We have been to Geneva‘s airport, train station and absolutely nowhere else in the city. Essentially, we committed to move city sight unseen. Thanks to the magic of the internet, we have learned a lot about the city. Here are some basics about our soon to be new home:
- Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland behind Zurich and the most international city in Europe with over 40% of its population coming from outside Switzerland.
- 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.
- It sprawls on the banks of Lac Leman (sometimes referred to as Lake Geneva) and forms a peninsula that is surrounded by France.
- Geneva has the shortest commuting time of any major city in the world.
- It has the third highest quality of life of any city in the world.
- Dog droppings are listed as the top complaint of citizens in Geneva, annually. How nice is it that dog droppings are the city’s biggest problem?
- Its most famous landmark is the Jet d’Eau (the world’s tallest fountain situated in the lake). If you keep checking this blog, I am sure you will see lots of pictures of it in the future.
- Geneva is home to many international organizations including: the United Nations and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
- Oh yeah, and it is the 4th most expensive city in the world. Wowzers.
schwingeninswitzerland 