| | Geneva is located in the heart of Europe. It is an economical and financial hub specialized in the banking sector, finance and international trading. Geneva houses a great number of multinationals and international organizations.
The famous “jet d’eau” is the symbol of the city of Geneva, and the lovely “flower clock” is located in the “jardin d’anglais”. Saint Paul’s Cathedral and Lake Geneva are Geneva’s main tourist attractions.
Population
- The Canton of Geneva is spread over 282 km2 and has a population of 464’000. The city of Geneva has a population of 191’000.
- Geneva’s current population is increasing (+ 6291 inhabitants in 2010) despite a very tight housing market (the current housing market vacancy in Geneva is 0,2%).
- Geneva is very cosmopolitan. It comprises 180 nationalities and 40% are foreigners.
Location
- Geneva is situated 373m above sea-level.
- The time zone is GMT 1+, summer time +1 (from the last weekend in March to end October)
Travelling to Geneva
- Geneva Airport is located approximately 5 km from the city center. An express train from the airport takes you to the Geneva train station (Gare de Cornavin) in 7 minutes.
- Geneva Airport website: www.gva.ch
- The main train station (Gare de Cornavin) is located on the city’s right bank “rive droite”. For further information you can consult: www.cff.ch
- Geneva offers excellent public transportation. The public transportation company Unireso enables you to travel by tram, bus and boat (water taxis). You can consult their websites for further information: www.tpg.ch and www.unireso.com.
- The “Compagnie Générale de Navigation” links numerous towns situated on the shores of Lake Geneva which can be accessed by boat: www.cgn.ch
- Bicycles can be rented throughout the year. From May to October bicycle rentals are free of charge: www.geneveroule.ch
Public holidays in the Canton of Geneva
- Christmas Sunday, December 25th 2011
- Restauration de la République Saturday, December 31st 2011
- New Year Sunday, January 1st 2012
- Good Friday Friday, April 6th 2012
- Easter Monday Monday, April 9th 2012
- Ascension Thursday, May 17th 2012
- Whit Monday Monday, May 28th 2012
- Swiss National Holiday Wednesday, August1st 2012
- “Jeûne Genevois” Thursday, September 6th 2012
Please take note: public holidays can differ from one Canton to another.
The "Jeûne Genevois" is always on the Thursday following the first Sunday in September.
“Jeûne Fédéral” (in the Canton of Vaud) is on the Monday following the third Sunday in September.
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