And that's just the police. Still, there are 19 heads of state, at least eight heads of government, at least one king, and a clutch of princelings. And around 3,500 others, mostly corporate folk, who have paid small fortunes to participate in the world's premier schmoozing event. Davos is the place where the great and the good toss around ideas, get to know each other, cut a few deals, and generally make the world a better place. That's the theory, at any rate.
Critics say that it is a powerhouse of global capitalism.
Some of the Forum's more ardent opponents will be in Davos today and until January 30, hurling abuse and no doubt some more tangible objects at the guests and delegates. Fears of violent demonstrations have prompted the Swiss authorities to lay on extraordinary security measures. At least 1,200 police have been deployed around the congress centre, backed up by troops. The state of semi-siege has no doubt deterred some potential participants, but the lure of Davos remains strong. It's also on offer, for a price.