|}}

Latest revision as of 08:01, 23 January 2023

Coordinates: 46°12′N 6°09′E

Geneva
Country Switzerland Coat of Arms of Geneva
Canton Geneva
District N/A
46°12′N 6°09′E
Population 191,803 (Aug 2011)
  - Density 12,094 /km² (31,322 /sq.mi.)
Area 15.86 km² (6.1 sq mi)
Elevation 375 m (1,230 ft)
A view over Geneva
A view over Geneva
Postal code 1200
SFOS number 6621
Mayor (list) Pierre Maudet (as of 2011) PLR
Demonym Genevois
Surrounded by
(view map)
Carouge, Chêne-Bougeries, Cologny, Lancy, Grand-Saconnex, Pregny-Chambésy, Vernier, Veyrier
Website ville-geneve.ch


Geneva (French: Genève) is the second-most populous city in Switzerland (after Zürich) and is the most populous city of Romandie (the French-speaking part of Switzerland).

Geneva was a center of the Reformation in the sixteenth century, and was a favored destination for persecuted French and Italian Protestant refugees. Politically and culturally cut off from its geographic surroundings following the Reformation, the city was forced to develop relationships with more distant European locations and overseas nations. This undoubtedly helped to shape its character as a city willing to reach beyond the common borders of nationality or religion. Today Geneva is a worldwide center for diplomacy and international cooperation.

It is widely regarded as a global city, mainly because of the presence of numerous international organizations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations and the International Red Cross. It is also the place where the Geneva Conventions were signed, which chiefly concern the treatment of wartime non-combatants and prisoners of war.

A survey conducted by the Mercer Consulting Firm in 2008 found Geneva (for the 2nd year in a row) to have the second-highest quality of life in the world, tied with Vienna, Austria and outranked only by Zurich.

Geography

The old town of Geneva in winter.
Geneva seen from SPOT Satellite
The Eaux-Vives quarter of Geneva.

The name Geneva is probably of Celtic origin; the city was mentioned in Latin texts with the spelling Genava. The name takes various forms in modern languages.

Geneva is located at the southwestern end of Lake Geneva (French Lac Léman), where the lake flows back into the Rhône River. It is surrounded by two mountain chains, the Alps and the Jura.

The city of Geneva has an area of 15.86 km² (6.1 sq mi), while the area of the Canton of Geneva is 282 km² (108.9 sq mi), including the two small enclaves of Céligny in Vaud. The part of the lake that is attached to Geneva has an area of 38 km² (14.7 sq mi) and is sometimes referred to as Petit lac (English: small lake). The Canton has only a 4.5 km (2.8 mi) long border with the rest of Switzerland; out of a total of 107.5 km (66.8 mi) of borders, the remaining 103 are shared with France, with the Départment de l'Ain to the north and the Département de la Haute-Savoie to the south.

The altitude of Geneva is 373.6 meters (1,225.7 ft), and corresponds to the altitude of the largest of the Pierres du Niton, two large rocks emerging from the lake which date from the last ice age. This rock was chosen by General Guillaume Henri Dufour as the reference point for all surveying in Switzerland.[1]

The climate of Geneva is temperate. Ice storms near the Lac Léman are normal in the winter, when the average maximum daytime temperature in January is 39°F (4°C). In the summer many people enjoy swimming in the lake, and frequently patronize public beaches such as Genève Plage and Bains des Pâquis. The average maximum is around 77°F (25°C) in July. Mean annual precipitation is 33.5 inches (853 mm).

The second main river of Geneva is the Arve River which flows into the Rhône River just west of the city center.

Most of the drinkable water (80 percent) is extracted from Lake Geneva; the remaining 20 percent is provided by groundwater originally formed by infiltration from the Arve River.

Thirty percent of the Canton's electricity needs is locally produced, mainly by three hydroelectric dams on the Rhone River (Seujet, Verbois and Chancy-Pougny). In addition, 13 percent of the electricity produced in the Canton is made from the heat induced by the burning of waste at the waste incineration facility of Les Cheneviers.

Natural gas is available in the City of Geneva, as well as in about two-thirds of the municipalities of the canton, and is imported from Western Europe.

Panoramic view of Geneva
Panoramic view of Geneva

History

John Calvin.
L'Escalade celebrating the defeat of the surprise attack by troops sent by Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, in 1602.
The International Monument to the Reformation
Henri Dunant.

The first traces of human civilization in Geneva, discovered on the shores of Lake Léman, date from around 3000 B.C.E. The hill of the Old City that dominates the outlet of the lake, was not inhabited until 1000 B.C.E. Around 500 B.C.E., Geneva was a Celtic fortified settlement.

The name Geneva first appeared in history as a border town, fortified against the Celto-Germanic Helvetii, which the Romans took in 120 B.C.E. The Romans and the Helvetians used Geneva as a staging point in the campaign for Gaul in 58 B.C.E.

By 379 C.E., Geneva was the seat of a bishop and was within the Roman Empire, although details remain under debate. In 440 St. Salonius appears as Bishop of Geneva.

In 443 C.E., the city was taken by Burgundy, and, with the latter, fell to the Franks in 534. In 888, the town was part of the new Kingdom of Burgundy. In 1032, the kingdom passed into the hands of the Germanic emperors.

From the eleventh century to the Reformation, bishops who had become the de facto lords of the city ruled Geneva. In 1387, Bishop Adhémar Fabry granted the town its great charter, the basis of its communal self-government, which every bishop on his accession was expected to confirm.

Genevese counts controlled the city until they became extinct in 1394. From 1416, the dukes of Savoy dynasty sought to bring the city under their power, particularly by elevating members of their family to the episcopal see. Geneva's burghers had the Savoy dukes recognize the public assembly, to which every citizen belonged, as the city's legislative body.

Geneva's trade fairs reached their peak in the fifteenth century, giving the city an international reputation. During the first third of the sixteenth century, the Swiss cantons of Fribourg and Berne helped Geneva retain its autonomy against Savoy.

The Protestant Reformation that began in 1517, plunged Geneva into new entanglements. In 1511, the nearby Catholic city of Fribourg had renounced its allegiance with Geneva. The city of Berne, located further to the northeast from Geneva, favored the introduction of the new teaching and demanded liberty of preaching for the French evangelists Guillaume Farel (1489–1565) and Antoine Froment (1508-1581).

In 1532, Geneva's Roman Catholic bishop, Pierre de La Baume, was obliged to leave his residence, never to return. The burghers declared the See vacant, and proclaimed themselves a a republic in 1535. Savoy threatened to invade. Geneva needed military support from Protestant Berne. In 1536, the burghers declared the city Protestant.

French theologian and Protestant leader John Calvin (1509–1564), was based in Geneva from 1536 to his death. While expelling all those who would not convert to the Reformed religion, Calvin presided over Geneva's transformation into a modern city-state. The city was called "Protestant Rome," and from 1550, persecuted Protestants—mainly French and Italians—streamed into Geneva.

Geneva became a center of Protestant activity, producing works such as the Genevan Psalter, though there were often tensions between Calvin and the city's civil authorities. Though the city proper remained a Protestant stronghold, under bishop St. Francis de Sales (1567–1622) a large part of Geneva returned to Catholicism in the early seventeenth century.

The Roman Catholic Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy (1562–1630), led a final unsuccessful attempt to recapture Geneva with a surprise attack on the night of December 11–12, 1602.

French and Italian Protestant refugees included noble families who assumed a right to rule. From the mid-16th century, these nobles controlled an aristocratic Council of Twenty-five, which took over city government while the public assembly rubber-stamped decisions. By the end of the seventeenth century, opposition to the aristocratic rulers grew among the diminishing numbers of residents who qualified as citizens.

A second wave of refugees flooded into Geneva at the end of the seventeenth century following Louis XIV's persecution of Protestants in France.

The eighteenth century was a golden age when industries, especially horology, business and banking boomed, while culture and artistic creativity in the 18th century flourished. Geneva was the birthplace of Jean Jacques Rousseau (1712–1778), a home for Voltaire (1694–1778), and attracted other Enlightenment luminaries.

The revolution in Geneva in 1792 brought down the aristocratic government of the Ancien Régime. Geneva was annexed by France in 1798 and made the administrative center of the Department of Léman.

Freedom was returned on December 31, 1813, after the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte's armies. The republic's magistrates sought entry into the Swiss Confederation, which was granted in 1815. That year, the Congress of Vienna fully re-established Swiss independence and the European powers agreed to recognize Swiss neutrality, marking the last time that Switzerland fought in an international conflict.

A revolution in 1846, led by James Fazy, overthrew the restored government. A civil war broke out in 1847, caused by the Sonderbund, which was league among seven Catholic and Conservative cantons, seeking to protect their interests against a centralization of power. The war lasted for less than a month, causing fewer than 100 casualties, and resulted, in 1848, in a federal constitution and the extensive use of referenda in the process of government.

Geneva-born businessman and social activist Henri Dunant (1828–1910) inspired the creation of the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1863. The 1864 Geneva Convention, concerning the treatment of non-combatants and prisoners of war, was based on Dunant's ideas.

After World War I (1939-1945), Geneva was chosen as the site for the headquarters of the League of Nations, the forerunner of the United Nations.

Government

The Palace of Nations in Geneva was built between 1929-1938 as the headquarters of the League of Nations. Since the 1950s, it has served as the home of the United Nations Office at Geneva, although Switzerland did not become a member of the U.N. until 2002.

Switzerland is formally a confederation but similar in structure to a federal republic. The president is both the chief of state and head of government, representing the Federal Council, which is the formal chief of state and head of government, whose council members rotate in one-year terms as federal president. The bicameral Federal Assembly consists of the Council of States (46 seats) and the National Council (200 seats).

The Swiss Confederation consists of 26 cantons, each of which are responsible for healthcare, welfare, law enforcement, public education, and retain the power of taxation. The cantons comprise a total of 2889 municipalities. Geneva is the capital of the Canton of Geneva, which continues to call itself La Republique du Genève.

The canton is governed by an executive power, the Council of State, which consists of seven members elected for four-year terms, and by a legislature, the Great Council, comprising 100 deputies, also elected for four-year terms by proportional ballot.

The canton is divided into municipalities (or communes) which have their own assemblies and a mayor, a (Stadtpräsident), who is a first among equals in the executive council.

The city of Geneva is divided into eight "quartiers" or districts, often made up of several conglomerated neighborhoods. On the Left Bank (Rive Gauche) these include Jonction, Centre / Plainpalais / Acacias, Eaux-Vives and Champel while the Right Bank includes Saint-Jean / Charmilles, Servette / Petit-Saconnex, Grottes / Saint-Gervais and Paquis / Nations.

Geneva is the seat of the European headquarters of the United Nations and of many other inter-governmental organizations.

Economy

The Geneva tram.
Geneva Sécheron Train station.

Switzerland is a peaceful, prosperous, and stable modern market economy with low unemployment, a highly skilled labor force, and a per capita GDP ($40,100 in 2007) larger than that of the big Western European economies.

Geneva's economy is mainly services oriented. The city has an important and old finance sector, which is specialized in private banking (managing assets of about 1 trillion USD) and financing of international trade. It is also an important center of commodity trade.

About 24,000 people worked in the numerous offices of international organizations located in Geneva in 2001. Geneva hosts the international headquarters of companies such as Japan Tobacco, Mediterranean Shipping Company, Serono, SITA, Société Générale de Surveillance and STMicroelectronics. Many other multinational companies like Caterpillar, DuPont, Take-Two Interactive, Electronic Arts, Hewlett-Packard, INVISTA, Procter & Gamble, and Sun Microsystems have their European headquarters in the city also.

There is a long tradition of watchmaking (Baume et Mercier, Chopard, Franck Muller, Patek Philippe & Co., Rolex, Raymond Weil, Omega). Two major international producers of flavors and fragrances, Firmenich and Givaudan, have their headquarters and main production facilities in Geneva.

The city's main newspaper is the Tribune de Genève, with a readership of about 187,000, a daily newspaper founded in 1879. Le Courrier, founded in 1868, was originally supported by the Roman Catholic Church, but has been independent since 1996.

Geneva is covered by the various French language radio networks of the Swiss Broadcasting Corporation, in particular the Radio Suisse Romande. The main television channel covering Geneva is the Télévision Suisse Romande.

The Geneva Motor Show is one of the most important international auto-shows. The show is held at Palexpo, a giant convention center located next to the International Airport.

Geneva is connected to both the Swiss railway network SBB-CFF-FFS, and the French SNCF network, including direct connections to Paris, Marseille and Montpellier by TGV. Geneva is also connected to the motorway systems of both Switzerland and France. Public transport is by bus, trolleybus, tram, or by boat, which link the two banks of the lake within the city. The city is served by the Geneva Cointrin International Airport.

Demographics

University of Geneva

As of June 2008, the population of the city of Geneva was 186,825. The city of Geneva is at the center of the Geneva metropolitan area, known as the agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise in French, which includes the Canton of Geneva as well as the District of Nyon in the Canton of Vaud and several areas in the neighboring French departments of Haute-Savoie and Ain. In 2005 the agglomération franco-valdo-genevoise had 769,000 inhabitants, two-third of whom lived on Swiss soil and one-third on French soil.

The population of the canton contains 148,500 people originally from Geneva (33.7 percent), 122,400 Swiss from other cantons (27.6 percent) and 170,500 foreigners (38.7 percent), from 180 different countries. Including people holding multiple citizenship, 54.4 percent of people living in Geneva hold a foreign passport.[2]

The ethnic make up of Switzerland is: German 65 percent, French 18 percent, Italian 10 percent, Romansch 1 percent, other six percent.

Geneva is remarkable for its linguistic diversity, the result of the presence of the United Nations and over 150 international organizations, the headquarters of some 140 multi-national companies, 120 diplomatic missions, and centuries of trade. Geneva has a 40 percent non-Swiss resident population with English the language of communication. German, which is spoken by 63.7 percent of the Swiss population, French 20.4 percent, and Italian 6.5 percent, are all official languages.

While Geneva is usually considered a Protestant city, there were more Roman Catholics (39.5 percent) than Protestants (17.4 percent) living in the Canton in 2008. About 22 percent of the inhabitants claim no religion, and the remainder practice Islam (4.4 percent), Judaism (1.1 percent), other religions, or did not respond.[3]

Geneva is home to the University of Geneva, founded by John Calvin in 1559. The oldest international school in the world is located in Geneva, the International School of Geneva, founded in 1924. Webster University, an accredited American university has a campus in Geneva. The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations is a private university on the grounds of the Château de Penthes.

The European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, is probably the best known educational and research facility in Geneva. Founded in 1954, CERN was one of Europe's first joint ventures and has developed as the world's largest particle physics laboratory.

Society and culture

The World Intellectual Property Organization.

Since 1818, a particular chestnut tree has been used as the official "herald of the spring" in Geneva. The sautier (secretary of the Parliament of the Canton of Geneva) observes the tree and notes the day of arrival of the first bud. While this event has no practical impact, the sautier issues a formal press release and the local newspaper will mention the news.

As this is one of the world's oldest records of a plant's reaction to climatic conditions, researchers have been interested to note that the first bud appears earlier and earlier in the year. The first recorded dates were in March or April. In recent years, it has usually been in mid-February and sometimes even earlier.[4] In 2002, the first bud appeared unusually early, on February 7, and then again on December 29 of the same year. The following year, one of the hottest Europe has ever had, became a year with no bud. In 2008, the first bud also appeared very early, on February 19.

  • CERN built the Large Hadron Collider, which is the world's largest and highest-energy particle accelerator, intended to collide opposing beams of protons or lead ions. It lies underneath the Franco-Swiss border between the Jura Mountains and the Alps near Geneva.
  • Geneva observes Jeune genevois on the first Thursday following the first Sunday in September. By local tradition, this commemorates the date the news of the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre of Huguenots reached Geneva.
  • The "Escalade" (literally, "scaling the walls") on December 11-12 each year, which commemorates victory against Roman Catholic Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, in 1602, is Geneva's main patriotic celebration.
  • The main sport team in Geneva is Servette FC, a football club founded in 1890 and named after a borough on the right bank of the Rhône. Geneva is also home of the Genève-Servette Hockey Club, who play in the Swiss National League A.

Looking to the future

Geneva was a center of Protestant activity in the sixteenth century, the base for Protestant leader John Calvin, and a favored destination for persecuted Protestants.

The city is synonymous with humanitarianism, being the birthplace of the Red Cross, and of the man who formulated the Geneva Convention. A noted center for international cooperation, the city hosted the headquarters of the League of Nations, remains the seat of the European headquarters of the United Nations, and of many other inter-governmental organizations. CERN's Large Hadron Collider is located nearby.

Geneva has a touch of opulence, is the home of Rolex watches, and has a per capita GDP that is larger than that of the big Western European economies. A 2008 survey by Mercer Consulting found Geneva to have the second-highest quality of life in the world, tied with Vienna, Austria, outranked only by Zurich.[5]

Notes

  1. Swisstopo, Height reference for Switzerland. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  2. OCSTAT. Les binationaux dans le canton de Genève. Résultats du recensement fédéral de la population 2000. Communications statistiques n° 24, Geneva, December 2005.
  3. Statistique Genève, Inhabitants of the Canton of Geneva according to their religion. Retrieved February 1, 2007.
  4. REPUBLIQUE ET CANTON DE GENEVE, La Treille, promenade et lieu d'observation climatique. Retrieved November 18, 2008.
  5. Mercer Human Resource Consulting, Mercer's 2008 Quality of Living survey highlights. Retrieved November 18, 2008.

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

  • Cityspots. Geneva. Peterborough: Thomas Cook, 2007. ISBN 978-1841577722.
  • Fahrni, Dieter. An Outline History of Switzerland. From the Origins to the Present Day, 8th ed. Zürich: Pro Helvetia, 2003 (original 1997). ISBN 3908102618.
  • Monter, E. William. Calvin's Geneva. New dimensions in history: Historical cities. New York: Wiley, 1967. OCLC 183613.

External links

All links retrieved May 26, 2017.

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