10 Facts about Geneva
- 38% of Geneva’s population are foreigners making it a truly an international city. Switzerland has three official languages: French, German and Italian. French is the predominant language spoken in Geneva, but most citizens speak at least one other language. English is spoken by about a quarter of the local population and by the majority of foreigners
- Geneva is host to the European headquarters of the United Nations. This perhaps not that surprising as it also hosted the first meeting of The League of Nations in 1920.
- The activity of asset management was first practised in Geneva, where almost 120 banking firms (of which 80 are foreign-owned), 1,700 financial companies and 500 independent money managers offer their expertise
- The World Wide Web was invented and developed in Geneva at CERN laboratories. Its creator Sir Timothy Berners-Lee spent 6 months at the European Particle Physics Laboratory in Geneva where he developed a programme called “Enquire” the foundation of which later went on to become the World Wide Web as we know it today.
- Geneva has the shortest commuting time of any major city in the word.
- Switzerland is one of the only major European Countries not to have joined the European Union. The Swiss who are ruled under a system of direct democracy feel that the EU is not democratic enough, that joining would impair its neutrality on international disputes and that its trade with the rest of the world would be affected.
- Switzerland has three official languages: French, German and Italian. French is the predominant language spoken in Geneva, but most citizens speak at least one other language. English is spoken by about a quarter of the local population and by the majority of foreigners. When dealing with locals it is recommended that you start off in French, even if it is only a greeting, before transitioning to English.
- The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc. The Euro is also accepted at most businesses but expect to pay a premium rate. Most transactions in the city are conducted in cash and a surprising number of businesses and restaurants do not accept credit cards so be prepared.
- Geneva is a safe city with 1.99 violent crimes per 100,000 in 2003. Petty crimes such as pick-pocketing are common around the central train station, but common sense usually prevails. Top quality hospitals and clinics are available 24 hours throughout the city.
- Bizarre But True- Dog droppings is annually listed as the top complaint of citizens in Geneva.