Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is not the capital of Switzerland (Bern holds that title), yet it hosts more international organizations than any other city in the world, often earning it the moniker 'Peace Capital' or 'Diplomatic Capital'.

Geneva was the epicenter of the Protestant Reformation under John Calvin in the 16th century, profoundly shaping its culture, laws, and even its civic identity as a strict, independent republic.

Just outside Geneva lies CERN, home to the Large Hadron Collider, the world's largest and most powerful particle accelerator, where scientists explore the fundamental building blocks of the universe.

Over 40% of Geneva's population is foreign, making it one of the most international cities globally and contributing to its vibrant, multicultural atmosphere and multilingual environment.

Every December, Geneva celebrates 'L'Escalade' with a costumed procession, bonfires, and the smashing of chocolate cauldrons, commemorating its victory against a surprise attack from the Duke of Savoy in 1602.

The Jet d'Eau, Geneva's iconic water jet, propels 500 liters of water per second to a height of 140 meters, but it originated in 1886 as a simple pressure relief valve for a hydraulic power plant, not an ornament.

Geneva is the birthplace of the Geneva Conventions, a series of international treaties establishing standards for humanitarian law in armed conflict, overseen by the International Committee of the Red Cross, founded here in 1863.

Geneva's 'Horloge Fleurie' (Flower Clock) in the English Garden is not just decorative; it's a fully functional clock made from thousands of living flowers, whose arrangement changes seasonally, and it holds the world's longest second hand, measuring 2.5 meters.