Monaco

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate in Western Europe. It is located on the French Riviera, bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. With an area of just 2.08 km² (0.80 sq mi) and a population of about 38,423, Monaco is the world's second smallest sovereign state and the most crowded, making it a unique and special place.

Monaco is ruled by a semi-constitutional monarchy with Prince Albert II as the head of state. Known for its wealth and luxury, Monaco became famous in the late 1800s when it opened the Monte Carlo Casino. Today, it is a major banking center and a popular tourist spot for the rich, famous, and anyone who enjoys beautiful scenery and pleasant weather.

Each year, Monaco hosts exciting events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most famous races in the world. The country also has a strong sports tradition, with its football team, AS Monaco, competing in the French league and achieving great success over the years. Monaco is also dedicated to protecting the ocean, with 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, who called it "Monoikos", a Ligurian town. Later, the Roman geographer Strabo referred to it as Monoikon limen, meaning "the solitary harbor."

In 1191, the Holy Roman Empire gave Monaco to the Genoese. By the early 1200s, they built a castle there. In 1297, an branch of the Genoese Grimaldi family captured Monaco by dressing as monks. They worked for over a century to keep control before becoming the official rulers. Over the years, Monaco stayed independent, even when nearby areas changed hands.

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 continues to be 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 just 16 km from Italy and 13 km from Nice.

Monaco is very small, covering just 2.1 km² (0.81 sq mi), but it has many people living there—about 38,400. This makes it the second-smallest country in the world and the most crowded. It has a short land border of 5.47 km, a coastline of 3.83 km, and its highest point reaches up to 164 meters above sea level. The lowest point is the Mediterranean Sea itself. Monaco has a warm climate with mild winters and dry summers, influenced by the nearby sea.

Government and politics

Politics

Main article: Politics of Monaco

Monaco has been led by a constitutional monarchy since 1911. The Sovereign Prince of Monaco serves as head of state. The government is run by a Minister of State who leads the Council of Government. This minister can be from France or Monaco. The prince shares power with a group of elected representatives called the National Council. These 24 members vote on laws and decisions.

Monaco’s city is managed by a group called the Municipality of Monaco. It is led by a mayor, currently Georges Marsan, and includes 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 is made up of one main area called the Municipality of Monaco. In the past, it was divided into smaller parts, but these are now considered neighborhoods.

Foreign relations

Main article: Foreign relations of Monaco

Monaco signed agreements with France that allow it 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 relationships with many nations and maintains 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, including 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 that handles emergencies.

Economy

Main article: Economy of Monaco

Monaco has one of the highest amounts of money per person in the world. Each person living there has about US$185,742, which is more than in many other countries. Many people from nearby places come to work in Monaco each day. Monaco is also known for having very expensive houses. In 2012, it had the most expensive real estate in the world, and even though prices dropped a little in 2020, it’s still very costly to buy property there.

The most expensive apartment in the world is in Monaco, a very large and fancy apartment in the Odeon Tower worth about $335 million. Monaco controls some businesses by itself, like tobacco and the postal service. Living there is very comfortable, similar to rich areas in France.

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 has become 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. Every year, many visitors come to see its famous casinos and enjoy the nice weather. In 2022, about 300,000 international tourists visited Monaco. 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. It took a few years, but in 1858, the first big casino opened in a place called Monte Carlo. This helped Monaco’s economy grow again after a tough time. 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, including the Monte Carlo Bay Casino, which has modern games and is built partly over the sea.

Low taxes

Monaco does not charge taxes on the money people earn. This means many wealthy people from other countries live there to avoid high taxes. However, if you are a French citizen living in Monaco, you 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 a very 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. Many people from different 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, but one special style is from a time called the Belle Époque. This style can be seen in famous places like the Casino and the Salle Garnier, with fun details like towers, balconies, and colorful decorations. Monaco also has many museums, such as the New National Museum of Monaco and the Oceanographic Museum.

The country 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, a symphony orchestra, and took part in the Eurovision Song Contest. 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