The headquarters of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, is located in which European city?

Introduction / Context:
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) serves as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. While many UN bodies sit in New York or Geneva, the ICJ is located elsewhere. Exams frequently ask candidates to match important international organisations with their headquarter cities, and this question targets that ability.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The institution is the International Court of Justice.
• The options are four European cities: Geneva, The Hague, Rome and Vienna.
• The question seeks the city where the court actually sits.
• We assume the standard, current headquarter location.

Concept / Approach:
The ICJ is located in the Peace Palace in The Hague, in the Netherlands. The Hague has become a global centre for international justice and houses several courts and tribunals. Geneva is known for many UN agencies and human rights bodies, Rome for FAO, and Vienna for certain UN offices, but the World Court is specifically associated with The Hague.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that The Hague is often called the judicial capital of the world because it hosts the ICJ, the International Criminal Court and other tribunals.Step 2: Match this recollection with the institution in the question, which is the International Court of Justice.Step 3: Among the options, identify “The Hague” as the city located in the Netherlands, known for hosting the Peace Palace.Step 4: Note that Geneva is associated with UN offices like UNHCR and WHO, Rome with FAO, and Vienna with UNODC and other bodies.Step 5: Therefore, select “The Hague” as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to recall a common exam pairing: “ICJ – The Hague (Netherlands)”. Many static GK lists emphasise this combination. Additionally, images of the ICJ often show the Peace Palace building, which is located in The Hague, confirming the association.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Geneva: Important UN agencies and the Human Rights Council meet here, but it is not the seat of the International Court of Justice.

Rome: Known for the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), not for the ICJ.

Vienna: Hosts the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other UN offices, but not the World Court.

Common Pitfalls:
Because many UN bodies are located in Geneva, students sometimes incorrectly assume that all major UN institutions are there. Another pitfall is to confuse the International Criminal Court with the ICJ; however both are in The Hague, so this confusion actually reinforces the correct city rather than changing it. The key is to remember that The Hague is the centre of international justice.

Final Answer:
The headquarters of the International Court of Justice is in The Hague, Netherlands.