Written and Fact-checked by Whereig Editors | Last Updated On: June 18, 2026
Geneva is a city in the Canton of Geneva, Switzerland, located in the southwestern part of the country near the French border. Situated at approximately 46.2044° N latitude and 6.1432° E longitude, the city covers about 16 sq km (6.2 sq mi) and has an estimated population of around 205,000 people.
Location Map of Geneva, Switzerland
About Map: The map showing location of Geneva in Switzerland.
Where is Geneva Located?
Geneva is the capital of the Swiss Canton of Geneva located in the south-western most corner of Switzerland. Geneva, city and port, located in the western Switzerland, in the province of North Holland. Geneva is the capital and most populous city of the Switzerland with a population of 872,680.
Interestingly, besides having one of the developed and infused with advanced technology and infrastructures, the city is a financial center as well as global center for diplomacy. It homes the headquarters of various international organizations. However, it is more popularly known for the Geneva Conventions; in fact, it was mainly concern with the treatment of wartime non-combatants and prisoners of war.
As per the research done by the Global Financial Centers Index, Geneva is the 3rd European financial center just after London and Zurich and 8th in the world. In the year 2009, Geneva is listed as the fourth most expensive city of the world. In addition, it is considered as the world 92s most compact metropolis and the "Peace Capital city".
Geneva, Geneva Canton Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| City | Geneva |
| Canton | Geneva |
| Country | Switzerland |
| Cantonal Capital | Geneva |
| Region | Western Switzerland |
| Latitude | 46.2044° N |
| Longitude | 6.1432° E |
| Elevation | 1,230 ft (375 m) |
| Land Area | 6.1 sq mi |
| Water Area | Includes Lake Geneva and Rhône River |
| Total Area | 6.1 sq mi |
| Population (Latest Estimate) | Approximately 205,000 |
| Population Density | Approximately 33,600 per sq mi |
| Postal Codes | 1200-1299 |
| Area Code | +41 22 |
| Time Zone Standard | Central European Time (UTC+1) |
| Time Zone Daylight | Central European Summer Time (UTC+2) |
| Currency | Swiss Franc (CHF) |
| Administrative Code | Commune of Geneva |
| National Representation | Federal Assembly Constituencies |
Nearby Cities to Geneva, Switzerland
- Carouge, Switzerland - 2 mi South
- Vernier, Switzerland - 3 mi Northwest
- Meyrin, Switzerland - 4 mi Northwest
- Lancy, Switzerland - 3 mi Southwest
- Onex, Switzerland - 4 mi Southwest
- Nyon, Switzerland - 16 mi Northeast
- Gex, France - 11 mi Northwest
- Annemasse, France - 6 mi East
- Thonon-les-Bains, France - 22 mi East
- Lausanne, Switzerland - 40 mi Northeast
Geneva, Switzerland Climate and Weather Overview
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | Avg Rainfall (in) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 41 | 30 | 2.8 |
| April | 60 | 41 | 3.0 |
| July | 79 | 58 | 3.3 |
| October | 61 | 46 | 3.4 |
| Annual | 60 | 44 | 39.0 |
| Climate Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Climate Classification (Köppen) | Cfb - Oceanic Climate |
| Annual Rainfall | Approximately 39 inches |
| Annual Sunshine Days | Approximately 1,900 sunshine hours |
| Hurricane/Tornado Risk | Very Low |
| Snowfall | Light to Moderate Winter Snowfall |
Driving Distances from Geneva, Switzerland
| City | Canton/Region | Distance (mi) | Approx. Drive Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carouge | Geneva | 2 | 10 min |
| Vernier | Geneva | 3 | 10 min |
| Lancy | Geneva | 3 | 10 min |
| Meyrin | Geneva | 4 | 15 min |
| Onex | Geneva | 4 | 15 min |
| Annemasse | France | 6 | 15 min |
| Gex | France | 11 | 20 min |
| Nyon | Vaud | 16 | 25 min |
| Thonon-les-Bains | France | 22 | 35 min |
| Lausanne | Vaud | 40 | 50 min |
Transportation and Connectivity in Geneva, Switzerland
| Airport Name | Geneva Airport |
| IATA Code | GVA |
| Port | Port of Geneva on Lake Geneva |
| Major Highways | A1, A40, Route de Lausanne, Route de Meyrin |
| Train Service | Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), TGV Lyria |
| Local Transit Service | Geneva Public Transport (TPG), Trams, Buses and Ferries |
- A1 Motorway - Main Swiss highway linking Geneva with Lausanne, Bern and Zurich.
- A40 Motorway - Connects Geneva with eastern France and the Alps region.
- Route de Lausanne - Major route along Lake Geneva toward Lausanne.
- Route de Meyrin - Important corridor connecting central Geneva with the airport.
- TPG Network - Extensive tram and bus system serving the metropolitan area.
Key Landmarks and Places to Visit in Geneva, Switzerland
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Jet d'Eau | Fountain |
| St. Pierre Cathedral | Historic Church |
| Palace of Nations | International Landmark |
| Old Town Geneva | Historic District |
| Patek Philippe Museum | Museum |
| Jardin Anglais | Urban Park |
| Flower Clock | Tourist Landmark |
| Bains des Pâquis | Lakeside Attraction |
| International Red Cross Museum | Museum |
| Parc des Bastions | Historic Park |
Places to Visit in Geneva, Switzerland
| Landmark Name | Type |
|---|---|
| Jet d'Eau | Fountain |
| St. Pierre Cathedral | Historic Church |
| Palace of Nations | International Landmark |
| Old Town Geneva | Historic District |
| Patek Philippe Museum | Museum |
| Jardin Anglais | Urban Park |
| Flower Clock | Tourist Landmark |
| Bains des Pâquis | Lakeside Attraction |
| International Red Cross Museum | Museum |
| Parc des Bastions | Historic Park |
Colleges and Universities in Geneva, Switzerland
| Institution Name | Type | Level | Notable For |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Geneva | Public | University | International relations |
| Geneva School of Business Administration | Public | University | Business studies |
| Graduate Institute Geneva | Private | University | Global affairs |
| Geneva Business School | Private | University | International business |
| Webster University Geneva | Private | University | American-style education |
Waterbodies in Geneva, Switzerland
Lake Geneva, Rhône River, Arve River, Petit Lac, Lake Geneva Harbor, Nant d'Avril Stream, Versoix River, Aire River, Bains des Pâquis Waterfront, Geneva Lakeshore
Golf Courses in Geneva, Switzerland
Golf Club de Genève, Golf & Country Club de Bonmont, Golf Club de Maison Blanche, Golf Club de Bossey, Golf de Gonville, Domaine de Divonne Golf Club, Golf Club Esery, Golf Club de la Manchette, Golf Club des Serves, Golf de Lausanne
Geneva, Switzerland - Key Historical Facts
- Geneva became an important trading center during the Middle Ages because of its location on major European routes.
- The city played a central role in the Protestant Reformation under the leadership of John Calvin in the sixteenth century.
- Geneva joined the Swiss Confederation in 1815 following the Napoleonic era.
- The city became an international diplomatic center after hosting the League of Nations in the twentieth century.
- Many global organizations, including parts of the United Nations system, established headquarters in Geneva.
- Today, Geneva is recognized worldwide for diplomacy, banking, humanitarian work and international cooperation.
References
- City of Geneva
- Swiss Federal Statistical Office
- Switzerland Tourism
- Encyclopaedia Britannica - Geneva
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