Monaco

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco (French: Principauté de Monaco; Monegasque: Prinçipatu de Mu̍negu; in Occitan: Principat de Mónegue; in Italian: Principato di Monaco), is a sovereign country, located in Western Europe, constituted, according to its constitution, in a rule of law that professes respect for fundamental rights and freedoms, and whose form of government is the constitutional monarchy. Its territory is organized into ten districts.

The Principality lies between the Mediterranean Sea and the low foothills of the Alps, nestled on the French Riviera. It has a land border with France (5,469 meters) and is close to the Franco-Italian border. It has a coastline of 3,829 meters, and a width that varies between 1,700 and 349 meters. The highest point in the country is the Chemin des Révoires trail, with an altitude of 164.4 m a.s.l. no. m..

Monaco is one of the six European micro-states; It is the second smallest state in the world (it is the smallest of those represented in the UN), after the State of Vatican City, and the first by population density. Monaco was an Italian principality, and was linked to Italy, and to Spain as a protectorate for a century (from 1524 to 1641, when the Spanish garrison was expelled), until the French invasion and annexation of the County of Nice in 1860; until then, the official language was the Italian language. The Monegasque language is a variant of the Ligurian language.

Toponymy

The place name Monaco comes from the Greek form Monoïkos (Μόνοικος) attested by Hecateus of Miletus in the s. VI a. C. who calls it "a Ligurian city" (Μόνοικος, πόλις Λιγυστική, that is to say; Monoïkos, polis Ligustikè). The name appears as Monœci during the I century, in the work of Strabo.

There are many hypotheses about the meaning and origin of this word, associated with local Ligurians, Phoenicians and Greek colonists. The first Ligurian tribes settled in the region towards the end of the second millennium BC. C. and it is likely that Monoïkos was the Greek form of the name of the Ligurian tribe that occupied the Rock.

The most common hypothesis, however, is the one that links Monoïkos to an ancient Phoenician trading post. According to this theory, the Phoenicians would have built a temple in honor of Melkart, a god who was identified by the Greeks as Heracles.

Indeed, throughout Antiquity, the port of Monaco was associated with Heracles (Hercules for the Romans), under the name, or invocation, of Héraklès Monoïkos (Ἡρακλῆς Μόνοικος), that is; "Heracles, the lonely one" or "Heracles, the one of the unique temple". However, the word Μόνοικος by itself has no meaning in Greek and the interpretation by “μόνος” (monos meaning “alone”, solitary”) plus “οἶκος” (oikos that is; "house",) is probably a popular etymology. The French archaeologist Fernand Benoit considers that it is a Ligurian ethnic form, Hellenized as Μονοίκιος

The principality is called Múnegu in Monegasque, a Ligurian dialect, and Mónegue in Occitan, the two languages of the territory. In Italian it is Monaco. In French, the forms "Mourgues" and "Monègue" were used, borrowed from Provençal. Later the Italian name prevailed, but with a different pronunciation. However, the French name continued to be monegasque, from the Occitan form, and Spanish derived from that name; Monegasque.

History

General view of Monaco.

Introduction

The site has been inhabited since prehistoric times, but the first known inhabitants of the region were the Ligurians, from one of whose tribes the name of the place could be derived.

In order to trade with them, the Phoenicians erected a trading post and probably also a place of worship linked to the Phoenician god Melkart, whom the Greeks identified with Heracles, with the epithet Monoikos, meaning the solitary one.

The Phocians of Marseilles founded during the s. VI a. C. and in the same place, the colony of Monoikos, which was called Portus Herculis Monæci by the Romans who conquered the region in the s. I a. C. incorporating it to the province of the Alpes Martitimes.

Later, the territory was dominated by the Visigoths, Franks and Lombards, until it was incorporated into the Carolingian Empire in the s. VIII d. C. and then to the Holy Empire, from which the Republic of Genoa received it until 1297, the year in which the Grimaldi family took power as princes, acquiring it by right in 1419.

Menton and Rocabruna with 24 km2 were part of the Principality of Monaco until 1847, but were officially annexed by France in 1861.

Until its independence it was coveted as a naval base by the French. Various protection and autonomy treaties were concluded with France (1409, 1641 and 1861), Spain (in 1512), and the Kingdom of Sardinia (Congress of Vienna in 1815). Occupied by the Spanish in 1605, it obtained the lordships of Roccabruna (Roquebrune) and Mentone (Menton), which it would lose with the Revolution of 1848. During the French Revolution the country was occupied in 1793, a situation that would last until 1815.

Until 1847, the Principality of Monaco covered a total area of 24 km² and comprised three communes: Monaco (1,250 inhabitants), Roquebrune (today Roquebrune-Cap-Martin) (850 inhabitants) and Menton (4,900 inhabitants). But during the revolutionary movement of 1848, Menton and Roquebrune proclaimed their withdrawal from the Grimaldi family and proclaimed themselves "free cities" under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Nice, Menton and Roquebrune voted for their annexation to France, which was ratified by the Franco-Monegasque treaty of 1861.

In 1865 an agreement was signed with France on customs issues and direct tax abolitions. With Prince Albert I, absolutism was abolished in 1869.

During the 20th century, Monaco suffered serious vicissitudes that threatened its national independence. The 1911 Constitution was reformed twice (in 1917 and in 1930). Luis II had to recognize his daughter Carlota from him to ensure the dynastic continuity of the future Rainier III, who ascended the throne in 1949; ten years later, he had to suspend the constitution after various disagreements with the National Council.

In 1962, a new constitution was promulgated, thus ensuring respect for the fundamental rights of the Monegasques. The following year, a treaty was signed with France, with which economic differences were settled and new neighborhood and currency agreements were created, which were renewed in 2002 with the introduction of the euro in Monaco, although this micro-State did not is a member of the European Union.

Prehistory

The current territory of Monaco served as a shelter for the first inhabitants of the region from the end of the Lower Paleolithic, approximately 300,000 years ago. Bony remains of animals that served as food for these prehistoric men were found in a cavern in the Exotic Garden of Monaco. Excavations have also revealed the presence of a basin in the Observatory cave and in the Prince's cave.

Human presence is attested in the Middle and Upper Paleolithic. Remains of works of art (engravings and sculptures) have been found inside caves, dating back to 1500 BC. C. Graves, individual or collective, become more and more numerous. A burial of two people, called "of Grimaldi" (not to be confused with the princely family), dates from this time and contains a woman and an adolescent.

Antiquity

According to Diodorus of Sicily and the geographer Strabo, the first sedentary inhabitants of Monaco were the Ligurians who lived in Ancient Liguria, today Liguria and the county of Nice. However, the ancient Ligurian language, with no connection to the Indo-European languages, was not related to the dialect spoken today by Ligurians nor to modern Monegasque. This advance towards Monaco was perhaps due to the maritime opening of a Ligurian town located inland.

The Greeks founded the colony of Monoïkos in the s. VI a. C. in the bay where Monaco is currently located to trade with the Ligurians, an autochthonous people, and counteracting the Etruscan and Punic ambitions on western Italy. The word Monoïkos refers to Hercules, worshiped under the name Hercules Monoecus. According to Diodorus of Sicily and Strabo, both Greeks and Ligurians believed that Hercules had passed through the region.

In 154 B.C. C. the Romans (Ancient Rome) intervened for the first time in Liguria. The city was incorporated into the prefecture of Italy in the province of Liguria (Regio IX Liguria). The Var or Varo river separated Gaul from Region IX Liguria and other Italian regions.

Middle Ages

Monaco remained under Roman rule until the fall of the Western Roman Empire on September 4, 476. The bay was occupied by Saracens and various Germanic tribes. The Saracens were expelled in 975 and in the s. XI d. C. the strait was again populated by Ligures.

In 1191, the Holy Emperor Henry VI granted sovereignty over Monaco to the city of Genoa, where the Ligurians originated. On June 10, 1215, a group of Ghibellines commanded by Fulco del Cassello began the construction of a fortress on the rock of Monaco. This date marks the beginning of the modern history of the Principality.

This fortress was a strategic point to control the region against the Guelphs. They also established barracks in order to support their garrisons. To attract the inhabitants of Genoa and the nearby cities, they offered land and exempted the new settlers from taxes.

Francisco Grimaldi in a commemorative currency of Monaco in 1997

Early Grimaldi Dynasty

The origins of what we know today as Monaco date back to the year 1215, at which time the Genoese built a castle on the Rock of Monaco as a frontier stronghold. On January 8, 1297, Francisco Grimaldi, a descendant of Ottone Canella, consul of Genoa in 1133, annexed the fortress by force. This Guelf had only a small army, but he used the trick of disguising himself as a monk, and once inside he opened the doors to his soldiers. The Guelphs were later defeated and François expelled from Monaco by the Genoese in 1301. The Grimaldi family then allied with the King of France.

A cousin of Francis, Raniero I Grimaldi, in the service of Philip IV the Fair, commanding a fleet of galleys, defeated the Dutch at the Battle of Zierikzee in 1304. He was then appointed admiral of France. Father of Charles I of Monaco, he founded the dynasty that bears his name, which would faithfully serve the French monarchy for centuries to come.

Fights against Genoa

Resuming the fight against Genoa, Charles I occupied the city on September 12, 1331 and proclaimed himself Lord of Monaco in 1342. While acquiring the lordship of Menton in 1346, Charles served in parallel to the French crown commanding a company of halberdiers in the battle of Crécy, while he was succoring the French camp by sea after the siege of Calais. In 1355, he obtained the lordship of Roquebrune. But in 1357 he died during the siege commanded by the Genoese Simón Boccanegra. The entire principality was then assimilated by Genoa, with the exception of Menton, defended by Raniero II, Carlos's son, who quickly recaptured Roquebrune.

The sons of Rainier II, Ambrosio, Antonio and Juan, retook La Roca and all became co-lords of it (a rare institution in the Middle Ages). Juan kept for his part only Monaco and La Condamine .He remained in continuous fight against the Genoese. His son, Catalán, only succeeded him for three years, and his granddaughter, Claudina Grimaldi, was married in 1465 to Lambert Grimaldi of Antibes. This obtained in 1489 the recognition of its independence by the King of France and the Duke of Savoy. Genoa tried one last siege in 1509, but faced with a victorious resistance, it finally relinquished Monaco.

Modern Age

Prince Honorate II

The 16th century will mark Monaco's entry into the circle of the great European powers. It will cease to depend on the duchy of Savoy, Genoa or Milan, to pass to establish higher level relations with France or Spain.

Luciano I was assassinated in 1523 by his cousin Bartolomeo Doria. He did not leave more than a young son, Honorat, whose guardianship was entrusted to his uncle Augustine his, Bishop of Grasse, who was recognized as Lord of Monaco. Agustín I of Monaco did not obtain from Francisco I the support that the Grimaldi had had, and he placed La Roca under a Spanish protectorate in 1524, signing the Treaty of Tordesillas. A Spanish garrison was thus placed under the responsibility of the Grimaldi family for more than a century.

Honorato I's grandson, Honorato II, took the title of prince in 1612. He returned to the alliance with France after the Treaty of Peroné, signed on September 14, 1641 and negotiated on behalf of France by Cardinal Richelieu. The prince expelled manu militari the Spanish garrison, and obtained the dukedom of Valentinois. Important works to improve and beautify the Palace of Monaco were carried out at this time.

Louis I of Monaco commanded his cavalry regiment and obtained an embassy from the Holy See in 1701.

Revolutions

After the night of August 4, 1789, the princes of Monaco lost all their French possessions, and the income derived from them. The popular society militated for the association with the Republic, decided by the National Convention on February 15, 1793.

During the reign of Charles III of Monaco, Menton and Roquebrune are officially sold to France for 30,000 francs to encourage France to officially recognize the independence of Monaco

From 1793 to 1814 Monaco was occupied by France, under the name Fort d'Hercule. It was part of the Alpes-Maritimes region, then it was associated with Sanremo.

During the first third of the XIX century, Prince Honorato V (1819-1841) had a road built through where the carriages could travel from La Condamine to the rock. The prince also had the area of San Martín (eastern end of La Roca) landscaped and promoted the creation of various fabric and lace factories, and workshops to braid straw and make hats.

The Treaty of Paris of May 30, 1814 returned the Principality to the situation prior to 1789. But when Honorius IV arrived at The Rock in March 1815 to take possession of it, he was stopped by Pierre Cambronne.

Monaco was then placed under the protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia in the second Treaty of Paris, signed on November 20, 1815, confirmed by the Treaty of Stupinigi in 1817.

Until 1847, the Principality of Monaco covered a total area of 24 km² and comprised three communes: Monaco (1,250 inhabitants), Roquebrune (today Roquebrune-Cap-Marin) (850 inhabitants) and Menton (4,900 inhabitants). The vastest and richest part of the principality was the Mentonese plain, with its citrus and olive groves. However, during the revolutionary movement of 1848, Menton and Roquebrune proclaimed their withdrawal from the Grimaldi family and proclaimed themselves "free cities" under the protection of the Kingdom of Sardinia.

In 1861, Piedmont-Sardinia ceded Nice to France after Napoleon III's support at the beginning of Italian unification. Nice, Menton and Roquebrune voted for their annexation to France, which was ratified by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861.

Monaco finally abandoned the protectorate it had held since 1815 and its independence was formally recognized, separating itself from any protection from France or Italy.

Contemporary Age

La Roca de Monaco in 1890

Same view in 2016

This last treaty provided for the help of France for the construction of the Cornisa Media, and the passage of the French railway over Monegasque territory (with two stations).

At that time, Prince Charles III had the idea of creating the Monte Carlo Casino (gambling was illegal in neighboring countries), whose dividends allowed the principality to develop rapidly. In 1863 he granted the privilege of operating the Casino, the hotels and the Theater to François Blanc, founder of the Society of Sea Baths of the Circle of Foreigners , in order to contribute income to the Court.

In 1866, Charles III renamed the old neighborhood of Spélugues Monte Carlo in his own honor. The commissioning of the Nice-Ventimiglia railway in 1868 consolidated prosperity. The prince also founded the Post Office, which began issuing its own stamps in 1865, and obtained the creation of a bishopric from the Holy See.

Finally, in 1869, Carlos III eliminated taxes on personal and movable property, which led to intense construction activity. The Opera (in 1869), numerous museums, and the Foundation of the Oceanographic Institute in 1906 were built during this time.

The first Monte Carlo Rally took place in 1911 and the first automobile Grand Prix in 1929.

The Prince of Monaco had full powers, thus being an absolute monarchy, until the reform of the Constitution of 1911, which made the country a constitutional monarchy. In July 1918, a treaty was signed agreeing to limited protection of the principality by France. The treaty formed part of the Treaty of Versailles and established that Monaco's policy could not oppose France's political, military or economic interests. In 1922, the principality lost its monopoly on the Côte d'Azur games.

World War II

Prince Louis II of Monaco

The Principality declared itself neutral, but maintained its financial ties to the Third Reich; a link that had begun in 1936, when the German Finance Minister Hjalmar Schacht visited the Prince to establish a financial agreement. Through Monaco (and also Switzerland) Germany evaded the embargoes imposed by the allies.

The arrival of Italian troops at the border in June 1940 worried Prince Louis II who feared the annexation of his country and his deposition, therefore, he approached the collaborationist government of France. However, in November 1942, Monaco was occupied by Italy, the prince remained in office and he appointed Bernhard Bodenstein, a member of the Nazi Party, Monaco's consul in Berlin. Many German investors bought shares in the Société des bains de mer (SBM). In September 1943, the German occupation began, replacing the Italian one. Plans were drawn up for military installations, including a submarine detection station and a torpedo workshop.

On his own initiative, Louis II approved anti-Semitic laws and participated in the deportation of 76 foreign Jews carried out by Nazi Germany, the Monegasque police arrested in particular the Jews who came to take refuge in the Principality.

The German occupation, however, was relatively low-key, allowing the prince to appear neutral in the face of the arrival of Allied troops in southern France.

On September 28, 1944, Crown Prince Raniero joined the French army in the 7th Algerian Rifle Regiment of the French troops in Africa and took part in operations in the Alsace campaign. He was awarded the Croix de Guerre 1939-1945 and the United States Bronze Star. In 1947, he was made a Knight of the Legion of Honor in a military capacity.

Recent history

Prince Ranier III and his wife Princess Grace

Prince Ranier III acceded to the throne in 1949 after the death of his grandfather Prince Louis II. Desiring full sovereignty for his principality, he turned to the United States, wanting the 1918 treaty amended and the 1930 convention renegotiated, which granted France considerable prerogatives in managing Monegasque affairs, sparking tensions. with the French government.

The year 1962 was a very active year: in the context of the referendum on the election by universal suffrage of the president of the French Republic, proposed by General de Gaulle, a political and financial crisis pitted Monaco against France during the autumn. The control of the French state over radio and television was hampered by the Ordinance Images et Sons proclaimed on January 14, 1962 by Prince Ranier III, which allowed Radio Monte-Carlo (RMC) and Télé Monte-Carlo (TMC) to escape its indirect financial control by the French state, in force since 1955.

In effect, the ordinance offered the Monegasque investment funds the possibility of regaining control of their two information media, whose limited regional coverage could, however, allow the transmission of ideas different from those of the ORTF. On the night of January 23-24, Raniero abruptly dismissed Monaco's Minister of State, Émile Pelletier, who had come to ask him to withdraw this unilateral measure. On January 25, Raniero repealed this order, but the French Government took advantage of the incident of this dismissal to start a confrontation with the Principality, the real dispute being not this order but its tax status governed by the agreement of December 23, 1951 (neighborhood agreement and mutual administrative assistance in customs and tax matters).

On April 3, France breaks the negotiations begun on March 23 on taxation and abolishes all the privileges of the Principality. Also on the night of October 12-13, 1962, France decided on a "blockade of Monaco" and sent a brigade of customs officials: the border union was broken and entries into Monaco were controlled by customs officials; postage was increased and the privileges of French citizens living in Monaco were reduced to zero. Finally, negotiations resumed that led to the preparation and approval, on December 17, 1962, of a new constitution for the Principality, which abolished the death penalty, allowed women to vote and created a supreme court that guaranteed fundamental freedoms.

On May 18, 1963, various agreements were signed en bloc (neighborhood, fiscal, customs, postal, telephone, pharmaceutical, etc.). Monaco recovered all its privileges and its sovereignty was reinforced, despite very important concessions, especially in tax matters, as regards the income of companies on the Rock (profit tax for companies that do more than 25% of their turnover outside Monaco), Monegasque financial transactions and taxes on French residents in the Principality.

Le Portier construction work in November 2021

In 1982, the principality mourned the sudden death of Princess Grace of Monaco, wife of Ranier III and mother of the current Prince of Monaco (Albert II), victim of an accident on the D37 (which links La Turbie with Cap d'Ail). Her daughter Estefania de Monaco survived the accident.

In 1993, Monaco officially became a member of the United Nations.

Albert II

On the death of Prince Rainier III on 6 April 2005, his son Albert II (born 1958), until then Crown Prince and Marquis de Baux, became Sovereign Prince. Ceremonies for his accession to the throne took place on July 12, 2005, and his official enthronement on November 19, 2005.

On July 1, 2011, Albert II of Monaco was joined in a civil ceremony by former Zimbabwean athlete and model Charlene Wittstock. The religious service was celebrated using the Catholic rite by the Archbishop of Monaco, Monsignor Bernard Barsi, on July 2, 2011 at the Prince's Palace of Monaco, in the presence of members of the most important aristocratic families in Europe, as well as personalities from the world of entertainment and finance.

On December 10, 2014, the new crown prince Jaime and his twin sister Gabriela were born.

Politics

Palacio del Ministerio de Estado, sede del Consejo de Gobierno de Monaco

Executive Branch

Monaco has been ruled by a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the prince as head of state. The executive branch consists of a Minister of State (Head of Government), who presides over a 4-member cabinet (Governing Council), although executive power ultimately rests with the prince. The Minister of State is a Monegasque citizen or French appointed by the prince, after consultation with the French government, which is in charge, by treaty, of the principality's defense and security affairs.^{[citation required]}

Legislative branch

The National Council was created by the Constitution of 1911, following the Monegasque Revolution: it was then made up of 12 members elected by the Monegasque citizens, but with limited powers. It could not, for example, elect its President, who was appointed by the Prince.

Under the 1962 constitution, the Prince shares his power with a unicameral Parliament, the National Council of Monaco. The 24 members of the legislative body are elected through direct and democratic voting, for a period of 5 years. They fulfill the function of enforcing the laws and regulating royal decrees.

The 2002 constitutional revision increased the number of elected representatives to 24 and gave more powers to the National Council: it was given a real right to amend, and its bills must receive an official response from the government.

Monaco Parliament Headquarters, called National Council

Judicial branch

The Supreme Court of Monaco is the highest court of justice for judicial matters and appeals, as established by the Constitution of Monaco. It consists of five principal members and two deputy judges, appointed by the Prince of Monaco on the recommendation of the Monaco National Council and other government bodies. The Supreme Court was created in 1962 after the approval of the new Constitution, with the intention of guaranteeing fundamental freedoms.

Local government

The main local affairs are directed by the Community Council, which is made up of 15 elected members and presided over by a mayor. The Communal Council serves as the town hall and fulfills the function of making local efforts.

Palace of the Prince of Monaco.

Monarchy

Alberto II de Monaco.

The Grimaldi dynasty is a noble house originally from Italy, and was founded by Francisco Grimaldi, who in 1297 seized the lordship of Monaco together with his soldiers dressed as Franciscans. His successors have reigned in the principality until the present, except for several discontinuities. The last one occurred with the marriage of Princess Charlotte of Monaco, mother of Raniero III, with Count Pedro de Polignac.

The most prominent members of the princely family today are:

• Alberto II, Sovereign Prince of Monaco, son and successor of Ranier III and Grace of Monaco.
• Charlene de Monaco, Princess Consort of Monaco, married to Alberto II of Monaco on 1 July 2011.
• Jaime de Monaco, prince heir to Monaco.
• Gabriela de Monaco, daughter of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco.
• Carolina de Monaco, eldest sister of Alberto and Estefanía.
• Estefanía de Monaco, younger sister of Alberto and Carolina.
• Andrea Casiraghi, Carlota Casiraghi and Pierre Casiraghi, children of Carolina of Monaco and Stéfano Casiraghi.

The origin of Alexandre Éric Coste and Jazmin Grace Rotolo, illegitimate children of Albert II of Monaco with recently recognized lovers, is the subject of controversy.

Foreign Relations

Embassy of Monaco in Washington, United States.

Monaco is so old that it has outlived many of the nations and institutions with which it has had relations. The Crown of Aragon and the Republic of Genoa became part of other countries, as did the Kingdom of Sardinia but Monaco remained independent. Honoré II, Prince of Monaco, obtained recognition of his independent sovereignty from Spain in 1633, and then from Louis XIII of France by the Treaty of Péronne (1641).

Monaco signed a special agreement with France in 1963 applying French customs laws in Monaco and its territorial waters. Monaco uses the euro but is not a member of the European Union. Monaco shares a 6 km border with France, but also has some 2 km of coastline on the Mediterranean Sea. Two important agreements supporting Monaco's independence from France, the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861 and the French Treaty of 1918 The US CIA book records 1419 as the year of Monaco's independence.

There are two embassies in Monaco: those of France and Italy. There are about 30 other consulates. In the 21st century Monaco had embassies in Belgium (Brussels), France (Paris), Germany (Berlin), the Vatican, Italy (Rome), Spain (Madrid), Switzerland (Bern), the United Kingdom (London) and the United States (Washington).

A recurring problem that Monaco encounters with other countries is the attempt by foreigners to use Monaco to avoid paying taxes in their own country. Monaco actually collects a number of taxes, including a 20% VAT and a 33% on companies, unless they make more than 75% of their income within Monaco. Monaco does not allow dual citizenship, but has multiple paths to citizenship, including declaration and naturalization.

One of the Coastal Surveillance Ships of Monaco

In many cases, the key issue in obtaining citizenship, rather than obtaining residency in Monaco, is the link to the country of origin. For example, French citizens must pay taxes to France, even if they live full time in Monaco, unless they have resided in the country before 1962 for at least 5 years. In the early 1960s, there was some tension between France and Monaco over taxes.

There are no border formalities to enter or leave France. Visitors can request a souvenir passport stamp at the Monaco tourist office. This is located on the other side of the gardens that overlook the Casino.

Monaco actively participates in the United Nations, which it joined in 1993, has various diplomatic missions and honorary consulates in various countries. Monaco joined the Council of Europe on October 4, 2004, it is also a member of many international intergovernmental organizations including Interpol, UNESCO and the World Health Organization (WHO). The International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) has its headquarters in Monaco.

Security and defense

A Renault Scenic and a Ford C-Max of the Monaco Police.

Monaco does not have its own army, but it does have a small group of coast guards. Those in charge of security in Monaco are approximately 500 police officers (Monaco is one of the states with the highest number of police officers per person in the world, 517 officers for 38,000 inhabitants). There is also a royal guard, called the Prince's Carabinieri Company (Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince), with about 80 members. The defense of the State is provided by France.

Human rights

In terms of human rights, regarding membership of the seven bodies of the International Bill of Human Rights, which include the Human Rights Committee (HRC), Monaco has signed or ratified:

Status of major international human rights instruments

Monaco	International treaties
	CESCR		CCPR			CERD	CED	CEDAW		CAT		CRC			MWC	CRPD
	CESCR	CESCR-OP	CCPR	CCPR-OP1	CCPR-OP2-DP			CEDAW	CEDAW-OP	CAT	CAT-OP	CRC	CRC-OP-AC	CRC-OP-SC		CRPD	CRPD-OP
Pertenence
Signed and ratified, signed, but not ratified, neither signed nor ratified, without information, it has agreed to sign and ratify the body concerned, but also recognizes the competence to receive and process individual communications from the competent bodies.

Trade Unions

The Union of Monaco Trade Unions (Union des syndicats de Monaco) is the only trade union in the Principality of Monaco and brings together all the major trade union organizations in the country.

Palace of Justice of Monaco

Political parties

There are mainly three parties: Unión Monegasca (Union Monégasque), Rassemblement & Enjeux (Group and Projects) and Primero! Priority Monaco (Primo! Priorité Monaco). Other parties include the National Union for the Future of Monaco (Union nationale pour l'avenir de Monaco) and the Union for the Principality (Union pour la Principauté), united in the Union for Monaco (Union pour Monaco) coalition. There are also minor parties, the largest of which are Promotion de la famille monégasque (Promotion of the Monegasque Family) and Monegasque Synergy.

Elections to the National Council (Conseil National) are held every five years; the last legislative elections of 2018 gave the absolute majority of the votes to Priorité Monaco (21 seats), the outgoing coalition (mainly made up of members of Reagrupación y Apuestas) 26.1% (2 seats) and Union Monégasque 16.2 % (one seat).

Environmental policy

The Principality faces the environmental problems of all the metropolises, to which are added the specificities of its territory. The government has a proactive policy in favor of sustainable development.

One of the beaches of Monaco

The Principality is open to the ecological transition by organizing forums and supporting the commitments made in the face of the climate emergency.

Since 2014, the Government has encouraged eco-responsible practices to reduce waste and greenhouse gas emissions.

In 2017, the creation of the "Commerce Engagé" for the Principality's merchants, it allows them to be supported, especially in the management of plastics and kitchen utensils. Obtaining the label makes it possible to highlight sustainable consumption and eco-responsible practices.

In 2021, in order to raise awareness among Monegasques about waste sorting, the Principality, the Oceanographic Museum and the Monegasque sanitation company published the "Game of Tri" application, available on smartphones and tablets.

For some years now, the Department of the Environment has been dealing with incidents caused by seagulls.

Administrative organization

Barrios of Monaco.

Monaco is the smallest principality in Europe as well as the second smallest country in the world, after Vatican City. The State consists of a single municipality (commune), the Municipality of Monaco. There is no geographical distinction between the State and the City of Monaco; however, the responsibilities of the Government (state level) and those of the Municipality (municipal level) are different. In accordance with the 1911 Constitution, the principality was subdivided into three municipalities:

• Monaco (Monaco-Ville), the old city, is situated in a rocky promontory that extends to the Mediterranean, known as the Rock of Monaco, or simply La Roca, where the palace is located.
• Montecarlo, main residential and hotel area with the Monte Carlo Casino, in the east and northeast.
• La Condamine, the northwest section of which is part of the port area.

The three municipalities were merged in 1954 (after several accusations that the government was acting in accordance with the motto "Divide and Rule"), however they were separated again later, although this time with the category of neighborhoods:

• Fontvieille, was created as the 4th neighborhood, an area built in Lands won to the sea (in the 1970s).
• Monegeti, became the fifth district of Monaco, created from a part of La Condamine.
• Larvotto, segregated from Monte Carlo, being the sixth district of the country.
• La Rousse/San Roman, became the seventh district of Monaco, also created from Monte Carlo.

Subsequently, the last three districts were created:

• San Miguel, segregated from Monte Carlo.
• La Colle, segregated from La Condamine.
• Les Revoires, new Monegasque district, segregated from La Condamine. The Exotic Garden is located in this district.

An additional district was planned on new reclaimed land, to be auctioned off by 2014. Prince Albert II announced in his New Year's speech in 2009 that these plans have been put on hold due to the global economic situation.

Currently, the principality is divided into 10 districts (with their respective official numbers: the future Le Portier ("The Port"), the planned district, was given the number 11.

For statistical purposes, Monaco's neighborhoods are divided into 173 city blocks (îlots), comparable to census blocks in the United States.

Geography

General view of the Principality c. 1900.

Monaco is a peninsula with an area of 2 square kilometers. It is the smallest state in Europe after Vatican City. It is located on a promontory of the Côte d'Azur, and its irregular relief is formed by the last foothills of the Alps, its highest altitude is reached in the Mont Agel peak. It enjoys an excellent Mediterranean climate. It has 5,469 meters of border with France and 4,100 meters of coastline.

Climate

Monaco has a Mediterranean climate, mild and sunny throughout the year. In the Köppen climate classification it is a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Csa), which is influenced by oceanic climate and humid subtropical climate. As a result, the winters are mild and rainy, and the summers are hot and dry, moderated by the proximity of the Mediterranean. Cool and rainy interludes can interrupt the dry summer season, whose average length is also shorter. The average temperature in January and February is 8 °C, and 26 °C in July and August. This climate explains why, in the middle of the XIX century, it became a world-famous resort and tourist resort.

Average climatic parameters of Monaco
Month	Ene.	Feb.	Mar.	Open up.	May.	Jun.	Jul.	Ago.	Sep.	Oct.	Nov.	Dec.	Annual
Average temperature (°C)	12.3	12.5	14.0	16.1	19.4	23.0	25.8	25.9	23.8	19.9	16.1	13.4	18.5
Average temperature (°C)	10.2	10.4	11.8	13.9	17.1	20.8	23.5	23.7	21.6	17.8	14.0	11.4	16.4
Temp. medium (°C)	8.1	8.2	9.6	11.6	14.8	18.5	21.2	21.5	19.3	15.6	11.9	9.3	14.1
Total precipitation (mm)	82.7	76.4	70.5	62.2	48.6	36.9	15.6	31.3	54.4	108.2	104.2	77.5	768.5
Precipitation days (≥ 1 mm)	6.8	6.4	6.1	6.3	5.2	4.1	1.9	3.1	4.0	5.8	7.0	6.0	62.7
Hours of sun	148.8	152.6	201.5	228.0	269.7	297.0	341.0	306.9	240.0	204.6	156.0	142.6	2668.7
Source: Monaco website

Relief

It is located on a promontory of the Côte d'Azur, and its relief, rugged, rugged and rocky, is formed by the last foothills of the Alps. The highest point is Mont Agel (140 m a.s.l.). Its territory is practically fully urbanized, but it includes numerous green spaces.

Urbanism

Urban morphology

Grimaldi Forum

The Principality has a border with France of 5,469 m (of which 1,341 m with Cap-d'Ail, 390 m with La Turbie, 3,274 m with the municipality of Beausoleil and 464 m with Roquebrune-Cap-Martin), as well as 3,829 m of coastline (port and beach).

In recent years, major works have allowed Monaco to expand by some 40 hectares, mainly reclaimed from the sea by embankments. The first embankment works began in 1865 to create the railway, followed a few years later by the creation of the first industrial district of Fontvieille, which made it possible to reclaim 5.5 hectares from the sea. The bottom of the port of Monaco was then filled in and in the 1960s the Grimaldi Forum and the Larvotto were built.

In 1965, at the initiative of Prince Rainier III and in order to diversify the city's activities, the construction of the Fontvieille neighborhood made it possible to create 220,000 m² of additional building land and a new port. This area includes the Louis-II stadium, as well as a department store and a shopping center. The extension of the port of Monaco was also made towards the sea.

The construction of a 352 m long semi-floating breakwater with a total weight of 163,000 tons in 2003 allowed the construction of 360 parking spaces, 25,000 m² of storage space, 2 ferry terminals and administrative and commercial premises. The artificial pier to which the breakwater is connected has made it possible to gain one hectare of land and has allowed the creation of a 15,000 m² development.

In 2006, Albert II of Monaco officially launched a tender for an offshore expansion project to gain another 10 hectares. This project, estimated at 8,000 million euros, would have allowed the construction of 275,000 m² of surface area and should have been extended until 2023, with the first buildings being delivered in 2014. However, it was abandoned in 2008, officially for ecological reasons.

The reason was mainly economic, in a context of international financial crisis. In its place, a more modest project was chosen, which marked the return of high-rise construction: the construction of a 49-story double tower, the Odeon Tower.

Due to rapid economic development and the planning decisions of Prince Rainier III, many high-rise buildings were built. Unlike many densely populated cities, however, Monaco's tall buildings are almost exclusively residential, not commercial.

Economy

Hotel de Paris.

One of Monaco's main sources of income is tourism. Every year, many visitors are attracted by its pleasant climate and its luxurious Casino (the citizens of Monaco themselves are not allowed to play in the casino). In 2001, the pier used by cruise ships in the main port was extended. The principality has tried to diversify services and promote small industries, but not polluting industries such as cosmetics.

The state maintains monopolies in many sectors, such as tobacco distribution and the postal service. The telephone network (Monaco Telecom) was owned by the state initially, but currently only owns 45% of its shares.

The standard of living is high, comparable to that of the most prosperous French metropolitan areas. Monaco is not a member of the European Union, but is closely linked to it through its customs union with France. The current currency is the euro, with Monegasque designs on its national side. Before 2002 Monaco had its own currency: the Monegasque franc.

Taxes

Monegasque residents do not pay income taxes, this practice originates from a decision of Prince Carlos III. Indeed, in 1869, as the income from the gambling industry was so high, he exempted the inhabitants of the principality from paying taxes. The result of this fiscal policy was a large flow of wealthy families from Europe.

Condamine Market

In 1963 France and Monaco signed a treaty whereby natural persons of French nationality who transferred their residence to Monaco after May 17, 1963 or who cannot prove living in the principality since at least October 13 of 1957 will be subject to French taxes as if they continued to reside in that country. Monaco does not collect taxes on wealth either, but does collect taxes on inheritances and donations; Stamp duty on registered property and Value Added Tax (VAT) are also payable at a rate of 20%.

Industry

Industry accounts for approximately 8% of GDP in Monaco. There are around 100 small industries, these are non-polluting and employ around 3,800 people, 9% of the active population. The predominant sector is the chemical-pharmaceutical, with 49.21% of the industry's income and 1,200 employees, the electronic equipment manufacturing sector with 10.2% of the income and the plastics processing sector with a 21.6% are also present.

Tax regime

Monaco does not levy income taxes on its residents. The absence of a personal income tax has attracted a considerable number of tycoons residing in European countries, who derive most of their income from activities outside the principality.

Monte Carlo Casino

Casino de Monte Carlo, Monaco.

In 2000, a report by French parliamentarians Arnaud Montebourg and Vincent Peillon accused Monaco of lax anti-money-laundering policies, including within its famous Casino, and that the Monaco government exerted political pressure on the judiciary so that the alleged crimes were not adequately investigated. The Casino de Rosseau stands out because inside you can see magnificent frescoes and sculptures around the gaming tables.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) published in 1998 a first report on the fiscal consequences of the financial systems of some countries. Monaco appeared on the list of countries with little fiscal clarity, and in 2004, in its latest report, it denounced the principality's lack of cooperation in disclosing the financial information of its citizens, a situation similar to that of countries such as Andorra, the principality of Liechtenstein, Liberia and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

Since 2003, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has identified Monaco, along with 36 other territories, as a tax haven.

The Council of Europe decided to force 22 territories to issue tax reports, including Monaco. Therefore, a first round was evaluated between 1998 and 2000. Monaco is the only territory that refused to carry out the second round, initially scheduled for the years 2001 and 2003, while the other 21 territories await the application of the third and final round, scheduled for the years 2005 and 2007. Since 2009, Monaco has left the "black list" of the OECD.^{[citation required]}

Region of La Condamine.

Infrastructure

View of Monaco from the port.

Media

Monaco has 3 television channels that broadcast in French (Monaco Info, a news channel; Télé Monte-Carlo, a general channel; and MCM, a music channel), as well as several radio stations and newspapers, both print and digital. Among the media in foreign languages, there are 2 radios and 1 newspaper in Italian and one radio in English.

Transportation

He owns a bus transportation company with five regular lines called the Monaco Bus Company (Compagnie des autobus de Monaco). The Monaco-Monte-Carlo SNCF underground station, near the Saint Devote church, offers daily TGV services to the city of Paris, and up to ten other locations, via the nearby Nice-Ville station on the line Marseille-Vintimille, which also offers TGV and Intercity services to all of France and Europe.

Boats at the port.

From Monaco, the Russian Riviera Express train provides a direct service to Moscow once or twice a week. There are also several daily services to Turin, Milan and Rome via Ventimiglia. The station is also served by TER trains that connect it with Menton and Ventimiglia to the northeast, and Nice, Antibes, Cannes, Grasse and Saint-Raphaël to the southwest.

Since December 14, 2014, the station is served daily by EuroCity Thello, which operates between Milano-Centrale and Marseille-Saint-Charles

The Monaco heliport, located on the dock in the Fontvieille district, serves the international airport of Nice-Côte d'Azur, with a frequency of thirty daily rotations (seven minute flight, fifteen from terminal to terminal).

The A500 French motorway joins the Moyenne Corniche (RD6007) and enters the principality through the exotic garden.

In order to encourage travel within the city, the Principality has developed an "all-in-one mobility application". Focused on access to electric bicycles, buses, parking spaces and shared vehicle services, which aims to simplify the payment method for the different services offered.

Alain Thébault is developing hydrogen-powered shuttles to quickly transport passengers along the coast between Saint-Tropez and the Principality. The project is based on the preservation of the environment through the use of a small oval and covered boat that, powered by hydrogen, rises at full speed to fly over the water.

• Railway routes
  • Total:1.7 km
  • Standard width:1.7 km 1.435-m

Port of Fontvieille built on land gained at sea.

• Roads
  • Total:50 km
  • Paved: 50 km
  • No paved: 0 km (1996 est.)

• Ports of Monaco
  • 2: Hercule (old) and Fontvieille (new)
  • Merchant Navy: 0 (1999 est.)

• Airports
  • It is connected to Nice Airport through a helicopter service

• Heliport
  • 1 service between Nice Costa Azul International Airport and the Helipad of Monaco

Demographics

Aerial view of Monaco.

Nationality	Population
Total	32 796
Monaco	6089
France	10 229
Italy	6410
United Kingdom	1703
Switzerland	890
Germany	812
Belgium	788
Portugal	566
Netherlands	429
Sweden Sweden	290
SpainSpain	282
GreeceGreece	237
AustriaAustria	182
DenmarkDenmark	142
FinlandFinland	77
Other	2938

In 2010, the Principality of Monaco had a population of 30,586 inhabitants, of which 16% are Monegasques of the Catholic religion, which is the religion of the micro-State; Catholics represent 90% of the population. The rest is made up of immigrants, especially French (47%) and Italians (16%). The literacy rate is 99%.

Despite the 30,000 inhabitants residing in this city-state, Monaco can be considered a small city based on its area of influence (about 20 km in radius). The city is located 13 kilometers from Nice, the head of the Alpes-Maritimes department, and 11 kilometers from the Italian border. Nice-Côte d'Azur airport, one of the largest in France, is only 20 km away.

The micro-state has 3 districts: Monaco City, which is the political and business center, La Condamine, located in the west of the country, is the economic and industrial district of Monaco, and Monte Carlo, which is the tourist area, where find the famous Casino. It is also the most built-up country in Europe and one of the most built-up in the world.

Religion

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception in Monaco.

Monaco's official religion is Catholic, professed by around 80% of the population, it has an archdiocese created in 1981 by Pope John Paul II, the Archdiocese of Monaco (Archidioecesis Monoecensis) and divided into 6 parishes, some religious buildings include the Cathedral of Saint Nicholas, the Church of Saint Charles (Montecarlo), the Church of Saint Devote (La Condamine) and a Synagogue.

Language

The main and official language of Monaco is French, but several languages are spoken, including Occitan and Monegasque, the national language of the Monegasque people, belonging to variants of the Ligurian language and taught in schools along with French; in addition, Italian is used frequently.

Education

In the Principality, education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 16. From the age of 3 and depending on the places available, children students can be enrolled in the nursery school.

In order to fulfill the obligation to attend school, different types of educational centers are available in the Principality: public schools, public schools under contract with the State and private schools without contract. Public education is free. It is offered in seven nursery and primary schools, a secondary school, a general and technological institute, a technological institute and for technological and professional education. Private concerted education meets the same requirements as public education in terms of schedules and plans of study, diplomas and the recruitment of teachers. It is offered in a primary school and in an establishment that integrates primary school, college and high school.

International University of Monaco

Private education without a contract is represented by the International School of Monaco. This school is totally free to choose its programs, as well as the hiring of its teachers. The school offers bilingual education in English and French. In all public and subsidized schools, classes are taught from Monday to Friday, except Wednesday afternoons. Class times vary in secondary schools. Classes are taught in French. However, the schools have a program of French as a foreign language facilitating the integration of French-speaking non-students.

Teaching in primary classes is in charge of a school teacher for general subjects and by specialized teachers for teaching English, Monegasque, physical education and sports, as well as swimming. Education in secondary classes is taught by different teachers for each subject. The Principality's schools are approved as "French schools abroad". For this reason, the volume of time, the teaching programs as well as the diplomas conform to those defined by the French Ministry of Education. For exams, schools in the Principality are attached to the Nice Academy.

Elementary and secondary school

Monaco has ten state-supported schools, including: seven pre-schools and primary schools; a secondary school, Colegio Carlos III, an institute that provides general and technical training, the Liceo Alberto I, and an institute that offers professional and hospitality training, the Lycée technique et hôtelier de Monte-Carlo There are also two chartered private religious schools, including the Institution François d'Assise Nicolas Barré and the École des Sœurs Dominicaines, as well as an international school, the Monaco International.

Universities

There is a university located in Monaco, the International University of Monaco, known by its acronym and name in English as International University of Monaco (IUM).

Citizenship

According to the Constitution, Monegasque nationality is acquired by naturalization, marriage, adoption or filiation.

Land and Maritime Frontiers between Monaco and France established in 1984

In the latter case, article 1 of the Citizenship Law uses the jus sanguinis, which means that a person born to a Monegasque father is Monegasque. Regarding the transmission of nationality by the mother, the legislative framework is more complex; in fact, a person born on the day of her birth becomes a Monegasque citizen:

• of a Monegasque mother who still retained nationality at the time of birth;
• of Monegasque mother with Monegasque ascendant;
• a Monegasque mother who has acquired Monegasque nationality by naturalization, by replacement or by option in application of Law No. 964 of 8 July 1975;
• of a mother who acquired Monegasque nationality by a declaration preceded by a simple adoption.

Unlike in the past, being a resident or born in the Principality of Monaco does not entitle you to Monegasque nationality. Only people born in Monaco to unknown parents obtain Monegasque nationality by birth; this is the only case in which Monegasque law uses ius soli, in addition to the usual ius sanguinis.

Residents of the Principality of Monaco benefit from advantageous tax conditions, such as the total absence of any direct taxation, with the exception of residents of French nationality, who are subject to French taxation under the May 18 tax treaty of 1963. Hence the considerable interest in obtaining this residence and its rights.

Postal Services

September 4, 1641: The Monegasque postal service passes into the hands of France from the Treaty of Péronne.

In 1815, the Congress of Vienna placed Monaco under a Sardinian protectorate until 1860. From 1818, the Principality's post offices were managed by the Kingdom of Sardinia. Sardinian stamps bearing the effigy of Victor-Emmanuel II were used from 1851 to 1860.

Monaco Post OfficeHôtel des Postes de Monaco) in Monaco-Ville

In 1860, France took over the management of the Monegasque postal service. The stamps were those of the French offices, bearing the effigy of Napoleon III, followed by the series commonly used in France.

On July 1, 1885, the Principality finally issued its own stamps. The first series was in the effigy of Prince Carlos III. It was designed by Daniel Dupuis and engraved by Louis-Eugène Mouchon.

Monaco's postal codes are integrated into the French postal system. They start with "980" and have five digits, in the form "980XX", like French postal codes. Therefore, the most common postal code in Monaco, excluding CEDEX and special addresses, is 98000. In comparison, the postal services of the Principality of Andorra are also managed by France, but Andorra, culturally closer to Spain than to France, has refused to assign a postal code with French format.

99000 is sometimes considered to be Monaco's postal code, but this is an error caused by confusion with the INSEE code. Indeed, the "99" is not a postal code, but a set of INSEE codes of foreign countries.

The Principality of Monaco has the INSEE code 99138 as a foreign country. On French administration forms, anyone born outside of France (including Monaco) is declared with 99. These INSEE codes are not related to postal services and code 980 does not appear on French administration forms

Monaco's INSEE code is 06900. It appears in the national file of French addresses FANTOIR.

Despite postal integration with France, mail sent from Monaco must be franked with Monaco stamps, the illustrations and timing of which are determined by the Monaco Postage Stamp Issuance Office (OETP), and validated by the Prince. The OETP also chooses the artists for these stamps, but you can call on the artists and engravers, as well as the printing facilities of Phil@poste Boulazac and the printing house of Poste de France. At the same time, Monaco stamps have no postal value on mail sent to France.

Despite the existence of different postage methods for Monaco and France, the postage rates from France to Monaco are identical to the national ones. Postage rates are valid for "Metropolitan France and Monaco". This applies to post and most parcel services. Likewise, postage rates from Monaco to Monaco or to France are identical.

Culture and art

Monte Carlo Opera, Monaco.

Architecture

Monaco features a wide range of architecture, but the principality's signature style, especially in Monte Carlo, is that of the Belle Époque. Its most flowery expression is the 1878-9 Casino and the Garnier Room, created by Charles Garnier and Jules Dutrou. Decorative elements include turrets, balconies, pinnacles, multicolored pottery, and caryatids.

These elements were blended to create a picturesque fantasy of pleasure and luxury, and a seductive expression of how Monaco intended, and continues to attempt, to portray itself. This capriccio of French, Italian and Spanish elements was incorporated into the villas and hacienda apartments.

Following major development in the 1970s, Prince Rainier III banned skyscraper construction in the Principality. His successor, Prince Albert II, rescinded this Sovereign Order.In recent years, the rapid demolition of Monaco's architectural heritage, including its single-family villas, has created consternation. The Principality does not have heritage protection legislation.

In Monaco, the architectural styles that have existed in France prevail. Among the most significant buildings in the principality is the Monaco Cathedral, from 1875, built with white La Turbie stone on the site of an old church from the XII, dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The building presents a Neo-Romanesque style, while its interior houses interesting works of art.

Another of the emblematic constructions, in addition to the Princely Palace, is the building that houses the Oceanographic Museum and the Aquarium. Its impressive façade, facing the sea, is considered a masterpiece of monumental architecture. In addition, in 1932 the Princess Grace Theater was inaugurated, renamed in honor of Grace Kelly in 1983.

La Ensalada Niçoise is a common dish in France and Monaco

Other noteworthy institutions include the Monte Carlo Opera, the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (in French: Orchester Philharmonique de Monte-Carlo), the Monte Carlo Ballet and a renowned children's choir, the Little singers from Monaco.

Gastronomy

It is a Mediterranean cuisine that is inspired by the culinary style of Provence and the influences of the nearby cuisine of northern Italy and southern France, as well as the culinary traditions of Monaco. Emphasis is placed on fresh ingredients, and the use of seafood, vegetables and olive oil play an important role in the kitchen.

Since the creation of the Monte Carlo casino-resort in the mid-XIX century, a more modern form has developed of Monegasque cuisine, which some associate with international influences, cosmopolitanism, gastronomy and Michelin-starred restaurants. However, interest in Monaco's authentic local recipes and culinary heritage has also been revitalized in recent years. more traditional.

Festivities

A Christmas tree in November 2021 in Monaco

Sports

Formula 1

View of the tribunes installed especially for the Monaco Grand Prix.

In the principality of Monaco, one of the oldest Formula 1 grand prix is held. The Monaco Grand Prix is held annually in May, coinciding with the Ascension Feast. This Grand Prix was organized for the first time in 1929, and the first race was won by William Grover-Williams (called "Williams"), at the wheel of a green Bugatti, the color that would become the insignia over time. of British runners.

The Monaco Grand Prix takes place on the streets of Monte Carlo. It has lots of ups and downs, tight corners and narrow lanes, making it probably the most tiring circuit for drivers and vehicles. It is also the most dangerous circuit among those currently used in Formula 1 competitions, because it is located squarely in an urban area.

On the other hand, it is one of the most followed by television viewers. The Monaco Grand Prix was part of the first Formula 1 championship in 1950, and since 1955 it has been held uninterruptedly until 2019. In 2020, said Grand Prix could not be held due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but returned to the Formula 1 calendar in 2021.

Monegasque Louis Chiron won the 1931 Monaco Grand Prix, as well as the French Grand Prix, the Spanish Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Spa. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc triumphed at the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix, the 2019 Italian Grand Prix, the 2022 Bahrain Grand Prix, the 2022 Australian Grand Prix and the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix as official driver of Scuderia Ferrari.

Selection of artistic gymnastics in Monaco in 2022

Tennis

The Monte Carlo Masters is a Masters Series category tennis tournament on the ATP men's tour. Played on clay, the tournament is held every year in April or May. The Monte Carlo tournament was held for the first time in 1897, although the open era of this event began in 1969. It is held at the Monte Carlo Country Club, which is located in the French commune of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, near the border with Monaco.

Rally

In the Principality of Monaco, the Monte Carlo Rally has been held since 1911. One of the most important tests of the World Rally Championship and the one that has been held in the most editions. Louis Chiron was a winner in 1954.

Co-driver Daniel Elena has achieved 79 victories in the World Rally Championship alongside French driver Sébastien Loeb.

Football

Stage Louis II.

Monaco has its own national soccer team, and the country's main soccer team is A.S. Monaco, which plays in France's Ligue 1 and plays its local matches at the Luis II Stadium.

The club managed to be finalists in the 2003-04 UEFA Champions League, which they lost to F.C. Porto from Portugal with a score of 0-3. The match took place on May 26, 2004 at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. In the 2016-17 edition, they reached the semifinals, where they faced Juventus in Turin, being defeated in both games by 0-2 and 2-1, being knocked out of the final.

The stadium hosted the European Super Cup from 1998 to 2012.

Other sports

Drivers Olivier Beretta and Stéphane Ortelli have achieved numerous victories in grand tourers.

The 2009 Tour de France started from Monaco with an individual time trial stage.

Stade Louis II is home to the Herculis, an IAAF Diamond League athletics event, as well as the 2016 Rugby 7s World Men's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.