The principality of Monaco is located on the French Riviera,
in a tiny area of the French Mediterranean coast approx 15 miles
east of Nice and a few miles from the border with Italy . The
country comprises a thin band of coastline which is surrounded
by the Alps foothills, Cote d’Azur and Provence regions
of France . The Southern Alps to the landward side of Monaco
rise dramatically in some parts with the highest point at over
200 feet, and its coastline is less than three miles long. Monaco
is second only to Vatican City as the smallest independent state
in the world. It is also reputed to be one of the world’s
most highly populated countries and has a high percentage of
resident millionaires.
Travel Insurance for Monaco:
Area: Europe *
Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for Monaco
The population is comprised of a large number of foreigners,
about fifty-percent French, with some Monegasque, Italian and
others. French is the official language, with English, Monegasque
and Italian also spoken. (The Monegasque dialect is mainly used
by the older members of the population). The dominant religion
is Roman Catholicism.
Monaco has five divisions: Monte-Carlo, the largest
city, was named after Prince Charles III and formed in 1867.
Monte-Carlo, the main resort and residential area, is situated
in the east and known for its glamorous image, Casinos and luxurious
hotels. Monaco-Ville (or Rock of Monaco) is the old town,
set on a rocky point extending into the Mediterranean , where
the Prince’s palace is located, as well as the cathedral
and oceanographic museum. The second oldest area and port of
Monaco in the NW is called The Condamine. Fontvieille is
the most modern part of the Principality and built upon land
which was reclaimed from the ocean. The harbour and waterfront
area is very popular area and also has hotels, shops and a sports
complex. The last area is Moneghetti, which borders with
Cap d’Ail on the western side of the country.
Monte-Carlo is also divided into separately known areas: Monte-Carlo
itself, with the resort and casino; the beach area known as Larvotto;
the residential part known as St. Michel, and St. Roman/Tenao
in the NE part.
The very name of Monaco conjures up romantic images of beautiful
scenery, the glamorous and wealthy jet-set and unbridled luxury.
In reality most of the people you will see in Monaco will be
day trippers from the Italian or French Riviera. It attracts
well over a million tourists a year who enjoy the beautiful beaches
and the casinos. Monte Carlo began gaming from the mid 1800s.
Monaco has an interesting history, with the Phoenicians and
Greeks both having settled the area. After being independent
for many centuries, Monaco was annexed to France in the late
1700s, and was then under protection from Sardinia in the 1800s.
It was again placed under the French by the Franco-Monegasque
treaty in 1861 but continued its independent status. Monaco gained
entry to the UN in 1993. Monaco has been reigned over by the
Grimaldi family since the 12 th century when Francois Grimaldo,
dressed as a monk, seized the famous rock of Monaco.
Tourism is a major source of income for Monaco and cruise ships
frequent the port. It is an expensive place, and living standards
are high. Monaco is attractive because it has no income tax for
its residents, which has led to it becoming a tax haven for the
wealthy. Monaco is not a member of the EU although it has ties
to it through France , and thus uses the same currency as the
French, the Euro. Monaco used to mint its own francs, and has
been granted the right to mint Euro coins with their own national
designs.
Many know Monaco from the association with the beautiful American
actress, Grace Kelly, who was married to Prince Rainier III .
They had three children and their son, Prince Albert , succeeded
him when Prince Rainier died in 2005. Princess Grace was killed
in an auto accident in 1982 at the age of 52. Monaco is also
world famous for its Monaco Grand Prix Formula One motor race
which is held on the streets which run past the yacht-filled
harbour.
Monaco has plenty of outdoor activities to offer, including
lovely beaches and swimming pools, scuba diving, golf, fishing,
sailing, jet skiing, wind surfing and water skiing. Because of
its proximity to the southern Alps, it is also possible to take
helicopter trips to go skiing for theday in French resorts such
as Chamonix and Courcheval. |
