Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: Geneva
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
The World Trade Organisation, known as WTO, is the global body that deals with the rules of trade between nations. It replaced the earlier General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade framework and is one of the most important international economic organisations. Knowing the headquarters city of the WTO is a standard general knowledge requirement, especially in questions about world organisations.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
The WTO is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, in the Centre William Rappard building. Many key trade negotiations and ministerial meetings are associated with Geneva. By contrast, Vienna and Paris are known for other UN agencies, Brussels is the centre of the European Union, and Berne is the political capital of Switzerland but not the main city for trade organisations. The approach is to match WTO with Geneva using memory of trade news and official talks.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that global trade talks and WTO ministerial meetings are often referred to as taking place in Geneva.
Step 2: Note that many other international economic bodies, including some UN agencies and trade related entities, also have offices in Geneva, reinforcing this city as the hub for multilateral trade.
Step 3: Recognise that Vienna is associated more with UN industrial and nuclear agencies, and Paris with UNESCO and the OECD, not the WTO.
Step 4: Berne is the capital of Switzerland but is not the main host of WTO headquarters, and Brussels is better known for EU institutions.
Step 5: Therefore, Geneva is the headquarters city of the WTO.
Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by remembering frequent references in international news to Geneva based WTO meetings where disputes over tariffs, subsidies and trade rules are discussed. Official WTO documents and its website clearly state Geneva, Switzerland, as the headquarters location. This consistent information across multiple sources confirms your choice.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A, Vienna, is wrong because it hosts agencies like the International Atomic Energy Agency and UNIDO, not the WTO.
Option B, Paris, is wrong because UNESCO and the Organisation for Economic Co operation and Development are headquartered there, but not the WTO.
Option C, Berne, is wrong since it is not the main international diplomacy centre for trade agreements, even though it is in Switzerland.
Option E, Brussels, is wrong as it is primarily recognised as the capital of the European Union, housing the European Commission and Council, not the WTO headquarters.
Common Pitfalls:
Candidates often misassociate the WTO with Brussels because both deal with trade and economic policy. Others choose Berne simply because the WTO is Swiss based. To avoid this, remember that Geneva is the city most closely associated with multilateral diplomacy and trade negotiations. When you think of WTO, think of Geneva and world trade talks held there.
Final Answer:
The headquarters of the World Trade Organisation is located in Geneva.
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