Last modified: 2012-04-21 by ivan sache
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![[Flag of Annemasse]](../images/f/fr-74-am.gif)
Flag of Annemasse - Image by Ivan Sache, 30 August 2003
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The municipality of Annemasse (31,293 inhabitants in 2009; 498 ha) is located close to Geneva (Switzerland)
Annemasse was in the Gallo-Roman times a small town known as
Namasce, whose population probably never exceded 1,000. The
geographical location of Annemasse explains its very slow development
in ancient history. The town is located in an open area, without any
natural defence. Moreover, it lies on the border of the former
possessions of the Republic of Geneva and of the Duchy of
Savoy, which were in constant struggle
until the disaster of L'Escalade
(1601).
In 1801, the official census counted only 800 inhabitants;
Annemasse was mostly supplying fresh agricultural products to the
neighbouring town of Geneva.
The modern development of Annemasse started in 1880 with the building
of the railway line between Bellegarde-sur-Valserine and Évian-les-Bains and its branch towards Annecy and Saint-Gervais.
Industrialization of the area started, although it was not favoured
by the specific system of the Greater Tax-free Zone (Grande Zone
Franche) set up in 1860 after the incorporation of Savoy to
France. This system, imposed because of the pro-Swiss feelings of
the inhabitants of the area, made of Geneva the economical capital of the
north of Savoy.
In 1911, Annemasse had only 3,000 inhabitants but the urban area
was increased and structured. The Greater Tax-free Zone was
suppressed at the end of the Second World War. Annemasse attracted
then a lot of people of various origins. The Genevans set up shops
and factories in Annemasse to keep their French customers.
Cutting and mechanical engineering industries flourished.
During the Second World War, the Italian and then German
occupation caused the definitive separation from Geneva and Genevans
left the town. War refugees came to Annemasse, as well as
clockmakers from the French Jura.
From 1950 onwards, the development of Annemasse was, again, completely linked with Geneva. There were 8,800 inhabitants in 1946 and 29,000 in 1990. The neigbouring towns followed the same pattern of increase. Until
1962-1965, Geneva massively attracted French workers, who were
replaced in Annemasse by immigrant workers. Economical crisis in
Switzerland caused a massive come-back of people to Annemasse in
1974-1978. In 1982, economical activity resumed in Geneva and the
flow was inverted, with a pause in the 1990s. However, real-estate
speculation and attraction by Geneva made it difficult to maintain
industrial activity in Annemasse. This loss was more than compensated
by an increased activity in commerce and service industries.
Annemasse and the neighbouring municipalities (including
Étrembières) have now more than
60,000 inhabitants, consituting the second largest urban area in
the Department of Haute-Savoie.
Source: Municipal website
Ivan Sache, 30 August 2003
The flag of Annemasse, as hoisted on the bridge of
Étrembières, is vertically divided blue-yellow.
The colours of the flag are those of the municipal coat of arms,
"Azure a bend cotised or a chief gules a cross argent".
These arms were officially adopted by the Municipal Council on 5
July 1933, upon proposal by Mayor Montessuy. They can be seen on the
facade of the main entrance of the Town Hall.
Ivan Sache, 30 August 2003