The Principality of Monaco is an independent sovereign state that borders on several French villages: La Turbie, et Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. It's located at the foot of the Southern Alps and the Mediterranean. The Principality of Monaco contains the merged towns of – Monaco (the old city), Monte-Carlo (the shopping centre with the theatres, cinema houses, casinos and other entertainment facilities), La Condamine (the business centre and the port) and Fontvieille (the industrious centre).
(Above
from left to right: Port of Fontvieille; up on the "rock," Monaco-Ville;
La Condemine, the harbor,
then Monte Carlo)
CURRENCY: The currency is Euro. Monaco, along with France and the other 11 members of the European Monetary Union (EMU), adopted the euro (€) as its official currency on January 1, 2002. As in other EMU states, Euros minted in Monaco have special Monegasque features on one side of the coin. (1, 2, and 5 cent coins: Grimaldis’ coat of arms; 10, 20, and 50 cent coins: Prince’s seal; 1 and 2 euro coins: Rainier III or Albert II profiles.) In Monaco Monegasque coins are used. Monaco also prints its own stamps..but you must post them from Monaco in case you're looking for some great inexpensive souvenirs.
HISTORY: In ancient history, the Rock of Monaco was a shelter for primitive populations. History of Monaco itself really started in the 13th Century. On 10th June 1215, the Genoan family of the Gibelins laid the first stone of the castle, which is still today the Prince's Palace. To attract new inhabitants, the initial masters of the Rock offered advantageous conditions to newcomers: territorial concessions and tax exemptions. For 700 years, the history of Monaco has been linked to that of the Grimaldi Dynasty which has celebrated in 1997, the anniversary of its accession to the Principality of Monaco. Prince Albert II is the current head of state.
THE PEOPLE: The country of Monaco has the most millionaires compared with other countries. Expect luxury in everything you see and do in this country. The allure and attraction of Monaco was sealed with the wedding of Prince Rainier III and former actress, Grace Kelly in 1956. The fairy-tale story of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace heightened the interest of many tourists who flocked to the country annually to experience a good and exciting life.
RELIGION: "Deo Juvante" (With God's Help) is the motto of Monaco and its Princes. Catholicism is the state religion. However, freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution and several religions are represented in Monaco. The National Holiday is celebrated on November 19th every year.
INTERNATIONAL
ENVIRONMENT
Based on the latest official census, there are 32,965
(July 2009 est.) inhabitants in the Principality of Monaco of which
7,100 are Monegasque, 12,047 are French and 5,000 are Italian. Over 100
nationalities are represented. Monaco and the neighboring French areas
represent approximately 100,000 people.
CLIMATE
Benefiting from an ideal geographical location, the Principality of Monaco
enjoys very mild winters and remarkably sunny summers, which tend not to be
exceedingly hot. In fact, the results of a 60-year study show that the
average temperature is 60.8 F and rain falls on less than 60 days per year.
Sea temperatures vary from 51.8 F in the winter to over 78.8 F in the middle
of summer. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, Monaco is a pleasant place
to live all year round. In addition, it is worth noting that ski resorts in
the Alps are only an hour's drive away.
GEOGRAPHY
There are actually five different areas in Monaco. This tiny capital with a soaring economy, is built against the mountains and spreads down to the shores of the Riviera. Seventy-six acres have been added to Monaco's surface by building several sky scrapers right on the water. Of the principality’s five sections - La Condamine, Fontvieille, Moneghetti, Monaco-Ville and Monte Carlo, it is the latter two that rank at the top of visitors’ must-see list.
