The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest independent nation in Europe, after Vatican City. The country lies on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, within the resort area called the French Riviera. Monaco enjoys a deep natural harbor, sandy beaches, and a mild year-round climate. The gambling casino at Monte-Carlo is world famous. These qualities have long made the country a luxurious playground for the world's rich. Geography - “The Rock,” or Old Town, of Monaco.
Monaco is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the east and southeast and by France on all other sides. The country lies about 9 miles (15 kilometers) east of the French city of Nice. It is about 5 miles (8 kilometers) west of the border between France and Italy. Monaco is a very small country, with an area of less than 1 square mile (2.5 square kilometers). Almost all the land is a built-up urban area. The country occupies a set of densely clustered hills and the Rock of Monaco, a piece of high land that juts into the sea. Monaco is made up of four sections. On the Rock of Monaco is the oldest section, the town of Monaco. This section contains the royal palace and the Roman Catholic cathedral. Monte-Carlo's casino attracts tourists from all over the world. However, the country's citizens are not allowed to gamble there. La Condamine has a natural harbor. Fontvieille is a newer area with a business district. People and cultureThe citizens of Monaco are called the Monegasque. However, most of the people who live in Monaco are citizens of France or Italy. The official language is French. Roman Catholicism is the official religion. Monte-Carlo is home to a symphony orchestra and a ballet company. The Monte-Carlo Opera performs in a 19th-century theater within the casino. The casino complex also housed the famed Ballets Russes company for many years. The town of Monaco is home to the Oceanographic Museum, one of the world's largest aquariums. Relics from people who lived in the area during the Stone Age can be seen at the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Monaco is famous for its automobile races, including the Monte-Carlo Rally and the Grand Prix of Monaco. The Grand Prix, which is held every year, is an international sports-car race through the streets of Monte-Carlo. EconomyMonaco's chief industry is tourism. It is one of Europe's most popular resorts. Banking and finance are also important to the economy. The citizens of Monaco do not pay income taxes. HistoryPeople have lived in the Monaco region for thousands of years. The royal Grimaldi family came to Monaco from Genoa, Italy. They came to power in 1297. However, for the next hundred years the Grimaldis won and lost control of Monaco several times. Finally, in 1419 a branch of the Grimaldi family gained absolute possession of Monaco. The head of the family took the title of prince in 1659. In 1793, during the French Revolution, the Grimaldis lost Monaco to France. However, the family returned to power in 1814. Prince Albert I gave Monaco a constitution in 1911. Prince Albert's great-grandson Rainier III became prince in 1949. In 1956 Monaco became famous when Prince Rainier III married Grace Kelly, a United States movie star. In 1999 Prince Rainier III celebrated the 50th anniversary of his reign. After Rainier III's death in 2005, his son, Albert II, became prince. Population (2001 estimate), 31,800. |