Difference between revisions of "Monaco"

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The '''Principality of Monaco''' or '''Monaco''' ([[French language|French]]: ''Principauté de Monaco'' or ''Monaco''; [[Monegasque language|Monegasque]]: ''Munegu'' or ''Principatu de Munegu'') is a [[city state]] and the second-smallest independent [[country]] in the world (after the [[Vatican City]]), located between the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and [[France]] along the [[French Riviera]] or ''Côte d'Azur'' (The Blue Coast), near the [[France|French]] border with [[Italy]]. Consisting mostly of the old city of Monaco and later built-up areas, it is also the [[List of countries by population density|most densely populated independent country]] in the world<sup>[[#Notes|1]]</sup>. It is one of the [[European microstates]]. <!-- Yes, this sentence is correct: Monaco is the most densely populated country because Macau is now legally part of China. -->
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{{X}}
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{| border=1 cellspacing=3 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#505050; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
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|- style="text-align:center; background:#505050;"
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| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#333333; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" |[[Image:Coat of arms of Monaco.png|center|120px]]
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|- style="color:#fff; background:darkred; font-size:larger;"
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! colspan=2 |'''Monaco'''
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|-
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|Native name            || ''Principauté de Monaco''
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|-
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|Conventional long name || Principality of Monaco
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|-
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|National motto        || Deo Juvante<br>([[Latin]]: With God's Help)
 +
|-
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|National anthem        || [[Hymne Monégasque]]
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|-
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|Official languages    || [[French language|French]]<sup>2</sup>
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|-
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|Capital                || There is no official capital<sup>1</sup>
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|-
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|Largest settlement type|| Most&nbsp;populated&nbsp;''quartier''
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|-
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|Largest city          || [[Monte Carlo]]  
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|-
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|Government type        || [[Constitutional monarchy]]<br>([[Principality]])  
 +
|-
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|Leader title1          || [[Sovereign Prince of Monaco|Prince]]
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|-
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|Leader title2          || [[Minister of State (Monaco)|Minister of State]]  
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|-
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|Leader name1          || [[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|Albert II]]  
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|-
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|Leader name2          || [[Jean-Paul Proust]]
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|-
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|Area                  || 1.95
 +
|-
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|Areami²                || 0.75
 +
|-
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|Area rank              || 233rd
 +
|-
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|Area magnitude        || 1
 +
|-
 +
|Population estimate    || 35,656
 +
|-
 +
|Population density    || 18,285
 +
|-
 +
|Population densitymi²  || 47,358
 +
|-
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|Population density rank || '''1st'''
 +
|-
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|Population census      || 32,020|population census year=2000
 +
|-
 +
|GDP PPP                || $870 million
 +
|-
 +
|GDP PPP year          || 2000
 +
|-
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|GDP PPP rank          || 177th
 +
|-
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|GDP PPP per capita    || $27,000
 +
|-
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|HDI year              || 2003
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|-
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|HDI                    || NA
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|-
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|HDI rank              || unranked
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|-
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|HDI category || <font color=gray>NA</font>
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|-
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|Sovereignty type      || [[Independence]]
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|-
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|Established event1    || beginning of rule by [[House of Grimaldi]]
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|-
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|Established date1      || [[1419]]
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|-
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|Currency              || [[Euro]]|currency code=EUR
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|-
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|Time zone              || [[Central European Time|CET]] |utc offset=+1
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|-
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|Time zone DST          || [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] |utc offset DST=+2
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|-
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|Cctld                  || [[.mc]]
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|-
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|Calling code          || 377
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|-
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|colspan=2|[[Image:LocationMonaco.png|right|230px]]
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|-
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|colspan=2|[[Image:Flag_of_Monaco.png|right|230px]]  
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|-
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|Footnotes              || <sup>1</sup>Monaco is a [[city-state]].<br><sup>2</sup>Monégasque and Italian are also spoken widely.  
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|}
  
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{{Infobox_Country|
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common_name        = Monaco |
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The '''Principality of Monaco'''  [[Monégasque language|Monégasque]]: ''Principatu de Múnegu''; [[Occitan]]: ''Principat de Mónegue''; [[Italian language|Italian]]: ''Principato di Monaco''), more commonly known as '''Monaco''', is a [[constitutional monarchy]] and [[city-state]] in [[Western Europe]] located along the [[French Riviera]] between the [[Mediterranean Sea]] and [[France]] . Affluent Monaco is one of the five [[European microstates]].  
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native_name        = Principauté de Monaco |
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image_flag        = Monaco flag large.png |
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Monaco is the [[List of countries by population density|most densely populated country]] in the world and the world's second-smallest independent country with a [[population]] of just 32,410 and an area of 1.95 square kilometers (481.9&nbsp;[[acre]]s). It has more millionaires per capita than any other country in the world.{{fact}} It is the smallest [[French language|French]]-speaking country in the world.
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image_coat        = Monaco coa.png |
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image_map        = LocationMonaco.png |
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== Geography ==
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national_motto        = Deo Juvante<br>([[Latin]]: With God's Help)|
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national_anthem    = [[Hymne Monégasque]] |
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[[Image:Monaco3.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Map of Monaco]]
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official_languages    = [[French language|French]] |
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{{Main|Geography of Monaco}}
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capital        = Monaco<sup>1</sup> |latd=43|latm=44|latNS=N|longd=7|longm=24|longEW=E|
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The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world, after [[Vatican City]]. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, 18 kilometres (11&nbsp;[[mile|mi]]) east of [[Nice]] and near the [[Italy|Italian]] border. It is surrounded on three sides by the [[Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur]] Région of France. It consists of a narrow strip along the coast at the bottom of the foothills of the [[Alps]] and its highest point is "Le Rocher" at 140 metres (459&nbsp;[[foot (unit of length)|ft]]).
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largest_city        = Monaco<sup>1</sup> |
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government_type    = [[Constitutional monarchy]] |
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The [[principality]] is noted for its natural scenery and mild, sunny [[climate]]. The average minimum temperature in January and February is 8&nbsp;°[[Celsius|C]] (47&nbsp;°[[Fahrenheit|F]]); in July and August the average maximum temperature is 26&nbsp;°C (78&nbsp;°F).
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leader_titles        = [[Sovereign Prince of Monaco|Prince]]<br>[[Minister of State (Monaco)|Minister of State]] |
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leader_names        = [[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|Albert II]]<br>[[Jean-Paul Proust]]|
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Monaco is a narrow coastal strip. Its physical geography includes a long beach which accounts for a vast part of Monaco's border, and steep cliffs that rise vertically upwards to heights of 63 metres (206&nbsp;ft) above sea level.
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area            = 1.95|area_rank=192nd|area_magnitude=1 E6|percent_water=0.0%|
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<BR><BR><BR><BR>
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population_estimate    = 32,409|population_estimate_year=2005|population_estimate_rank=188th |
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population_density    = 16,620|population_density_rank=<b>1st</b> |
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==Administrative divisions==
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population_census    = 31,842|population_census_year=2000|
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Monaco is divided into four quarters (''quartiers''): [[Monaco-Ville]], the old city on a rocky promontory extending into the Mediterranean, known as the [[Rock of Monaco]]; [[La Condamine]], the northwest section including the port area; [[Monte Carlo]], the principal residential and resort area with the casino in the east; and [[Fontvieille, Monaco|Fontvieille]], a newly constructed area reclaimed from the sea. La Condamine quartier is further subdivided into La Condamine proper (the port area); [[Moneghetti]]; Les Revoires, containing the [[Jardin Exotique]]; and La Colle, on the western border with [[Cap d`Ail]]. Monte Carlo quartier is also subdivided into several neighborhoods: Monte Carlo proper (the casino and resort area); [[Larvotto]], a beach area to the east of the principality; [[Saint Roman]]/[[Tenao]] on the northeast corner; and the central residential area of Saint Michel.
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GDP_PPP        = $870 million|GDP_PPP_year=2000|GDP_PPP_rank=177th|
 
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GDP_PPP_per_capita    = $27,000|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank=24th|
 
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sovereignty_type    = [[Independence]] |
 
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established_events    = -beginning of rule<br>by [[House of Grimaldi]]|
 
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established_dates    = &nbsp;<br>[[1419]]|
 
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currency    = [[Euro]]|currency_code=EUR|
 
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time_zone    = [[Central European Time|CET]] |utc_offset=+1 |
 
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time_zone_DST    = [[Central European Summer Time|CEST]] |utc_offset_DST=+2 |
 
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cctld        = [[.mc]] |
 
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calling_code    = 377|
 
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footnotes    = <sup>1</sup>Monaco is a [[city-state]].|
 
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}}
 
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
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''Main article: [[History of Monaco]]''
 
  
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Monaco derives its name from the nearby [[Greek colonies|Greek colony]], [[Monoikos]], founded in the [[6th century BC]] by the [[Phoceans]]. According to an ancient myth, [[Hercules]] passed through the Monaco area. A temple was constructed there by Phoceans, the temple of Hercules Monoikos (&#924;&#972;&#957;&#959;&#953;&#954;&#959;&#962; means single house or single temple).
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Monaco apparently first gained its name from the nearby [[Phocaea|Phocaean]] [[Ancient Greece|Greek]] colony of [[Marseille]], in the 6th century BC, which referred to the Ligurians as Monoikos, from the Greek Μόνοικος — μόνος + οίκος, "single house", which bears the sense of a people either settled in a "single habitation" or of "living apart" from others. According to an ancient myth, [[Hercules]] passed through the Monaco area. A temple was constructed there by Phoceans, the temple of Hercules Monoikos.
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[[Image:Monaco-FrancoisGrimaldi.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Memorial of [[François Grimaldi]] guised as a [[monk]] with a [[sword]] under his [[frock]]]]
 
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Monaco was re-founded in [[1215]] as a colony of [[Genoa]]. Monaco has been ruled by the House of [[Grimaldi]] since [[1297]], when [[François Grimaldi]] (aka: Malizia) seized the fortress protecting the famous rock while dressed up as a [[Franciscan]] [[monk]] (''monaco'' in Italian); the only exception to this was from [[1793]] to [[1814]], when Monaco was under [[France|French]] control. Designated as a protectorate of [[Sardinia]] from [[1815]] until [[1860]] by the [[Congress of Vienna]], Monaco's sovereignty was recognised by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of [[1861]].
 
  
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The [[Prince of Monaco]] was an absolute ruler until a constitution was promulgated in [[1911]]. In July [[1918]], a treaty was signed providing for limited French protection over Monaco. The treaty, written into the [[Treaty of Versailles]], established that Monegasque policy would be aligned with French political, military, and economic interests.
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[[Image:Monaco-FrancoisGrimaldi.jpg|thumb|left|140px|Memorial of [[François Grimaldi]] disguised as a [[monk]] with a [[sword]] under his [[frock]]]]
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Following a land grant from Emperor [[Henry VI, Holy Roman Emperor|Henry VI]] in [[1191]], Monaco was re-founded in [[1228]] as a colony of [[Genoa]]. Monaco has been ruled by the  the House of [[Grimaldi]] since [[1297]], when [[François Grimaldi]] (Milaza) and his men captured the fortress protecting the famous [[Rock of Monaco]] while he was dressed as a [[Franciscan]] [[monk]] (''monaco'' in Italian);
  
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Prince [[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco|Rainier III]] acceded to the throne following the death of his grandfather, Prince [[Louis II, Prince of Monaco|Louis II]], in [[1949]]. A new constitution, proclaimed in [[1962]], abolished [[capital punishment]], provided for [[female suffrage]], and established a [[Supreme Court]] to guarantee fundamental liberties. In [[1993]], Monaco became an official member of the [[United Nations]] with full voting rights.
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From [[1793]] to [[1814]], Monaco was under French control. The [[Congress of Vienna]] designated Monaco as a protectorate of the Kingdom of [[Sardinia]] from [[1815]] until [[1860]] when the [[Treaty of Turin]] ceded to France the surrounding counties of [[Nizza]] and [[Savoy]]. During this time there was unrest in the towns of [[Menton]] and [[Roquebrune]], which declared the independence, hoping for annexation by [[Sardinia]]. The unrest continued until the ruling prince gave up his claim to the two towns (some 95% of the country) to France in return for 4 million francs. This transfer and Monaco's sovereignty was recognised by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of [[1861]].
  
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In [[2002]], a new treaty between France and Monaco clarifies that if there are no heirs to carry on the dynasty, the Principality will remain an independent nation rather than revert to the French.  Monaco's military defence, however, is still the responsibility of France.
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Until the [[1911]] constitution, the [[List of rulers of Monaco|princes of Monaco]] ruled absolutely. In July [[1918]], a treaty was signed providing for limited French protection over Monaco. The treaty, part of the [[Treaty of Versailles]], established that Monegasque policy would be aligned with French political, military, and economic interests.
  
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[[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|Prince Albert, Marquis of Baux]] took over the royal duties on [[31 March]] [[2005]] because his father Prince Rainier III was too ill to exercise his royal functions. On [[6 April]] [[2005]] Prince Rainier  died and Prince Albert succeeded him as Albert II of Monaco. Prince Albert II of Monaco formally became the ruler of Monaco on [[July 12]], [[2005]] in a celebration that began with a solemn Mass at the cathedral where his father, Rainier III, was buried three months before after a reign of 56 years. His accession to the throne is a two-step event with another ceremony expected to draw heads of state planned for [[November 19]], [[2005]].
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[[Rainier III, Prince of Monaco]] acceded to the throne following the death of his grandfather, Prince [[Louis II, Prince of Monaco|Louis II]], in [[1949]]. A new constitution, proclaimed in [[1962]], abolished [[capital punishment]], provided for [[women's suffrage]], and established a [[Supreme Court of Monaco|Supreme Court]] to guarantee fundamental liberties. In [[1993]], Monaco became a member of the [[United Nations]], with full voting rights.
  
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'''See:''' [[List of the Princes of Monaco]]
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In [[2002]], a new treaty between France and Monaco clarifies that if there are no heirs to carry on the dynasty, the Principality will remain an independent nation rather than revert to France. Monaco's military defence, however, is still the responsibility of France.
  
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== Politics ==
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[[Albert II, Prince of Monaco|Prince Albert, Marquis of Baux]] took over the royal duties on [[31 March]] [[2005]], because his father Prince Rainier III was too ill to exercise his royal functions. On [[6 April]] [[2005]], Prince Rainier died and his son succeeded him as Albert II of Monaco. Prince Albert II of Monaco formally became the ruler of Monaco on [[12 July]] [[2005]], in a celebration that began with a solemn [[Mass (liturgy)|Mass]] at the cathedral where his father was buried three months before, after a reign of 56 years. His accession to the throne was a two-step event with another ceremony drawing heads of state for an elaborate ceremony held on [[19 November]] [[2005]].
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''Main article: [[Politics of Monaco]]''
 
  
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Monaco has been governed as a [[constitutional monarchy]] since [[1911]], with the Prince as [[head of state]]. The [[executive branch]] consists of a Minister of State (the [[head of government]]), who presides over a four-member Council of Government (the [[cabinet (government)|cabinet]]). The Minister of State is a French citizen appointed by the Prince from among candidates proposed by the French Government. Under the [[1962]] [[constitution]], the Prince shares his power with the [[unicameral]] National Council (parliament). The 24 members of this [[legislative]] body are elected from lists by universal [[suffrage]] for 5-year terms.
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== Law and government ==
  
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The principality's local affairs are directed by the Communal Council, which consists of 15 elected members and is presided over by the Mayor.
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Monaco has been governed as a [[constitutional monarchy]] since [[1911]], with the [[Sovereign Prince of Monaco]] as [[head of state]]. The [[Executive (government)|executive branch]] consists of a [[Minister of State (Monaco)|Minister of State]] (the [[head of government]]), who presides over a four-member Council of Government (the [[Cabinet]]). The minister of state is a French citizen appointed by the prince from among candidates proposed by the French government. Under the [[1962]] constitution, the prince shares his power with the [[Unicameralism|unicameral]] National Council (parliament). The 24 members of this [[Legislature|legislative]] body are elected from lists by [[universal suffrage]] for five-year terms.
  
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== Geography ==
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The principality's local affairs are directed by the Communal Council, which consists of 15 elected members and is presided over by the mayor.
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''Main article: [[Geography of Monaco]]''
 
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[[Image:Mn-map.png|thumb|200px|Map of Monaco]]
 
  
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The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world, after [[Vatican City]]. It is located on the [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] coast, 18 kilometres east of [[Nice]] and near the [[Italy|Italian]] border, and is surrounded on three sides by [[France]]. It consists of a narrow strip along the coast at the bottom of the foothills of the [[Alps]] and its highest point is "Le Rocher" at 140 m.
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Monaco received its first ambassador from abroad on the [[16 February]] [[2006]], from France. This is despite having had representation abroad and in the United Nations for many years.
  
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Monaco is divided into seven sections or quarters (''quartiers''): [[Monaco-Ville]], the capital, the old city on a rocky promontory extending into the [[Mediterranean]]; [[La Condamine]], the section along the port; [[Monte Carlo]], the principal residential and resort area with the casino; [[Fontvieille, Monaco|Fontvieille]], a newly constructed area reclaimed from the sea; [[Moneghetti]], on the western border with [[Cap d`Ail]]; [[Larvotto]] - [[Tenao]] includes the beach area to the east of the principality. [[Saint Roman]] is the easternmost tip, bordering the Tenao.
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Monaco has the largest police force and police presence in the world, both per capita and per area.
  
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The principality is noted for its beautiful natural scenery and mild, sunny [[climate]]. The average minimum temperature in January and February is 8&nbsp;°C (47&nbsp;°F); in July and August the average maximum temperature is 26&nbsp;°C (78&nbsp;°F).
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The [[Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince]] (Prince's Company of Carabiniers) is the military force of Monaco. Although Monaco's defence is the responsibility of [[France]], it maintains a small force for the protection of the [[Sovereign Prince of Monaco]]. It was formed by [[Honoré IV, Prince of Monaco|Prince Honoré IV]] in [[1817]] for the protection of the Principality. The company numbers approximately 100 officers and men - while the [[non-commissioned officer|NCOs]] and soldiers are local, the officers have generally served in the [[French Army]]. Together with the local fire service, the Caribineers form Monaco's total public forces. In addition to their guard duties, the company patrols the Principality's beaches and coastal waters, as well as other duties around the Palace in [[Monaco-Ville]].
  
 
== Economy ==
 
== Economy ==
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[[Image:Monaco_city_and_harbour.jpeg|thumb|200px|right|Monaco city and harbour view]]
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[[Image:MonacoView.jpg|thumb|200px|right|Monaco city and harbour view.]]
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[[Image:MonacoCasino.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The casino in Monaco]]
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<!-- [[Image:MonacoCasino.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The casino in Monaco.]] -->
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One of Monaco's main sources of income is [[tourism]]; each year many are attracted to its casino and pleasant climate.  In [[2001]], a major new construction project extended the pier used by cruise ships in the main harbour. The principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries such as cosmetics and biothermics.
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As befits a world leader in glamour and money, Monaco is one of the most expensive places on Earth. The principality is often regarded as a tax haven, and most of its inhabitants are millionaires from other countries. The glamour and prestige associated with Monaco and its style-conscious people can be seen in the number of high class cars, designer fashion boutiques such as [[Chanel]], trendy restaurants, and its royal family, especially since the marriage of Prince Rainer to [[Grace Kelly]], later HSH Princess Grace of Monaco.
  
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''Main article: [[Economy of Monaco]]''
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The state has no [[income tax]] for individuals. The state retains [[monopoly|monopolies]] in numerous sectors, including [[tobacco]] and the postal service. The [[telephone]] network used to be owned by the state; now, [[Monaco Telecom]] is 49% owned by [[Cable and Wireless]], 45% by the state and 6% by Compagnie Monégasque de Banque, but it is still a monopoly. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.
  
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One of Monaco's main sources of income is [[tourism]]; each year many are attracted to its [[casino]] and pleasant climate. In [[2001]], a major new construction project extended the pier used by cruise ships in the main harbour. The Principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries.
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The lack of personal income tax has led to a considerable number of wealthy "tax refugee" residents from European countries, who earn the majority of their income from activity outside Monaco; [[celebrity|celebrities]] like [[Formula One]] drivers attract most of the attention, but the majority of them are business people.
  
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The state has no [[income tax]] for individuals. The state retains [[monopoly|monopolies]] in numerous sectors, including [[tobacco]] and the postal service. The [[telephone]] network used to be owned by the [[state]]. Now [[Monaco Telecom]] is 49% owned by [[Cable and Wireless]], 45% by the [[state]] and 6% by Compagnie Monégasque de Banque, but is still a monopoly. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.
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In [[2000]], a [http://www.assemblee-nat.fr/rap-info/i2311-2.asp report] by French [[French National Assembly|parliamentarians]] [[Arnaud Montebourg]] and [[Vincent Peillon]] alleged that Monaco has lax policies with respect to money laundering, including within its famed casino, and that the government of Monaco puts political pressure on the judiciary so that alleged crimes are not properly investigated. In response, the [[Government of Monaco]] ordered reports to [[OECD]] and the [[Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering]]. These reports revealed most of these allegations to be untrue.
  
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The lack of personal income tax has led to a considerable number of wealthy "tax refugee" residents from European countries, who earn the majority of their income from activity outside Monaco; [[celebrity|celebrities]] like [[Formula One]] drivers attract most of the attention but the majority of them are businesspeople.
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Monaco is not a member of the [[European Union]] but is very closely linked to it via a customs union with France, and as such its [[currency]] is the same as France's: the [[euro]]. Prior to 2002, Monaco minted their own franc coins, the [[Monegasque franc]]. Monaco has acquired the right to mint [[euro coins]] with Monegasque designs on their national side.
  
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In 2000 a [http://www.assemblee-nat.fr/rap-info/i2311-2.asp report] by French [[French_National Assembly|parliamentarians]] [[Arnaud Montebourg]] and [[Vincent Peillon]] alleged that Monaco has lax policies with respect to money laundering, including within its famed [[casino]], and that the government of Monaco puts political pressure on the judiciary so that alleged crimes are not properly investigated. In response, the [http://www.gouv.mc government of Monaco] ordered reports to [[OECD]] and [[Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering|FATF]]. These reports revealed most of these allegations to be untrue.
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Monaco's major exports are chemistry, pharmacy, beauty care, ceramics, metal works, textiles, plastics, and instruments.
  
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Monaco is not a member of the [[European Union]], but is very closely linked to it via a customs union with France and as such its [[currency]] is the same as France's: the [[euro]]. Monaco has acquired the right to mint [[euro coins]] with Monegasque designs on their national side.
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==Education==
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Monaco has ten state-operated schools, including seven nursery and primary schools, one secondary school, one lycée that provides general and technological training, and one lycée that provides vocational and hotel training. [http://www.gouv.mc/devwww/wwwnew.nsf/d0c95819dd9f2e3dc1256f9c003b549c/4f4037377865aa6bc125701800280dd1!OpenDocument&Highlight=0,Schools]
  
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== Demographics ==
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There are also two grant-aided denominational private schools (including [[Institution François d'Assise Nicolas Barré]] and [[Ecole des Sœurs Dominicaines]]) and one international school ([[International School of Monaco]]).
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[[Image:View on Monacoville.JPG|thumb|200px|View on Monacoville]]''Main article: [[Demographics of Monaco]]''
 
  
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Monaco has the distinction of being the most densely-populated country in the world [[#Notes|<sup>1</sup>]] (see [[List of countries by population density]]). It has the largest police force and police presence in the world, both per capita and per area.
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State schools include:
 +
* [[Lycée Albert Ier]]
  
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Monaco's population is unusual in that the native Monegasques are a minority in their own country. The largest proportion of residents are [[France|French]] nationals (47%), while Monegasque and [[Italy|Italian]] nationals represent 16% each, and the remaining 21% belong to one of the other 125 nationalities that make up Monaco's international population.
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===Colleges and universities===
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* International University of Monaco
  
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[[French language|French]] is the only official language, but [[English language|English]], [[Italian language|Italian]], and the local [[Monegasque language]] (a descendant of [[Genoese]]) are also spoken. The literacy rate is 99%. [[Roman Catholicism]] is the official [[religion]], with freedom of other religions guaranteed by the constitution.
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==Demographics==
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[[Image:View on Monacoville.JPG|thumb|200px|View of Monacoville]]
  
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== Culture ==
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Monaco's population is unusual in that the native Monegasques are a minority in their own country. The largest proportion of residents are French nationals (47%), while Monegasque and Italian nationals represent 16% each, and the remaining 21% belong to one of the other 125 nationalities that make up Monaco's international population. With an average age of 45, Monaco has the highest in the world.
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''Main article: [[Culture of Monaco]]''
 
  
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* [[List of famous Monegasque people]]
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[[French language|French]] is the only official language, but [[Italian language|Italian]], [[English language|English]], and the two local languages, [[Monégasque language|Monégasque]] (a descendant of [[Genoese dialect|Genoese]]) and [[Occitan]], are also spoken. The literacy rate is 99%.
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* [[Music of Monaco]]
 
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* [[Opera de Monte Carlo]]
 
  
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== Notes ==
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==Religion==
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# Although [[Macau]] is more densely populated, by virtue of the fact that Macau is not a sovereign state, Monaco is the most densely populated sovereign state in the world.
+
[[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholicism]] is the official [[religion]], with freedom of other religions guaranteed by the constitution.
 +
 
 +
==Security==
 +
Monaco has no army and airforce, but has a small coast guard consisting of 3 small patrol boats armed with small cannons. Security is provided by a small armed police force consisting of between 300-400 men and women. Defence of the nation is provided by France.
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
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*[[AS Monaco FC]]
+
 
 +
*[[Transport in Monaco]]
 
*[[Communications in Monaco]]
 
*[[Communications in Monaco]]
 +
*[[Foreign relations of Monaco]]
 +
*[[International University of Monaco]]
 
*[[Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince|Military of Monaco]]
 
*[[Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince|Military of Monaco]]
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*[[Foreign relations of Monaco]]
+
*[[Music of Monaco]]
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*[[Grand Prix of Monaco]]
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*[[AS Monaco FC]] and [[Stade Louis II]], the team's home stadium
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*[[Monte Carlo Rally]]
+
*[[Monaco Grand Prix]]
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*[[Stade Louis II]], the home stadium of AS Monaco
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*[[Rallye Automobile Monte Carlo]]
 +
*[[EVER Monaco]] Ecologic vehicles * renewable energies
 
*[[Oceanographic Museum]]
 
*[[Oceanographic Museum]]
−
*[[Transportation in Monaco]]
+
*[[List of Monegasque people]]
 +
*[[Association des Guides et Scouts de Monaco]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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*[http://www.peterkurth.com/MONACO.htm In the House of Grimaldi]
+
*[http://www.yourmonaco.com/ Independent guide for Monaco]
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*[http://www.ilovemontecarlo.com/ I Love Monte Carlo] - Monaco and Monte Carlo Guide - information, map, history, culture, tourism, politics, economy and finance
+
*
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*[http://www.monaco.net Monaco Net] - Monaco Portal (information, list of websites, etc.).
+
*[http://www.gouv.mc/devwww/wwwnew.nsf/HomeGb Official website]
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*[http://www.panoramas.dk/fullscreen5/f15_monaco.html Monte Carlo from the Royal Palace - Fullscreen 360 degree Quicktime VR Panorama]
+
*[http://eudocs.lib.byu.edu/index.php/History_of_Monaco:_Primary_Documents History of Monaco: Primary documents]
−
*[http://sabin.ro/gallery/album90 Monte Carlo photo gallery]
+
*[http://www.palais.mc/ Official website of the Prince's Palace of Monaco]
−
*[http://www.monaco.gouv.mc/PortGb www.gouv.mc]- Official governmental portal.
+
*[http://www.visitmonaco.com/ Official website for Tourism]
−
*[http://www.palais.mc www.palais.mc]- Official website of the Prince's Palace of Monaco
+
*[http://www.peterkurth.com/MONACO.htm In the House of Grimaldi], a reprint of a 1993 article from the author's personal website
−
*[http://monaco.arounder.com/fullscreen.html for broadband: Interactive high quality fullscreen QTVR panoramas]
+
*[http://holiday.monacoeye.com/index.html Monaco Eye: Unofficial Guide for Visitors to Monaco]
 +
*[http://holiday.monacoeye.com/maps/monacomap1.html Satellite Map of Monaco with Grand Prix track]
 +
*[http://www.ordremedecins.mc/ Order of the doctors of Monaco]
 +
*[http://europeanbusiness.eu.com/features/2005/dec/monaco.html European Business article]
 +
*[http://www.earthinpictures.com/world/monaco/monaco/ Monaco photo gallery]
 +
*[http://provence.forumforus.com/Map_of_Monaco Street map of Monaco]
  
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{{Europe}}
 
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{{Mediterranean}}
 
  
 
[[Category:Monaco| ]]
 
[[Category:Monaco| ]]
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[[Category:European microstates]]
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[[Category:Italian-speaking countries]]
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[[Category:Principalities]]
 
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[[Category:Monarchies]]
 
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[[Category:Massalian colonies]]
 
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[[Category:Monacans]]
 

Latest revision as of 13:29, 19 March 2009

120px
Monaco
Native name Principauté de Monaco
Conventional long name Principality of Monaco
National motto Deo Juvante
(Latin: With God's Help)
National anthem Hymne Monégasque
Official languages French2
Capital There is no official capital1
Largest settlement type Most populated quartier
Largest city Monte Carlo
Government type Constitutional monarchy
(Principality)
Leader title1 Prince
Leader title2 Minister of State
Leader name1 Albert II
Leader name2 Jean-Paul Proust
Area 1.95
Areami² 0.75
Area rank 233rd
Area magnitude 1
Population estimate 35,656
Population density 18,285
Population densitymi² 47,358
Population density rank 1st
Population census population census year=2000
GDP PPP $870 million
GDP PPP year 2000
GDP PPP rank 177th
GDP PPP per capita $27,000
HDI year 2003
HDI NA
HDI rank unranked
HDI category NA
Sovereignty type Independence
Established event1 beginning of rule by House of Grimaldi
Established date1 1419
Currency Euro|currency code=EUR
Time zone CET |utc offset=+1
Time zone DST CEST |utc offset DST=+2
Cctld .mc
Calling code 377
LocationMonaco.png
Flag of Monaco.png
Footnotes 1Monaco is a city-state.
2Monégasque and Italian are also spoken widely.


The Principality of Monaco Monégasque: Principatu de Múnegu; Occitan: Principat de Mónegue; Italian: Principato di Monaco), more commonly known as Monaco, is a constitutional monarchy and city-state in Western Europe located along the French Riviera between the Mediterranean Sea and France . Affluent Monaco is one of the five European microstates.

Monaco is the most densely populated country in the world and the world's second-smallest independent country with a population of just 32,410 and an area of 1.95 square kilometers (481.9 acres). It has more millionaires per capita than any other country in the world.Template:Fact It is the smallest French-speaking country in the world.

Geography

Map of Monaco

Template:Main The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world, after Vatican City. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, 18 kilometres (11 mi) east of Nice and near the Italian border. It is surrounded on three sides by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Région of France. It consists of a narrow strip along the coast at the bottom of the foothills of the Alps and its highest point is "Le Rocher" at 140 metres (459 ft).

The principality is noted for its natural scenery and mild, sunny climate. The average minimum temperature in January and February is 8 °C (47 °F); in July and August the average maximum temperature is 26 °C (78 °F).

Monaco is a narrow coastal strip. Its physical geography includes a long beach which accounts for a vast part of Monaco's border, and steep cliffs that rise vertically upwards to heights of 63 metres (206 ft) above sea level.



Administrative divisions

Monaco is divided into four quarters (quartiers): Monaco-Ville, the old city on a rocky promontory extending into the Mediterranean, known as the Rock of Monaco; La Condamine, the northwest section including the port area; Monte Carlo, the principal residential and resort area with the casino in the east; and Fontvieille, a newly constructed area reclaimed from the sea. La Condamine quartier is further subdivided into La Condamine proper (the port area); Moneghetti; Les Revoires, containing the Jardin Exotique; and La Colle, on the western border with Cap d`Ail. Monte Carlo quartier is also subdivided into several neighborhoods: Monte Carlo proper (the casino and resort area); Larvotto, a beach area to the east of the principality; Saint Roman/Tenao on the northeast corner; and the central residential area of Saint Michel.

History

Monaco apparently first gained its name from the nearby Phocaean Greek colony of Marseille, in the 6th century BC, which referred to the Ligurians as Monoikos, from the Greek Μόνοικος — μόνος + οίκος, "single house", which bears the sense of a people either settled in a "single habitation" or of "living apart" from others. According to an ancient myth, Hercules passed through the Monaco area. A temple was constructed there by Phoceans, the temple of Hercules Monoikos.

File:Monaco-FrancoisGrimaldi.jpg
Memorial of François Grimaldi disguised as a monk with a sword under his frock

Following a land grant from Emperor Henry VI in 1191, Monaco was re-founded in 1228 as a colony of Genoa. Monaco has been ruled by the the House of Grimaldi since 1297, when François Grimaldi (Milaza) and his men captured the fortress protecting the famous Rock of Monaco while he was dressed as a Franciscan monk (monaco in Italian);

From 1793 to 1814, Monaco was under French control. The Congress of Vienna designated Monaco as a protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia from 1815 until 1860 when the Treaty of Turin ceded to France the surrounding counties of Nizza and Savoy. During this time there was unrest in the towns of Menton and Roquebrune, which declared the independence, hoping for annexation by Sardinia. The unrest continued until the ruling prince gave up his claim to the two towns (some 95% of the country) to France in return for 4 million francs. This transfer and Monaco's sovereignty was recognised by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861.

Until the 1911 constitution, the princes of Monaco ruled absolutely. In July 1918, a treaty was signed providing for limited French protection over Monaco. The treaty, part of the Treaty of Versailles, established that Monegasque policy would be aligned with French political, military, and economic interests.

Rainier III, Prince of Monaco acceded to the throne following the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II, in 1949. A new constitution, proclaimed in 1962, abolished capital punishment, provided for women's suffrage, and established a Supreme Court to guarantee fundamental liberties. In 1993, Monaco became a member of the United Nations, with full voting rights.

In 2002, a new treaty between France and Monaco clarifies that if there are no heirs to carry on the dynasty, the Principality will remain an independent nation rather than revert to France. Monaco's military defence, however, is still the responsibility of France.

Prince Albert, Marquis of Baux took over the royal duties on 31 March 2005, because his father Prince Rainier III was too ill to exercise his royal functions. On 6 April 2005, Prince Rainier died and his son succeeded him as Albert II of Monaco. Prince Albert II of Monaco formally became the ruler of Monaco on 12 July 2005, in a celebration that began with a solemn Mass at the cathedral where his father was buried three months before, after a reign of 56 years. His accession to the throne was a two-step event with another ceremony drawing heads of state for an elaborate ceremony held on 19 November 2005.

Law and government

Monaco has been governed as a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as head of state. The executive branch consists of a Minister of State (the head of government), who presides over a four-member Council of Government (the Cabinet). The minister of state is a French citizen appointed by the prince from among candidates proposed by the French government. Under the 1962 constitution, the prince shares his power with the unicameral National Council (parliament). The 24 members of this legislative body are elected from lists by universal suffrage for five-year terms.

The principality's local affairs are directed by the Communal Council, which consists of 15 elected members and is presided over by the mayor.

Monaco received its first ambassador from abroad on the 16 February 2006, from France. This is despite having had representation abroad and in the United Nations for many years.

Monaco has the largest police force and police presence in the world, both per capita and per area.

The Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince (Prince's Company of Carabiniers) is the military force of Monaco. Although Monaco's defence is the responsibility of France, it maintains a small force for the protection of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. It was formed by Prince Honoré IV in 1817 for the protection of the Principality. The company numbers approximately 100 officers and men - while the NCOs and soldiers are local, the officers have generally served in the French Army. Together with the local fire service, the Caribineers form Monaco's total public forces. In addition to their guard duties, the company patrols the Principality's beaches and coastal waters, as well as other duties around the Palace in Monaco-Ville.

Economy

Monaco city and harbour view.

One of Monaco's main sources of income is tourism; each year many are attracted to its casino and pleasant climate. In 2001, a major new construction project extended the pier used by cruise ships in the main harbour. The principality has successfully sought to diversify into services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries such as cosmetics and biothermics.

As befits a world leader in glamour and money, Monaco is one of the most expensive places on Earth. The principality is often regarded as a tax haven, and most of its inhabitants are millionaires from other countries. The glamour and prestige associated with Monaco and its style-conscious people can be seen in the number of high class cars, designer fashion boutiques such as Chanel, trendy restaurants, and its royal family, especially since the marriage of Prince Rainer to Grace Kelly, later HSH Princess Grace of Monaco.

The state has no income tax for individuals. The state retains monopolies in numerous sectors, including tobacco and the postal service. The telephone network used to be owned by the state; now, Monaco Telecom is 49% owned by Cable and Wireless, 45% by the state and 6% by Compagnie Monégasque de Banque, but it is still a monopoly. Living standards are high, roughly comparable to those in prosperous French metropolitan areas.

The lack of personal income tax has led to a considerable number of wealthy "tax refugee" residents from European countries, who earn the majority of their income from activity outside Monaco; celebrities like Formula One drivers attract most of the attention, but the majority of them are business people.

In 2000, a report by French parliamentarians Arnaud Montebourg and Vincent Peillon alleged that Monaco has lax policies with respect to money laundering, including within its famed casino, and that the government of Monaco puts political pressure on the judiciary so that alleged crimes are not properly investigated. In response, the Government of Monaco ordered reports to OECD and the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering. These reports revealed most of these allegations to be untrue.

Monaco is not a member of the European Union but is very closely linked to it via a customs union with France, and as such its currency is the same as France's: the euro. Prior to 2002, Monaco minted their own franc coins, the Monegasque franc. Monaco has acquired the right to mint euro coins with Monegasque designs on their national side.

Monaco's major exports are chemistry, pharmacy, beauty care, ceramics, metal works, textiles, plastics, and instruments.

Education

Monaco has ten state-operated schools, including seven nursery and primary schools, one secondary school, one lycée that provides general and technological training, and one lycée that provides vocational and hotel training. [1]

There are also two grant-aided denominational private schools (including Institution François d'Assise Nicolas Barré and Ecole des Sœurs Dominicaines) and one international school (International School of Monaco).

State schools include:

Colleges and universities

  • International University of Monaco

Demographics

View of Monacoville

Monaco's population is unusual in that the native Monegasques are a minority in their own country. The largest proportion of residents are French nationals (47%), while Monegasque and Italian nationals represent 16% each, and the remaining 21% belong to one of the other 125 nationalities that make up Monaco's international population. With an average age of 45, Monaco has the highest in the world.

French is the only official language, but Italian, English, and the two local languages, Monégasque (a descendant of Genoese) and Occitan, are also spoken. The literacy rate is 99%.

Religion

Roman Catholicism is the official religion, with freedom of other religions guaranteed by the constitution.

Security

Monaco has no army and airforce, but has a small coast guard consisting of 3 small patrol boats armed with small cannons. Security is provided by a small armed police force consisting of between 300-400 men and women. Defence of the nation is provided by France.

See also

External links

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