Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco is an independent and sovereign country located on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea.
It is surrounded on land by its neighbour France, and Italy’s borders are just 10 miles away (about 16km).
Its area is 0.76mi² (1.98 km²) with a population of almost 38,000 inhabitants among which 8,300 Monegasques and including residents from 125 nationalities. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world and the smallest member of the United Nations. Furthermore The City-State of Monaco is the world’s most densely populated country: 23.800 inhabitants/mi².
The house of Grimaldi has ruled over Monaco since 1297. Monaco’s sovereignty was officially and permanently recognized by the Franco/Monegasque Treaty of 1861.
Furthermore, Monaco is one of 5 European micro-States (the others being: Andorra, Liechtenstein, Malta, and the Vatican City).
Monaco doesn’t have a very long history and has always had peace.
Here are some of the top Monaco history facts that will offer an insight into its past: In 1863, Casino De Monte-Carlo Opened Here Casino de Monte-Carlo has been in the country for a long time now, opening more than 150 years ago. That historic reputation and high-end games attract many tourists to visit for entertainment and indulgence. You can also visit this casino while you are there.
In 1910, The Country Built The Oceanographic Museum The Oceanographic Museum is essentially the country’s marine sciences museum.
This educational institution opened in 1910 and is one of the top attractions in Monaco. You will get to explore various fish, sea predators, and much more as you roam around the intriguing museum. It Never Used To Be A Part Of France France surrounds all three sides of Monaco, and it is no surprise that many confuse Monaco to be part of France. Even though it was annexed to France in 1793, Monaco gained its independence by 1814. Now, the country doesn’t have a defence force; it relies on France for that purpose.
Monte Carlo is the largest district in Monaco. It covers 21.5% of the Principality’s surface area. In addition, 22% of the population reside in the district, compared to only 3% in the Rock (old town)
Monte Carlo’s former Name was Spelugues Plateau
Originally, Monte Carlo was known as Spelugues Plateau. It was named after the Monegasque name for the caves located there.
The billionaire’s background was an arid and wild place. Monte Carlo is where olive and carob trees grew. They grew alongside a handful of fruit trees and a few vines.
Interesting, Spelugues name was a target of mockery. Some legends associated the name with the German Word Spelunke (a dodgy bar) or the old French Spelongue( a rough area.
It was Named after Prince Charles III
The most famous principality of Monaco’s districts is Monte-Carlo,( Mount Charles). The name of this district was after Prince Charles III. The prince was behind its construction in the nineteenth century.
Prince Charles III decided to transform Spelugues into a holiday and recreational resort for the European nobility and upper classes. His idea was conceived after Monaco lost 80% of its agricultural land and its main sources of income.
An opera, Casino and some luxury hotels were constructed in Monte Carlo through the order of the Prince. With its luxurious gardens, hotels, roads and many more. The appearance of the district changed dramatically.
Thus, the district needed a new name. This is because its former name, Spelugues, was the target of mockery. On 1 July 1866, Spelugues was officially named Monte-Carlo ( Mount Charles).
The Municipality of Monte Carlo was Created in 1911
The municipality after the principality of Monaco was divided into three municipalities. Thus, Monte Carlo encompassed the existing neighbourhoods of La Rousse/Saint Roman, Larvotto/Bas Moulins, and Saint Michel.
However, there was an accusation that led the municipalities to merge in 1917. The accusation was that the government used the municipalities to divide and conquer. Since then, they are quartiers.
The Country Is Incredibly Safe
Monaco claims to be one of the most high-security cities in the world, with a 24-hour video surveillance system that covers the entire town and there are an estimated 73 policemen for every resident. You don’t need to worry as much about crime when visiting the country. But of course, always practice common sense and general caution.
Monaco has a poverty rate of zero.
According to the CIA World Factbook, no portion of Monaco's population lives below the poverty line.
Monaco is home to one of the world's most expensive streets, which was once the priciest in the world ...
In 2008, the Wealth Bulletin, a Dow Jones site, named Avenue Princesse Grace the most expensive street in the world, with an average price of $17,750 per square foot.
The street is still one of the most expensive addresses in Monte Carlo, Monaco's most glamorous neighbourhood, Edward de Mallet Morgan, a Knight Frank partner who specializes in the high-end residential real estate market worldwide, recently told Mansion Global.
...and it's named for an American Hollywood legend who was also a princess.
Avenue Princesse Grace was named after Grace Kelly, the American Hollywood actress who married Prince Rainier III and took the title Princess of Monaco. After her marriage, the princess gave up acting to focus on charitable and cultural endeavours.
She died in a car accident in Monaco at the age of 52, almost 30 years after she became the Princess of Monaco.
Most People Living There Are Not Originally From The Country
People who work and live in Monaco are not originally from the country. Even the authorities don’t easily grant citizenship to other people. Because of this, only around 21% of the population is native to the country.
It Has A High Life Expectancy in the world at 85.8 years
The highest life expectancy can be found in Monaco, as the average is said to be more than 85 years. Close to 15% of the population is also more than 75 years. Many people believe that this is because of the quality of healthcare, excellent diet, and money that the people have. Monaco's life expectancy edges out that of San Marino (85 years), Hong Kong (85 years), and Japan (84 years), according to World Bank data.
The Only Natural Resource In Monaco Is Fish
Being a rather small country, Monaco is not rich in natural resources. In fact, the only natural resource the country has is fish from the Mediterranean. It forms an important part of the local diet, which is one reason why it is said that the people of Monaco are healthy.
Even Central Park Is Bigger Than Monaco
Yes, Monaco is even smaller than Central Park, as the country covers only around 0.8 miles. Despite this, around 40,000 people live here, with most people in Monte Carlo. So, this country is incredibly small.
Short But Beautiful Coastline
Monaco has the shortest coastline in the world, spanning around 3 miles. But it is also one of the most scenic as it is located on the French Riviera. France surrounds the land borders, and the Mediterranean sea is on the fourth side.
Intricate Architecture And Churches
While many activities in the country do cost money, there are some free things to do as well. Exploring the streets, parks, and buildings, for one, is always free. The country has many beautiful churches that you can check out such as the Sainte-Devote Chapel and Saint Nicholas cathedral.
There are also nice green spaces to relax and just enjoy the fresh air. Head to the Princess Grace Rose Garden to see some colourful flora, or Saint-Martin Gardens to immerse in lush greenery.
Three Of James Bond’s Films Have Been Shot In The Monte-Carlo Casino
Casinos are an important part of James Bond’s films, which is why three films have had scenes in the Monte-Carlo Casino. It comes as no surprise that it is because the casino is incredibly lavish and classy.
Locals Are Not Allowed To Gamble
Locals are not allowed to gamble because the monarchy knows how devastating it can be. This is why only tourists can come here to gamble.
It Is A Home To The Grand Prix
Monaco is known for its glamorous Formula One Grand Prix which is held yearly. The race usually happens in May or June, featuring the Circuit de Monaco. Many famous sports personalities come here for this event, and there is an exciting atmosphere around it if you’re in town during the time of the race.
Workers Come From Italy And France
While the population is close to 40,000, it doubles daily when people arrive from Italy and France daily for work. Then, they go back home after the workday is over. Yes, this means many workers travel across international borders to work in Monaco.
It Only Has Heliports
There are no airports in the country, only heliports. That is because the country is not that big, which is why it doesn’t really need an airport to take up precious land space. When the tourist season comes, the heliport is busy, with landings coming in almost every twenty minutes.
Other interesting facts:
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