Canton of Geneva

Welcome to the vibrant Canton of Geneva!

Nestled in the western part of Switzerland, Geneva is home to forty-five municipalities, holding a rich cultural heritage and standing as the most French-speaking area in the country.

Geneva holds a distinguished selection of prestigious institutions and organizations, including the United Nations, the renowned CERN (European Organization for Nuclear Research), and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

While exploring the region, don’t miss the opportunity to encounter the mesmerizing “jet d’eau” – an iconic fountain gracing the shores of Lake Geneva – admired both by locals and tourists alike. Adding to the region’s allure is the Saint Peter’s Cathedral, a historical and architectural gem that further enriches the character of the area.

Population

The Canton of Geneva shelters a diverse population of 499,480 residents, with the city of Geneva alone being home to 198,979 inhabitants.

While confronting a challenging housing market marked by an impressively low vacancy rate as low as 0.38%, Geneva’s population continues to experience steady growth.

The canton proudly embraces a rich blend of 192 nationalities, a testament to the harmonious coexistence of individuals from various backgrounds. Notably, a substantial portion of the population comprises foreigners who have chosen Geneva as their place of residence.

As for the linguistic landscape, French takes the prominent role as the official language.

Location 

Situated at an elevation of 373 meters above sea level, the Canton of Geneva stands out as the flattest canton in the entire country.

A notable highlight of Geneva’s location is its close proximity to France, with 95% of its border shared with the neighboring country.

To its west, it shares a boundary with the department of “Ain,” while the eastern and southern frontiers are contiguous with the department of “Haute-Savoie.” This unique international positioning infuses Geneva with a distinctive blend of French and Swiss influences.

Travelling in Geneva

Geneva Airport, conveniently located just 5 km from the city center, provides seamless access to the heart of the city. The Geneva train station (Gare de Cornavin) is easily reachable via the express train, completing the journey in only 7 minutes.

For comprehensive travel information and updates, the invaluable Geneva Airport website (gva.ch) caters to all your travel needs. Equally reliable is the Swiss Federal Railways (CFF) website (cff.ch), serving as a trusted companion for your train journeys.

Geneva takes pride in its exemplary public transportation system, operated by Unireso. Enjoy the convenience of traveling by tram, bus, or the iconic yellow boats known as “les mouettes.” For detailed insights and schedules, complete and up-to-date information is available on the websites of Transports Publics Genevois (tpg.ch) and Unireso (www.unireso.com).

From May to October, the Geneve Roule service offers complimentary bicycle rentals, encouraging an eco-friendly mode of transport.

 

Léman Express

Step aboard the remarkable Léman Express, a commuter rail network bridging the transborder region of Geneva and the French Alps. Spanning an impressive 230km of railway, this system comprises six lines, seamlessly connecting Swiss and French towns.

At the very core of the Léman Express lies the visionary CEVA rail project, which unites the Eaux-Vives station with Geneva’s main train station, Cornavin. This integration has revolutionized transportation options and created convenient direct services from Cornavin to the French cities of Evian, Thon, Annemasse, and Annecy.

The Léman Express extends its journey to include the towns of Chambésy, Mies, and Coppet, further enhancing the ease and accessibility of travel within the region.

 

 

International schools

Geneva is widely acclaimed for its exceptional international schools, renowned for delivering top-tier education, enriching activities, and a strong emphasis on preparing students for future success.

A noteworthy distinction is attributed to Geneva as the birthplace of the International Baccalaureate, a highly esteemed educational program embraced by numerous schools in the region. Complementing this offering, schools also provide the English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and A-levels, catering to a diverse range of educational preferences.

While most schools accept applications throughout the year, it’s prudent to consider potential waiting lists as you plan your enrollment.

International schools in Geneva:

Public holidays

  • New Year
  • Good Friday
  • Easter Monday
  • Ascension
  • Whit Monday
  • August 1st: Swiss National Holiday
  • “Jeûne Genevois”- The “Jeûne Genevois” (Thursday following the first Sunday of September)
  • December 25th: Christmas
  • December 31st: Restoration of the republic of Geneva

Maps

Neighbourhoods in Geneva are separated by the Rhône river and are linked by various bridges in the city:

 

Right bank

Petit Saconnex, Nations, Pâquis, Saint-Gervais,  Servette, Charmilles, Saint-Jean

Left bank

Eaux-vives, Malagnou, Champel, Vieille-ville, Plainpalais, Acacias, Jonction, Quartier des banques, Tranchées.