Switzerland is a country with a stable and prosperous economy, and a greater GNP per inhabitant than its European neighbours. After several years of low growth, recovery ignited in 2004 with an increase of 1.7% of the GNP (more than 435 billions of CHF in total). The unemployment rate is particularly low (about 4% at the beginning of 2005) and inflation is low.

Despite the lack of natural resources, the Swiss economy is amongst the most developed and prosperous in the world. Orientated toward the services, like banks and insurances, and the precise mecanic (clocks), the country produces essentially goods with strong added value. The standard of living is one of the highest in the World.

For several years, Switzerland has seeked to adapt its laws to ones from the European Union, aiming to reinforce its competitivity and loads of agreements have been signed. Even if the final goal is to integrate the EU (a specific Integration Office has been created for that: http://www.europa.admin.ch), the Swiss administration must face a large wish of autonomy from its citizens.

Geneva is an important Swiss university centre, and therefore a young and dynamic city.