Earth Observations taken by the Expedition 14 crew

ISS014-E-07084 (2 Nov. 2006) --- Geneva, Switzerland is featured in this image photographed by an Expedition 14 crewmember on the International Space Station. The city is located at the southernmost tip of Lake Geneva (also known as Lac Leman) between two major mountain ranges, the Jura to the northwest (not shown) and the Alps to the southeast (the northern foothills of which are represented by Mount Saleve at bottom). The city's built area, roadways, and airport appear as white to grey surfaces in this view. Urbanized regions are interspersed with agricultural fields (bright green to light brown rectangular regions) and preserved forest stands (dark green) around the Lake. One of the defining moments in the city's history was the defeat of an attack by the dukedom of Savoy in 1602; the event -- known as "l'Escalade" is celebrated annually as a symbol of Geneva's independence. The city joined Switzerland as a canton (or state) in 1815. The city's recent history demonstrates its continuing importance to geopolitics. The League of Nations was headquartered here from 1919-1946, and the European headquarters of the United Nations is likewise located here. The Geneva Conventions, or "rules of war", were signed here from 1864 through 1949. The city also hosts the headquarters of numerous other international organizations and corporations - making it a "world city" of cultural, economic, and political significance.