Geneva is the most populous city of Romandy (the French-speaking part of Switzerland). Situated where the Rhone River exits Lake Geneva (French Lac Leman), it is the capital of the Republic and Canton of Geneva.

The first traces of human civilization in Geneva, discovered on the shores of Lake Léman, date from around 3000 BC. The region was settled in 443 by a Germanic tribe, the Burgundians, but they were defeated later by the Francs, who occupied it in 534. Geneva was incorporated into the Merovingian dynasty, then into the Carlovingian Empire.

Geneva is situated at a high altitude, which together with the lake, tempers the prevailing continental climate. Summers are pleasantly warm to hot, and winters relatively mild with temperatures hovering just above or below freezing. Rain falls all year round, and occasionally the city suffers the ravages of a harsh north wind known as the bise.

Geneva's economy is mainly services oriented. The city has an important and old finance sector, which is specialized in private banking and financing of international trade. It is also an important centre of commodity trade. Geneva hosts the international headquarters of companies like JT International (JTI), Mediterranean Shipping Company, Serono, SITA, Societe Generale de Surveillance and STMicroelectronics. Many other multinational companies like DuPont, Electronic Arts, Hewlett-Packard, INVISTA, Procter & Gamble and Sun Microsystems have their European headquarters in the city too. There is a long tradition of watchmaking (Baume et Mercier, Chopard, Franck Muller, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Raymond Weil, Omega, etc.). Two major international producers of flavours and fragrances, Firmenich and Givaudan, have their headquarters and main production facilities in Geneva. Many people also work in the numerous offices of international organizations located in Geneva.

Geneva was the first Canton to introduce compulsory public education in Switzerland. In particular, the establishment of the International School of Geneva initially for the children of the diplomats and international civil servants of the League of Nations and international organisations led to the development of a rich regional tapestry of multilingual, multicultural education. A number of famous foreign universities and business schools have also set up regional or European facilities to meet the need for higher and post-graduate education. 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. The Geneva School of Diplomacy and International Relations is a private university located on the grounds of the Chateau de Penthes, an old manor with a park and view of Lac Leman.

Public transport consists of very dependable trams, buses and trolley buses that service the city quickly and efficiently, but if there is no hurry, it is cheaper and more practical to walk or cycle; from May to October city bicycles can be borrowed from Genev' Roule outside the main train station free of charge. The excellent bus and tram network operates from about 5am to midnight with a night bus service running on weekends. Beginning in 2007, visitors staying in hotels or youth hostels in the city are entitled to free Geneva Transport Cards, offering unlimited use of public transport with no fees. The cards can be collected upon check-in. Taxis are plentiful but generally an expensive means of transport. Driving in the city is not recommended as parking is very difficult, but to tour around Lake Geneva, hiring a car is the most practical way to get around. A national or international driver's license is required, as well as a credit card, and drivers must be at least 21 years of age.

Geneva ’s world famous lakefront is the centerpiece of the city. The Jet d’eau spouting 140 meters into the air is the world’s tallest and symbolizes Geneva’s heritage as a leader in the field of hydraulic power. The Promenades along the left and right banks of the lake are filled with cafes, parks, street markets and other diversions from lake cruises to amusement rides to water skiing. The Bains des Paquis on the western shore has been a crowd favorite since its opening in 1932 and continues to draw visitors and locals alike who flock to its saunas and unique bathing areas to see and be seen along this sunny concrete jetty. Dominating the eastern bank, the giant Flower Clock in the English Garden is a tribute to Geneva’s watch industry, harmonizing Swiss ingenuity with the floral bounties of nature.

One of the most creative and thought provoking museums in Europe, theInternational Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum brings together sculpture, installation, photography and film to highlight the importance of human rights, the history of conflict in the 20th century and the humanitarian work the Red Cross has done in providing aid to combatants and civilians caught up in both war and natural disasters.

With initial construction commencing in 1160 and lasting nearly a century, St Peter's Cathedral has over the years become a hotchpotch of architectural styles with Romanesque, Gothic and Neoclassical features. A former Catholic cathedral, St Peter's became a Protestant church in 1536 at the advent of the Reformation and was cleared of its ornate fittings such as altars, statues, paintings and furniture, but the stained glass windows remained.

Geneva is also home to various international fairs, such as International Motor Show, the International Exhibition of Inventions, New Techniques and Products, the International Fair for Books and Press, and the European Incentive and Business Travel and Meetings Exhibition. 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.

Fetes de Geneve (the Geneva Festival) is the Swiss National Day complete with floats and fireworks. Geneva swells with people as La Batie Festival de Geneve brings in all kinds of live music and theater acts.