International relations

An international city

The City of Venice, for centuries a privileged place for meetings and exchanges, entertains cultural, political and commercial relations with the whole world. The city's international role and image are expressed through its ability to attract investments and talents from abroad, thanks to the presence of 38 consulates and numerous offices of international agencies and bodies (including the UNESCO Regional Bureau for Science and Culture in Europe, the WHO European Office for Health and Development Investment, Generali's Human Safety Net). 

Venice's international dimension is also confirmed by the presence of more than 40 thousand foreign residents from over 150 different nations and by the possibility of attending different religious communities. These elements together constitute a patrimony of knowledge and relationships of extraordinary potential. The city's international image and character are also nurtured by the numerous cultural, political and economic events of global resonance that take place each year in Venice (these include international meetings, the Venice Biennale exhibitions, the Venice Boat Show, the International Film Festival and the Historical Regatta) and by the presence of prestigious universities that offer courses of study dedicated to architecture, design, theater, fashion, visual arts, urban planning and territorial planning (IUAV) and in the environmental, economic and linguistic fields with a specialization in Eastern culture (Ca' Foscari).