Economy

Switzerland offers an affluent, serene, and robust modern market economy. The country boasts little unemployment, low inflation, an exceedingly skilled labour force, and a per capita GDP that is greater than many of its larger Western European neighbours. Its low unemployment rate, in fact, remains at less than half that of the average of the EU nations.

The Swiss economy is deemed to be among the world’s most advanced and flourishing. In addition, the country continues to be a safe refuge for investors, maintaining a degree of banking confidentiality.

Often cited as “the EU’s closest neighbour,” geographically, culturally and economically, Switzerland is the European Union’s second trading partner (the U.S. in number one; China, number two).

High Quality of Living Index

In a quality of living survey conducted in 2008, Geneva again came second on the list of worldwide cities, after Zurich, which ranked number one. For the curious in the bunch, Baghdad was again at the bottom of the list.

The survey takes a long list of determinants into consideration, including political stability, crime rate, currency exchange regulations, banking services, limitations (or lack thereof) on personal freedom, medical services, public services, recreation and housing.

Geneva's economy is largely service-oriented, and the city has a significant financial sector. Private banking including the management of about one trillion dollars in assets - and international trade financing are among its key finance areas. The city also serves as an instrumental commodity trade centre.

Providing all of the pluses of a small metropolitan area, while also offering the benefits of the superior facilities and services usually found in much larger cities, Geneva possesses an infrastructure that is among the most outstanding and extensive in Europe. The city also lays claim to the greatest hotel and catering capacity in Switzerland, with more than 14,000 beds and 1,100 restaurants.

Major Business Hub

Geneva is truly an international city. It is a place that witnesses the convergence of world congresses and conferences, and is the base for close to 150 international organizations.

The city is also the location for the headquarters of many major multi-national companies, including DuPont, Rolex, Colgate, Procter & Gamble, and INVISTA. The Technology sector is also well-represented in the city, housing the likes of Oracle, Hewlett Packard, IBM, Digital, Motorola, Sun Microsystems, and AT&T.

In addition, Geneva is a major player in the global financial markets arena, and is home to more than 100 foreign banks, including Abn Amro, Deutsche Bank, HSBC, BNP Paribas, Merill Lynch, Lloyd's Bank, and JP Morgan. More than 50 Swiss banks are also based there.

Excellent Pastimes

Given Geneva’s attractiveness for influential members of the diplomatic and business realms, it is not surprising, then, that this amazing city offers a seemingly endless array of leisure pursuits.

Geneva is teeming with a great selection of artistic and not-so-artistic offerings, providing locals and Expats the same broad assortment of personal pleasures you would expect from a sprawling major metropolitan area.

Museums, exhibitions, art galleries and theatres abound, as do wonderful restaurants, bars and clubs.

The city – and country overall - is clean and safe, while basking in great style and sophistication. In addition, it is perfectly located for quick trips to the Swiss and French Alps.

Bearing all of the above in mind, it is no wonder that Geneva attracts such a large and affluent foreign national contingent. About 45% of the city’s population is comprised of Expatriates – representing close to 200 nationalities.

Why not check it out for yourself?