Monaco

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate in Western Europe. It is on the French Riviera, next to France and the Mediterranean Sea.

Monaco is very small, only 2.08 km² (0.80 sq mi). It is one of the smallest countries in the world and the most crowded.

Monaco is ruled by a semi-constitutional monarchy with Prince Albert II as the head of state. It is famous for its wealth and luxury. In the late 1800s, it opened the Monte Carlo Casino. Today, it is a big banking place and a popular tourist spot.

Each year, Monaco holds exciting events like the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most famous races in the world. The country has a strong sports tradition. Its football team, AS Monaco, plays in the French league and has had much success.

Monaco cares about the ocean. It has one of the world's first marine conservation areas and an Oceanographic Museum.

History

Main article: History of Monaco

Monaco has a long and interesting history. It was first mentioned by the ancient Greek historian Hecataeus of Miletus. Later, the Roman geographer Strabo wrote about it too.

In 1191, the Holy Roman Empire gave Monaco to the Genoese. They built a castle there. In 1297, a branch of the Genoese Grimaldi family captured Monaco. They became the rulers and Monaco stayed independent.

During the 1940s, Monaco was occupied by forces from Nazi Germany during World War II. After the war, Monaco became independent again and joined the United Nations in 1993. In 2005, Prince Rainier III passed away, and his son Albert II became the new prince. Today, Monaco is a unique and independent country.

Geography

See also: Land reclamation in Monaco

Monaco is a small sovereign city-state on the French Riviera in Western Europe. It is surrounded by France on three sides and touches the Mediterranean Sea on one side. It is close to Italy and Nice.

Monaco is very small, covering just 2.1 km². Many people live there, about 38,400. It is one of the smallest countries in the world and the most crowded. It has a short land border and a coastline. The highest point is 164 meters above sea level. The lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco has a warm climate with mild winters and dry summers.

Government and politics

Politics

Main article: Politics of Monaco

Monaco has been led by a constitutional monarchy since 1911. The Sovereign Prince of Monaco is the head of state. A Minister of State runs the government with help from the Council of Government. The prince works with elected representatives called the National Council. These 24 members help make laws and decisions.

The city is managed by the Municipality of Monaco. It is led by a mayor, currently Georges Marsan, with 14 elected members.

Administrative divisions

Monaco is the second-smallest country by area in the world, after Vatican City. It is also the most densely populated country. Monaco has one main area called the Municipality of Monaco. In the past, it had smaller parts, but now these are neighborhoods.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Monaco

Monaco signed agreements with France to use the euro, even though it is not part of the European Union. Many people from other countries live in Monaco, but it is hard to become a citizen. Monaco has friendships with many nations and has embassies in several countries.

Security and military

Main articles: Law enforcement in Monaco and Military of Monaco

Monaco’s safety is supported by France. The country has a strong police force for its size, with special units that work on water. There is also a small military force that protects the prince and the palace. This force includes guards and a group for emergencies.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Monaco

Monaco has a lot of money per person, more than many other places. People from nearby areas come to work there each day. Houses in Monaco are very expensive. It has some of the costliest real estate in the world.

The most expensive apartment in the world is in Monaco, located in the Odeon Tower. Monaco runs some businesses itself, like tobacco and the postal service. Living there is very comfortable.

Monaco is not part of the European Union, but it uses the same money as France, the euro. Before 2002, Monaco had its own money, but now it makes special euro coins with its own designs.

Monaco is a big place for banking, with over €100 billion kept in its banks. It also makes money from services and special industries like cosmetics.

Tourism

Monaco makes a lot of money from tourism. Many visitors come to see its famous casinos and enjoy the nice weather. One special thing about Monaco is that credit card points from hotels cannot be collected or used, which helps keep things private for visitors.

Gambling industry

The idea for casino gambling in Monaco started in 1846. In 1858, the first big casino opened in Monte Carlo. This helped Monaco’s economy grow. The casino brought in many visitors and led to the building of hotels, museums, and other places to enjoy. Today, several casinos operate in Monaco.

Low taxes

Monaco does not charge taxes on the money people earn. This means many wealthy people from other countries live there. However, French citizens living in Monaco still have to pay taxes to France. Monaco also charges taxes on business profits if most of the business is not done inside Monaco.

Numismatics

Main articles: Monégasque franc, Monégasque euro coins, and Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Monaco)

Monaco used to have its own money called the Monégasque franc, but since 2002, it uses the euro. Monaco can put its own pictures on the coins, and it started making these special coins in 2001.

Transport

Main article: Transport in Monaco

Further information: Rail transport in Monaco

Walking is an important way to get around in Monaco, and the city is making it easier for people to walk. There are plans for new walking bridges.

Monaco has one train station that connects it to cities in France like Nice, Cannes, and Marseille. There is also a heliport for helicopters, and a bus system that visits all the main places in Monaco. There are about 77 km of roads, and some parts are used for car races. The nearest big highway is a bit north of Monaco.

Demographics

Main article: Demographics of Monaco

Monaco is a very small country with about 38,000 people living in just 2 square kilometers. People from many countries live there, including French, Italian, British, and others. Monaco is known for having many very wealthy people.

Main article: Languages of Monaco

The main language spoken in Monaco is French, but many people also speak Italian. There is a special language called Monégasque that not many people use anymore, but it is still taught in schools. English is also used, especially in business.

Main articles: Catholic Church in Monaco and History of the Jews in Monaco

Most people in Monaco are Christian, especially Catholic. There are also small groups of people who follow other religions, like Muslim and Jewish faiths. Everyone in Monaco is free to practice their religion.

Monaco has several schools, including public and private ones, as well as an international university that focuses on business studies.

Culture

See also: Architecture of Monaco and Monaco villas

Monaco has many different building styles. One special style is from a time called the Belle Époque. You can see this style in famous places like the Casino and the Salle Garnier. These buildings have fun details like towers, balconies, and colorful decorations. Monaco has many museums, such as the New National Museum of Monaco and the Oceanographic Museum.

Monaco holds exciting events like the International Circus Festival and the Monte-Carlo Television Festival. It also has beautiful gardens, including an exotic plant garden and a Japanese Garden. Monaco has an opera house and a symphony orchestra. The food in Monaco is influenced by nearby regions, with famous restaurants like Le Louis XV.

Main article: List of museums in Monaco

• Monaco Top Cars Collection
• Napoleon Museum (Monaco)
• Oceanographic Museum
• Museum of Stamps and Coins
• Monaco Naval Museum (Musee Naval)

Main article: Music of Monaco

Main article: Monégasque cuisine

Main article: Sports in Monaco

The biggest event in Monaco is the Monaco Grand Prix, a famous car race. Monaco also has football teams and hosts many other sports events, including a marathon that goes through three countries. The country competes in the Olympics and other games.

Main article: Flag of Monaco