GENEVA, a canton of Switzerland in the s.w. of that country, is bounded on the n. by the canton of Vaud and the lake m Geneva, and on the s., e., and w., by the territories of France. It has an area of 109 sq.m., and in 1877 it had a population of 100,443, of whom near 50,000 were Catholics. It is watered by the Rhone and the Arne, which unite about two miles from the s.w. extremity of the lake of Geneva. The surface is hilly, and the soil, not naturally fertile, has been rendered so by the industry of the inhabitants. The political affairs of the canton and city have undergone various changes, the last of these being a revolution in 1847, when the old aristociatic party was overthrown, an da democratic and progressive party attained to power. Long inert, and in a backward condition, the administration is now most active in developing the resources of the canton. According to the constitution of 1847, all male citizens of 21 years of age exercise the right of electing representatives to the cantonal council; the age of members of which must be at least 25 years. There is a representative for
every 666 inhabitants. The executive is confided to a council of state, composed of 7 members, nominated for 10 years, but eligible for re-election. The constitution guar antees civil and religious liberty, all forms of worship being allowed by law; but the majority of time citizens pertain to the Reformed Calvanistic church. The chief branches of industry are agriculture, and the manufacture of articles of bijouterie and watches. About 206,000 watches are made annually, and exported to France, England, Italy, and elsewhere. Musical-boxes, chronometers, mathematical instruments, etc., are also made. The chief town is Geneva (q.v.).