GENEVE

(French), English Geneva, German Genf canton, southwestern Switzerland. The canton lies between the Jura Mountains and the Alps and consists mainly of its capital, the city of Geneva (Genve). It is one of the smallest cantons in the Swiss Confederation. Bordering on Vaud canton for 3.5 miles (5.5 km) in the extreme north, it is otherwise surrounded by French territorythe dpartement of Haute Savoie to the south and that of Ain west and north. The canton is drained by the Rhne River from east to west and then along its southwest edge, and by the turbid L'Arve River, which flows from Mont Blanc to join the Rhne within the city of Geneva. Admitted into the Swiss Confederation in 1815, Genve was increased in 181516 by adding to the old territory belonging to the city 16 communes (to the south and east) ceded by Savoy and 6 communes (to the north) from the French district of Gex. The population, about one-half Roman Catholic and two-fifths Protestant, is primarily French-speaking. Industry is concentrated in the city of Geneva and its suburbs. Market gardens, vineyards, and orchards occupy a large proportion of the canton's soil, and cattle, horses, swine, goats, and sheep are raised. Area 109 square miles (282 square km). Pop. (1992 est.) 378,849.