Geneva is the second largest city and the most populated area in Switzerland, and certainly the most cosmopolitan: a third of its population is made up of citizens from other countries. This glorified territory with the spirit of dignity is famous for its originality, purity, rationality and security, and, in addition, it brings a love for adventure and a sense of style.
The city is located in the south-west bank of Geneva Lake, between the Alps and the Jura mountains. Geneva is also the administrative center of the same canton.
Geneva is divided into two parts by the river Rhone. Old Town - the historic centre of Geneva - is on the left bank, the main architectural monuments are situated in this part. St. Peter Cathedral is undoubtfully the main decoration of the city. Its construction started in the Romanic era in the 11th century and lasted during the Gothic period, in the 16th century it became one of the main Protestant churches.
Being famous for the large number of private banks, Geneva is also widely known as the European Headquarters of the United Nations, as the place where the movement of Calvinism was born and the International Red Cross was organized. All international organizations with headquarters in Geneva, are located in a new town, on the right bank of Rhone. Here also are: the headquarters of the International Labour Organisation, the International Organization for Migration, the World Health Organization and many others. There is also a palace, where the headquarters of the League of Nations - the predecessor of the UN - were situated.
Geneva is surrounded by French territory, uniting with the rest of Switzerland only by lake and a narrow land corridor. The impact of France can be seen everywhere: mansard roofs design, iron balconies, small cafes on the streets and captions in French.