Geneva (canton)
| Canton of Geneva |
Flag of the canton |
| Capital: | Geneva |
| Abbr.: | GE |
| Joined: | 1815 |
| Population: | 414,300 |
| Area: | 282 km² |
| Language: | French |
The Canton of Geneva is the name of the westernmost canton 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) 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.
Geography
The area of the canton of Geneva is 282 km2. The canton is practically isolated from other Swiss cantons. The current boundaries of the canton were established in 1815. As of 2002 the population of the canton is 414,300.
Location of the canton
Religion
As 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 parts due to immigration from southern Europe, and now there are more catholics than protestant in the canton. Officially the canton is still considered Protestant though. The French sourroundings are mostly Roman catholic.
Economy
The 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 brivate 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 or 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 cannton of Geneva is strong. This is also reflected in the tradition of watch- making in Geneva.
Interntional Organizations
Education
The main educational institution is the University of Geneva, founded in 1559 by Calvin. It was originally called Schola Genevensis.
Transport
Most 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.
Administration
The constitution of the canton was established in 1848 and since then amended. The cantonal government has seven members who are elected for four years (Council of State). The legislative (Great Council) has 100 seats. The deputies are elected according to a proportional system for four years at a time.
The canton is divided into municipalities (communes) which have their own assemblies and a mayor.
History
The canton of Geneva was traditionally a republic, hence its official name. During the time of the Helvetic Republic Geneva was not part of Switzerland (République Helvétique), but constitute part of France.
The Canton of Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815.
Famous People
- Berthelier
- Calvin
- Roset
- Rousseau
- Voltaire
Municipalities
The municipalities of the canton are:
External links
Referenced By
List of Switzerland-related topics | List of Switzerland related topics | List of official languages | List of official languages by country
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