Geneva is considered by many a global city, the world capital of bureaucracy, because of the large number of international organizations, including the headquarters of many of the agencies of the United Nations and the Red Cross. The Geneva Conventions (which chiefly concern the treatment of wartime non-combatants and prisoners of war) were of course signed here as well.

Geneva is the second-most populous city in Switzerland and the most populous city of the French-speaking Switzerland. Continue reading »

The city of Zurich, the largest city in Switzerland and capital of the canton with the same name, joined the Swiss Confederation in 1351. Zurich is a staunchly Protestant (Puritan) city.

The cultural capital of Switzerland is also its main commercial centre. Two giant cathedrals and dozens of streets are ideal for exploring at leisure. It is a city of parks and gardens, with a particularly outstanding botanical garden. From Zurich you can also take easy side trips to other panoramic views of the country. Continue reading »