Where is Monaco located in which country. Monaco: a journey to a fairyland

Monaco is the second smallest country in the world after the Vatican. It has been run by the Grimaldi family for over 700 years. The seaside principality has a colorful past, but is now a quiet haven for the rich and famous who enjoy its tax-free status.

The picturesque coastal country attracts tourists all year round. Visitors to Monaco alternate between relaxing on the beach and international sports racing, and spend their evenings at the Place du Casino. This gambling center made Monte Carlo famous as a place for extravagant displays of wealth. Wealthy people willing to spend millions and ordinary tourists - everyone finds a common language in Monaco. More detailed information about the country is provided below.

History of the Principality of Monaco

This secluded harbor was originally settled by the Greeks in 6 BC. e. Legend has it that Hercules once passed through Monaco and the Monoikos Temple was built in his honor. Historically, this country was part of France, but in 1215 it became a colony of Genoa by order of Emperor Grimaldi, who settled here in 1297, and the ancestors of the family control the principality to this day.

In 1419, the Grimaldi family acquired Monaco from France. Since then, the principality has been under the protection of Spain, Italy and Sardinia. In 1793, French revolutionary troops captured Monaco and held it until 1814. Today, the country has a constitutional monarchy, but the principality is under the protectorate of France.

Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly

In 1949, Prince Rainier III ascended the throne of Monaco. In 1956, he married the beautiful American actress Grace Kelly. This event became a turning point not only in her professional career, but also in the life of the entire principality. The most famous actress at the peak of her popularity left cinema for marriage. This news shook not only Hollywood, but the rest of the world. This event brought fame to the principality. Previously, it was talked about only as the place where the Monaco Grand Prix in the Formula 1 championship is held. Now the eyes of the rich and famous, focused on Grace Kelly, have turned to the small principality. Having received the title of princess, the actress invested her efforts in promoting the arts. This brought charm to the small country and contributed to its economic and cultural development. They had three children together: Caroline, Albert and Stephanie.

Grace Kelly's sudden death in a car accident in 1982 was a shock that reverberated around the world. Films have been made and books written about her life, but her death is still shrouded in mystery, around which conspiracy theories are built. Prince Rainier III continued to rule Monaco after her death and was a respected monarch. He never remarried and died in 2005, leaving the throne to his son, Prince Albert II.

Current status

The capital of the Principality of Monaco is the city of the same name. The form of government is a constitutional monarchy. The economy is based on tourism, gambling and banking services. The lack of income tax attracts many wealthy residents. The banking and money management industry accounts for 16% of revenues and plays an important role in the economy. It is also famous for its casinos, whose visitors come from all over the world to play in elite establishments. Tourism accounts for about 25% of income and the country prides itself on its hospitality and excellent cuisine. The wonderful Mediterranean climate attracts travelers who want to enjoy Monaco's sea.

Climate

Monaco is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is surrounded by France on three sides. Nice is the nearest major city, approximately 18 km away. The area is quite rocky, located on steep hills that slope down to the sea. The climate is mild all year round, with temperatures ranging from 8 to 26 degrees Celsius.

Monaco is divided into four quarters:

• Monaco-Ville is an old city that is located on a rocky promontory.
• La Condamine is a port area.
• Monte Carlo is the main resort, residential and tourist area.
• Fontvieille is a new site built on alluvial land.

Population of Monaco

More than a quarter of the country's population are French citizens. A smaller but significant number are Italians, Swiss and Belgians. One fifth are Monegasques, representatives of the indigenous population,

Monegasques are proud of their country's unique history and position in the world. The name Monaco is believed to come from the word "monoikos", associated with both the ancient Greeks and Ligurians. Ligurians settled on the Mediterranean coast even before the era of the Roman Empire. The coastal road used by the Ligurians later became known as the "Road of Hercules". In Greek, Hercules was often called "Hercules Monoikos" or "Hercules". The Monegasques have managed to maintain their traditions and dialect over the centuries, despite the influence of their much larger neighbors. They are reflected in many local festivals and are part of Monaco's worldwide fame. However, only a small part of citizens can call themselves Monegasques. The rest are people of different nationalities.

Languages ​​of Monaco

There are more tourists who want to visit this country every year. They are probably interested in what language is spoken in Monaco. It is a multinational country, but its greatest influence has been from France. Therefore, it is not surprising that French has become the official language of Monaco. It is the language of government, business, education and the media.

The indigenous speaks Monegasque, and this is what is considered traditional. It is similar to Italian in many ways. Only about 21.6% of the population, who are mostly ethnic Monegasque, speak the language. And although the authorities are trying their best to preserve their native dialect, its use is decreasing every year. By the 1970s, the language was on the verge of extinction, but several projects launched by the Monegasque government helped raise its status. Currently, this language is taught in schools, and street signs are made in two versions: in French and Monegasque. Another traditional language of Monaco is Occitan. Currently, only a small part of the country's population speaks it.

In addition to the above languages, Italian and English are popular here. This is not surprising, since Italians make up about 19% of the country's population. For a time, Italian was even the official language of Monaco (between 1815 and 1861), when the principality was under the protectorate of Sardinia. Some members of the princely family speak Italian. English is mainly used by citizens of the UK, USA and Canada permanently residing in the country. The official language of Monaco is French, but English remains the most popular among tourists.

Culture

Throughout history, Monaco's neighbors (France, Italy and Spain) have exerted enormous influence on the principality. Therefore, elements of their cultures can be traced in art. The constitution allows for religious freedom, but the largest part of the population consider themselves supporters of the Roman Catholic Church (about 78% of citizens).

The ruling Grimaldi family played an important role in promoting culture and art in Monaco. The city boasts exquisite architecture. Visitors will find an amazing array of world-class galleries where they can attend musical performances throughout the year. Many of them are supported by members of the princely family themselves. In addition, the Grimaldis have created many charities, including the Princess Grace (which also supports the Dance Academy), Prince Pierre (culture and arts funding) and Prince Albert II (environmental protection) foundations.

Cuisine of Monaco

Access to fresh vegetables, fruits and seafood has determined the characteristics of local cuisine. Additionally, the food reflects the country's Mediterranean heritage, and influences from French and Italian cuisine can be found in many recipes.

Each of the many restaurants serves delicious seafood dishes. Cod and anchovies dominate among them. The warm climate allows you to complement the fish with local vegetables. Separately, it is worth highlighting onions, garlic and olives (or olive oil), which are included in many dishes. As a rule, breakfast is very small, but several courses are often served for lunch and dinner - this tradition has firmly taken root in Monaco. Reviews about restaurants are purely positive, because the owners, fearing to lose rich clients, maintain the service at the highest level.

What to visit in Monaco?

The main attraction of the principality is the Monte Carlo casino, which is a huge entertainment complex located in the area of ​​the same name. It includes a casino and an opera house. The famous French architect Carl Garnier built the casino in 1878. The atrium, paved in marble, is surrounded by 28 ionic columns. It leads to the auditorium of the Sal Garnier opera, decorated with a large number of bas-reliefs, frescoes and sculptures. It has hosted outstanding international performances, as well as operas, ballets and concerts, for over a century. The Playrooms include a number of rooms with stained glass windows, delightful decorations and sculptures, allegorical paintings and bronze lamps.

Oceanographic Museum, whose director was the legendary explorer of the deep waters Jacques-Yves Cousteau. This exceptional museum is dedicated to oceanography. Its collections of marine fauna, collected by Prince Albert I, are priceless and unique. The museum's latest major acquisition is a gigantic 450 cubic meter pool that showcases the diversity and unusual colors of the coral reef and the creatures that inhabit it.

St. Nicholas Cathedral serves as the tomb of Monaco's past rulers, including Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Services are held during great liturgical celebrations, accompanied by organ music.

The Prince's Palace of Monaco is today home to Prince Rainier's son and successor, Prince Albert II. The State Rooms are open to the public during the summer. Since 1960, the palace courtyard has been the venue for open-air concerts presented by the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. It also opens for important events, such as weddings or birthdays in the Grimaldi family. The assembled citizens of Monaco address the prince from the Hercules Gallery overlooking the square. The yard is also used for the annual children's event. Thanks to such events, the palace continued to play a central role in the life of the prince and his subjects for 700 years.

Fort Antoine is a fortress built at the beginning of the 18th century. It is now used as a wonderful outdoor theater that can accommodate about 350 spectators. This charming setting hosts numerous performances during the summer season. The military architecture of this watchtower gives it a unique and special charm.

The numerous attractions of the Principality of Monaco will impress even the most demanding tourist.

In addition to hosting the famous Grand Prix and the presence of the luxurious Monte Carlo casino, there are no less interesting facts about this country that not everyone knows about:

1. Monaco is often called the tax haven of Europe. For decades, the country lived solely on income from its casinos. Nowadays, thanks to the efforts of the government, tourism has become the main source of income.
2. If you want to travel to the city of Monaco, you can get there by train, private helicopter or yacht, but not by private jet. There are no airports here, and the nearest one is in Nice. Luckily, Monaco and France are within 30 minutes of each other.
3. The descendants of François Grimaldi, the Genoese leader of the Guelphs, have ruled Monaco for more than 712 years. This explains why the majority of citizens are Catholics.
4. Monaco is open to tourists at any time of the year - there is something happening here every month. From exclusive outdoor concerts of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic to sporting events such as the famous Formula 1 Grand Prix.
5. The elegant façade and interiors of the Monte Carlo Casino have been the setting for three James Bond films, namely Casino Royale, GoldenEye and Never Say Never Again.
6. The crime rate in Monaco is very low. This is mainly due to the fact that it has more police officers per person than any other country. In addition, the Principality has a large number of CCTV cameras to prevent criminal activity.
7. There is almost zero unemployment here. There is also no poverty in the country.
8. Don't be surprised to learn that Monegasque citizens are prohibited from gambling or even visiting casinos. The rule is set by the government of the country, which does not want its citizens to waste their money. The casino is a source of income for the country and provides jobs for its residents.
9. The Formula 1 Grand Prix is ​​one of the main events that the country hosts every year.
10. In 2014, almost 30% of Monaco's population were millionaires - the same as in Zurich or Geneva.

state in South Europe, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by French territory. Mentioned Rome. by authors at the turn of the century. e. as a place of cult of Hercules agh or portus Monoecus, where Monoecus is Greek. "living alone" (one of Hercules' nicknames) , Latin agh "castle, fortress", "mountain, hill", "refuge, abode",portus "port, pier, harbour", "refuge, refuge". In 1078 G. Portu Monacho, later Monaco.

Geographical names of the world: Toponymic dictionary. - M: AST. Pospelov E.M. 2001.

Monaco

(Monaco), a state in southern Europe, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by French territory. Principality of Monaco - a constitutional monarchy. The head of the state is the prince, legislative power belongs to the prince and the National Council. Consists of cities merged with each other: (capital, 3 thousand inhabitants), Monte Carlo and Condamine. Pl. 1.95 km² (of which 0.4 km² was reclaimed from the sea). Population 32 thousand people. (2001), i.e. there are over 16 thousand people per 1 km². (no other country has such a high population density). The indigenous people, the Monegasques, are approx. 6 thousand, French - approx. 13 thousand, Italians - approx. 5 thousand, British - over 1 thousand. Official. language – French; Monegasque, Italian, and English are also common. The majority of believers are Catholics. In the 1st millennium BC. e. On the territory of M. there were first Phoenician and then Greek colonies. From the 1st century BC e. - under the rule of Rome, later - the Arabs, from the 11th century. - the Genoese, who built a fortress here in 1215. Since the 15th century - an independent principality under the protectorate of Genoa, from 1524 - under the rule of Spain, from 1641 - under the protectorate of France (in 1793–1814, as part of France). Tax benefits made M. a major international. finance center (about 800 foreign firms and banks). Now it is a world famous resort. Income also comes from trade, gambling houses and tourism (approx. 700 thousand people per year). Entertainment and health facilities, regular sports. and cult. events (Formula 1 auto racing, international arts and circus festivals, etc.). The modern era has emerged. industrial eco-friendly base clean light and processed products industry (electronic and household appliances; food, pharmaceuticals; production of earthenware, majolica, ceramics, souvenirs). 70% of their employees are residents of neighboring regions of France and Italy. GDP per capita is 16 thousand dollars per year. On a high, lonely hill is the capital - the city. . Here is the princely palace (with a library of 120 thousand volumes), at the gates of which a colorful changing of the guard takes place every day in the summer. The Cathedral (XIX–XX centuries), the exotic Dog's Head garden and the Oceanographic Museum (1899) is a monumental building on a cliff, in the basement of which there is a marine aquarium. N.-i. center and international conference on oceanography. Cash unit – euro.

Dictionary of modern geographical names. - Ekaterinburg: U-Factoria. Under the general editorship of academician. V. M. Kotlyakova. 2006 .

The Principality of Monaco, one of the smallest states in the world (area 1.95 sq. km). Located in the south of Europe, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea (coastline length 4.4 km), near the border of France and Italy. On the land side it is surrounded by the territory of the French department of the Alpes-Maritimes (border length 4.1 km). Geographic coordinates: 43° 44" N, 7° 24" E.
The territory of Monaco consists of the merged city-districts of Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille. The city of Monaco - the capital of the country (1.5 thousand inhabitants) - is picturesquely located on the leveled surface of a rocky outcrop of the Maritime Alps, built up with ancient buildings. Its main attractions are the princely palace (a 13th century Genoese fortress rebuilt in the 16th century); Oceanographic Museum (founded in 1899) with its existing institute; An exotic garden located on the almost vertical slopes of the Dog's Head rock; chapel La Misericorde (17th century); pseudo-Romanesque Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (19th century); Anthropological Prehistoric Museum, etc. La Condamine (13 thousand inhabitants) is an area of ​​the port, banks, shops, hotels, representative offices of companies and corporations, enterprises, hotels and beaches. It also houses the national library and stadium. Monte Carlo (13 thousand inhabitants) was officially founded in 1866. It houses a world-famous casino, hotels, branches of banks and concerns, beaches with swimming pools and baths, an opera house (1878–1879), the National Museum of Fine Arts with paintings by Renaissance masters , Philharmonic Orchestra, etc. Fontvieille is a new industrial center, officially created in 1981 on plots of land reclaimed from the sea.
Nature. Monaco is located on an elevated sea coast formed by limestone mountains, which represent the southern extension of the Maritime Alps. Cape Monaco is rocky and protrudes far into the sea, La Condamine is a small open bay. The surface relief is hilly, rugged, rocky. The highest point is Mont Agel (140 m).
Climate Climate Mediterranean: moderately warm winters (average January temperature +8°C) and dry sunny summers (average July temperature +24°C). The number of sunny days per year is about 300. Unstable weather and drizzling rains, which usually last no more than 3 days, are brought by a strong east or south wind from the sea “marin”. A gusty, dry and cold “mistral” wind blows from the interior of France, bringing a drop in temperature. The Maritime Alps protect Monaco from the cold northern winds. In summer, sea breezes have a cooling effect on the coast. Thanks to its mild climate, Monaco is a popular resort. Average annual precipitation is 1300 mm. They fall mainly in the fall.
The conditions of dry summer and autumn-spring rains in Monaco resulted in the formation of brown soils with hard-leaved xerophytic vegetation, as well as red-colored terra rossa soils. Brown forest soils are found in the mountains.
Flora - Mediterranean type: kermes and holm oaks, boxwood, juniper, pine, black and Aleppo pine, olive, fig, bladderwort, Spanish gorse, jasmine, sarsaparilla, varieties of butcher's broom and asphodelina, lilies (grape, mother of pearl, yellow onion, poultry leaf ), Montpelier and sage cistus. Among the plants of the Western Mediterranean group, typical are the dwarf palm, large-fruited strawberry, maritime pine, Atlas cedar, cork, beech and felt-leaved oaks, as well as numerous Lamiaceae. The forests contain holm and round-leaf oak, noble laurel, wild strawberry, and tree erica. The mountain slopes are covered with evergreen maquis shrubs, in which there are strawberries, flowering cistus, myrtle, evergreen pistachios and viburnum, red juniper, broom and gorse species, blooming in autumn and winter, and, less commonly, anagyra bean.
Among the cultivated trees, the olive tree predominates, covering the slopes facing the Gulf of Genoa. Common fruit crops include figs, pomegranates, sweet and bitter almonds, pistachios and grapes. Japanese medlar and camphor laurel were imported from Japan, aloe, cacti and agaves from America, and eucalyptus from Australia. Persimmons, bananas, oranges, lemons and tangerines are grown.
There are no large animals left in Monaco. Mammals include small rodents, hedgehogs and shrews, bats, including the unique Mediterranean pipistrelle. Birds include mountain, spectacled and white-whiskered warblers, wild buntings, Mediterranean mockingbirds, kingfishers, red-necked nightjars, larks, blackbirds, black-spotted and black-bellied wheatears. There are reptiles - steppe gecko, chalcid, sand lizard, common and viper snakes, Aesculapian snake. There are tree frogs and green toads. The world of insects is diverse (mantises, termites, butterflies, cicadas, grasshoppers and sometimes mosquitoes). Marine mammals are few in number, not counting penguins. The mollusk fauna (oysters, mussels, lithophaga) is also poor. The waters are quite poor in fish, but off the coast they catch sardines, anchovies, flounder, mullet, mackerel, striped catfish, and lobsters.
Population. In July 2004, the country had an estimated population of 32,270. The population density (16,477 people per 1 sq. km.) is one of the highest in the world. Population growth in 2004 was 0.44%.
The average age of the population is 45 years. 15.5% of Monegasque residents are under 15 years of age, 62.1% are between 15 and 64 years of age, and 22.4% are over 65 years of age. Average life expectancy in 2004 was 75.53 years for men and 83.5 years for women. The birth rate is 9.36 per 1000 people, the death rate is 12.74 per 1000 people, the influx of immigrants is 7.78 per 1000 people, and the infant mortality rate is 5.53 per 1000 births.
The indigenous people of Monaco, the Monegasques, make up 16% of the population. 47% of the country's population are French, 16% are Italian, 4% are English, 2% are Belgian, 1% are Swiss, 14% are others. 90% of the population are Catholics, 6% are Protestants.
The official language is French. Residents also speak Monegasque, Italian and English. 99% of the population is literate.
State structure. According to the 2002 constitution, Monaco is a “hereditary and constitutional monarchy.” Legislative power in the country is divided between the head of state, who takes the legislative initiative, and the parliament (National Council), which passes laws on them.
The head of state is the prince, who represents the principality in relations with other states, puts forward bills, carries out, in agreement with the National Council, a full or partial revision of the constitution, has the rights of pardon, amnesty, awards and granting Monegasque citizenship. Prince of Monaco since May 9, 1949 - Rainier III (Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand) of the Grimaldi dynasty, born in 1923, grandson of Prince Louis II. He graduated from the University of Hastings in the UK and the University of Montpellier (France), in 1944–1945 he served in the French army with the rank of colonel. Died April 6, 2005.
Under the prince there is a Crown Council, which is designed to assist the head of state in the implementation of a number of constitutional prerogatives and advise him on issues affecting the interests of the state. He gives opinions on draft laws and decrees submitted to his consideration by the prince.
The Parliament of Monaco is a National Council consisting of 24 members elected for 5 years by universal suffrage of Monegasque citizens of both sexes who are at least 18 years of age. 16 members of the National Council are elected by a majority vote, 8 by a proportional voting system. Members of parliament pass laws and the budget of the principality; amendments to the constitution require at least 2/3 of the vote. The National Council may be dissolved by the head of state with the consent of the Government Council, but new elections must be called without delay. The national government is not responsible to the National Council.
Executive power comes from the prince. Administration is carried out by the Minister of State, who represents and is appointed by the head of state. The Minister of State is assisted by the Government Council, which he heads, consisting of advisers responsible for the management of specialized departments. The minister and council members are responsible to the prince for the administration of the principality. The responsibilities of the government include: developing bills and presenting them to the prince, ensuring compliance with laws, directing administrative and public services, issuing ministerial acts and decrees concerning the implementation of laws and princely decrees, commanding the forces of order and the police, conducting foreign policy, etc.
According to tradition, the post of Minister of State is held by a French citizen, selected by the prince from among three persons proposed by the French government. Since January 2000, Patrick Leclerc, a member of the Monegasque National Democratic Union party, has been appointed Minister of State for 5 years.
Legislative power in Monaco belongs to the prince, but he delegates it entirely to the judiciary, which acts on his behalf. The legal system is based on the French legal code. It consists of courts of first instance, magistrates and appellate courts. There is also a Supreme Court, consisting of five members and two assessors, appointed by the prince for a term of four years on the proposal of the National Council.
Administratively, the principality consists of four quarters corresponding to the cities that form it.
Monaco has a police force, but no army of its own, other than the 65-member Royal Guard. Defense matters are the responsibility of France.
Political parties.National Democratic Union(VAT) is a conservative party formed in 1962 as a result of the merger of the National Union of Independents and the National Democratic Accord. She won every election until 2003 and completely dominated the political scene in Monaco for 40 years.
The party declares its intention to defend the unification of the citizens of Monaco around “their sovereign”, to defend the institutions of the principality as the “sole guarantors” of its independence, as well as the traditional values ​​of the country that constitute its “specificity and identity.” The VAT opposed the establishment of a parliamentary regime and the creation of a government responsible to parliament, seeing this as a factor of political destabilization. Currently, the emphasis is on the need to ensure priority for Monegasque citizens in obtaining employment and purchasing housing. The party also promises to lower the age of civil majority to 18 years. Increase housing construction, expand material and advisory assistance to the elderly, the disabled, families, children and mothers, develop the education system and create new opportunities for young people. In the field of labor relations, the VAT advocates the regulation of temporary and part-time employment and ensuring equality of men and women in the world of work. Calls for protecting the existing medical care system, but at the same time developing modern sanitary and hospital structures, as well as improving the living and working conditions of medical workers.
In the 2003 elections, the VAT was defeated for the first time, receiving 41.5% of the vote and only 3 of the 21 seats in the National Council. The leader is Jean-Louis Campora (Chairman of the National Council 1993–2003).
"Union for Monaco"- a coalition of political associations created before the general elections of 2003. It included the National Union for the Future of Monaco, the Rally for the Monegasque Family and the Union for the Principality. The bloc's program is basically identical to the VAT program, but has a more liberal connotation. The Union defends the traditions, “specificity and national identity” of Monaco in the field of culture, the tax system, priority in the provision of employment and housing, and the preservation of such features as high employment and social achievements. At the same time, he objects to “retrograde conservatism,” which dooms the country to economic and other isolation and harms its future.
The Union for Monaco promises to maintain a high quality of life, increase housing construction, and ensure priority for Monegasque citizens in obtaining work and purchasing housing. He defends a model of the rule of law, in which the general interest is higher than personal and corporate, supports lowering the age of civil majority to 18 years and granting citizenship to the children of naturalized women. In the economic field, the bloc advocated the elimination of administrative restrictions that constrain freedom of entrepreneurial activity, the depoliticization of the “Sea Bathing Society” (a joint-stock company that controls, in particular, casinos and tourist facilities) and the allowance of part-time employment for civil servants. In the social sphere, slogans are put forward to expand the rights of women and ensure them equal rights with men in all areas, guarantees of universal access to qualified medical care, expanding the network of youth and cultural leisure, etc.
The Union for Monaco won the general elections in 2003, collecting 58.5% of the vote and winning 21 of the 24 seats in the National Council. Leader - Stéphane Valéry (Chairman of the National Council since 2003).
Foreign policy. Monaco has a special relationship with France and exercises its sovereignty “in harmony” with French interests in the fields of politics, economics, security and defense. At the same time, the country has been a member of the UN since 1993. Monaco is also a member of a number of UN specialized agencies and maintains diplomatic relations with a number of countries.
Economy. Monaco's GDP in 1999 was estimated at $870 million, which corresponded to $27 thousand per capita. Tourism plays an important role in the country's economy. In 2001, a new pier was built for ships making tourist cruises. The Principality managed to diversify its economy through the development of the service sector (49% of GDP) and small enterprises producing expensive, high-quality and environmentally friendly products. The country has no income tax and very low business income, which attracts rich people, numerous companies and banks. The state maintains a monopoly in a number of sectors, such as the sale of tobacco products, telephone communications, and postal services. The unemployment rate in 1998 was 3.1%.
Economic data is not published. It is known that in 1993, about 87% of the economically active population was employed in the service sector, 13% in industry, 0% in agriculture. The electronic, electrical, chemical, pharmaceutical industries, precision instrument making, and the production of building materials, earthenware, ceramics and majolica are developed. Trade, serving tourists and making souvenirs occupy an important place. Electricity is imported from France. Monaco is fully integrated into the French customs system, and through it is connected with the economy of the European Union. The monetary unit is the euro.
The revenue line of the budget in 1995 was $518 million, and the expenditure item was $531 million. The main sources of government revenue: taxes on banks, hotels, resorts, casinos, tourism receipts, sales of postage stamps, etc.
The Principality of Monaco is connected to France by road and helicopter service. There is a constant shuttle service between the airport in Nice (France) and the helicopter port in Fontvieille. Entry into the country from France is free. The length of railway tracks in Monaco is 1.7 km, roads – 50 km.
Society and culture. The country has achieved a high standard of living. There are programs to help various needy categories of the population. Monaco has more than 31 thousand telephone subscribers (1995), 34 thousand radios and 25 thousand televisions (1998). There are at least 9 radio stations, including Radio Monte Carlo, one of the most powerful in the world. There are 5 television companies, including Tele-Monte Carlo.
Traditional Monegasque housing is of the Mediterranean type (two-story small stone houses with tiled roofs). National clothing - trousers, leggings, shirt, vest and jacket, neckerchief for men, black wide gathered skirt, white jacket with long sleeves, lilac or blue bodice, colored scarf and white cap for women. In everyday life it is practically not worn and is used only during festivals and celebrations. The favorite foods of Monegasques are vegetables and root vegetables, cheeses, steak with fried potatoes, stews with sauces, snails, and fish dishes. Residents drink a lot of wine and coffee.
The official holiday is the birthday of Prince Rainier III (May 31). Religious holidays are celebrated, as well as the traditional “King's Day” (January 6). Theatrical spring carnivals are organized.
The classicist sculptor Francois Joseph Bosio (18th–19th centuries), who made a significant contribution to the construction of sculptural ensembles in Paris, as well as the artists Louis and Francois Brea, L. Vidal-Molnay, I. Vidal and Y. Clérissy, became famous.
Monaco annually hosts international festivals - circus and television, as well as Formula 1 auto racing. Concerts are held regularly. There are a philharmonic orchestra, an opera house, numerous museums, and a theater named after. Princess Grace and others
Ancient history. The Rock of Monaco has served as a refuge for primitive people since ancient times. Their traces were found in one of the caves in the garden of Saint-Martin. Archaeologists attribute them to the Late Paleolithic era (300 thousand years BC). Around 2000 BC. The Ligurian tribe settles in this area. The ancient authors Diodorus Siculus and Strabo described them as harsh mountaineers, accustomed to hard work and a life full of hardships. Ancient figurines and bas-reliefs were found on the territory.
Legends attribute the founding of Monaco to Hercules, whom the Phoenicians called Melqart and the Romans called Hercules. It was alleged that he landed on this coast, returning from Spain, and built the first structures. After his name, the city allegedly received the name “Portus Hercules Monoiki”, that is, “the port of the lonely (temple) of Hercules.” It is known that in ancient times, in the city that stood on the site of present-day Monaco, there really was a temple dedicated to Hercules.
The Greek navigation of Hecataeus of Miletus mentions a city called “Monoikos polis ligustik” - “Ligurian city of Monoikos”. There is an assumption that in reality this name is of Ligurian origin, since the city served as a seaport for the Ligurian Oratell tribe. Probably, the name was later brought into association with “lonely Hercules.”
From about the 10th century. BC. There was a Phoenician fortification on the territory of Monaco. It is believed that it was the Phoenicians who brought Middle Eastern palm trees to the Côte d'Azur. Later, the town was often visited by the Carthaginians, and in the 7th–6th centuries. BC. it is mentioned among the Greek colonies. One way or another, it was an important strategic point between Genoa and Massalia (modern Marseille).
In the 2nd century. BC. The area was captured by the Romans, who included it in the province of the Maritime Alps. At the port, Julius Caesar was loading onto ships, setting off for battle with Pompey. The road laid by the Romans to Marseille, “Via Julia,” led through the city, which for 500 years was one of the main road arteries of the Roman Empire.
During the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian (3rd–4th centuries AD), a boat with the body of the executed Corsican Christian Devote washed up on the Monaco shore. A church was later built in his name, and he himself was declared the patron saint of Monaco.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire at the end of the 5th century. was part of the various “barbarian” kingdoms that arose from its ruins. From the 9th century The Ligurian coast was subject to continuous raids by Arab pirates from North Africa and became depopulated. Only in 975 were the Muslims finally expelled by the Count of Provence, Guillaume, after which the coast came under the rule of the Genoese Republic and began to be populated again. On the site of Monaco there was a small fishing village. The German emperors Frederick Barbarossa (1152–1190) and Henry VI (1190–1197) recognized the stretch of coastline up to modern Monaco as the possession of Genoa (finally in 1191).
Creation of the Monegasque State. On June 10, 1215, the Genoese followers of the emperor (Ghibellines), led by Fulco del Casello, appreciating the strategic importance of the Monaco rock and port, began to build a fortress with four towers on the site of the current princely palace. The castle replaced a Muslim fortification that was in ruins. The transfer of Monaco to Genoa was confirmed in 1220 and 1241 by the German Emperor Frederick II (1212–1250) and in 1262 by the Count of Provence.
To attract new settlers, the founders provided them with significant land and tax incentives. Over the next 300 years, Monaco was the subject of a bitter struggle between the Ghibelline families of Doria and Spinola (supporters of the German emperors) and the Guelph families of Fieschi and Grimaldi (supporters of the popes), passing from hand to hand.
The founder of the Grimaldi family was considered Otto Canella, who was consul of Genoa in 1133; his son received the name Grimaldi. In 1296, during one of the civil wars in the Genoese Republic, the Guelphs were expelled from Genoa and took refuge in Provence. Having gathered a small army, they, led by Francesco Grimaldi, captured the fortress of Monaco on January 2, 1297. According to the chronicle, the Guelph leader disguised himself as a Franciscan monk and was allowed into the fortress by unsuspecting guards, after which he opened the gates to armed warriors.
This time Grimaldi failed to gain a foothold in Monaco. In 1301 they lost the fortress and managed to regain it only on September 12, 1331, when Charles Grimaldi took possession of the rock. In 1341, Charles I (1330–1363) recaptured Monaco from the Spinola family. He enjoyed the support of the French kings and also acquired Menton and Roquebrune. Charles's father and Francesco's cousin, Rainier I was appointed Grand Admiral of France and commanded the French fleet in the battle against the Flemings in 1304. Charles himself led the French king Philip VI (1328–1350) with a squad of crossbowmen who took part in the famous Battle of Crecy (1346). ), and his fleet took part in the siege of Calais. However, he later died during the capture of Monaco by the Genoese Doge Simon Boccanegra. Charles's son, Rainier II (1363–1407), also in the French royal service, managed to hold only Menton (1346) and Roquebrune (1355), but in 1357 the Grimaldi lost their possessions. In 1395 they recaptured them, but in 1401 they lost them again.
The children of Rainier II - Ambroise, Antoine and Jean - regained Monaco in 1419, and then divided the possessions among themselves. So Jean I (1427–1454) became the sole lord of Monaco and Condamine. Having managed to free himself from the captivity of the Duke of Milan, he ruled his possessions until his death in 1454.
Conflicts with Genoa, Milan and Savoy forced Grimaldi, without giving up his independence, to seek protection from neighboring states. They managed to receive such patronage from Florence (1424), Savoy (1428) and Milan (1477). In addition, in 1448, Jean I ceded half of Menton and Roquebrune to the Duke of Savoy in exchange for recognition of his feudal rights to these territories.
The son of Jean I, Catalan (1454–1457) entered into an alliance with the French king and married his daughter to his relative Lambert, who became the king's chamberlain. In 1489, Lambert managed to achieve recognition of the independence of Monaco from the French king and the Duke of Savoy. The support of the latter was purchased at the price of recognition of Savoy's suzerainty over 11/12 Menton in exchange for recognition of Grimaldi's feudal rights (this feudal oath was valid until 1507).
Lambert's policies were continued by his sons Jean II and Lucien I (1505–1523). The latter repelled the Genoese siege in 1506–1507. The French king confirmed the sovereignty of Monaco in 1498 and 1507, promising his patronage to its rulers. King Louis XII's (1498–1515) patent of 1512 recognized Monaco as an independent possession whose lord could not be "in any way diminished or interfered with in his rights, jurisdiction, sovereignty, prerogatives" and enjoyed the "special protection" of the monarch of France. In 1515, this position was confirmed by the new king Francis I (1515–1547). However, in 1523 the ruler was killed by adherents of the Genoese admiral Andrea Doria, who was supported by France. Lucien's brother, Bishop Augustin, who became a seigneur, broke with King Francis I and entered into an alliance with his main enemy in Europe - the German emperor and Spanish king Charles V (1519-1556). In accordance with the Treaty of Burgos (1524), Monaco came under the protection of Spain. It became an imperial fief, whose ruler had to take a feudal oath. At the request of the Monegasque lord, this agreement was later changed: the new agreement of Tordesillas (November 1524) no longer contained any mention of the imperial fief.
Under the auspices of Spain. The alliance with Spain placed a heavy burden on Monaco's finances. The Spanish garrison, stationed in Monaco under the agreement of 1605, was maintained exclusively at the expense of the inhabitants of this state.
After Augustin's death in 1532, due to the early age of Lucien I's children, the country was temporarily ruled by Etienne Grimaldi from Genoa. He scrupulously observed the treaty with Spain, but at the same time tried to strengthen the autonomy of Monaco. The reign of Lucien's son, Honoré I (1523–1581), was relatively calm. His children Charles II (1581–1589) and Hercules I (1589–1604) continued the same policy. Their main attention was paid to the administration of the possessions that Charles V had assigned them in southern Italy, especially the Marquisate of Campania. In 1604 Hercules was killed by conspirators.
Until 1616, the regency under the son of the murdered ruler Honore I was carried out by his uncle, Prince Frederic de Valdetar. In 1612, he convinced his nephew to accept a new title - "Seigneur and Prince of Monaco." Since 1619, the Monegasque monarch was called a prince. This title was recognized by the Spanish court and became hereditary.
Having taken power into his own hands, the young prince gradually reoriented his policy towards France. Negotiations, which began in 1630, lasted more than 10 years, and the prince received support from the first minister of France, Richelieu. In 1635, another Franco-Spanish war began; in 1640, an uprising against Spain broke out in Catalonia, the participants of which called on France for help. In this situation, on September 14, 1641, an agreement between the Monegasque ruler and the French king Louis XIII (1610–1643) was signed in Peronne. Monaco was recognized as a free and sovereign principality under the protectorate of France, and the prince was entrusted with command of the French military garrison.
Under the protectorate of the French king. A few months after the conclusion of the treaty, the prince armed his followers and, relying on them, forced the Spanish garrison of the fortress to capitulate. In 1642 Honore II was solemnly received at the French court. Instead of the possessions he had lost in Naples, previously donated to the Monegasque lords by Charles V, the prince received others on French soil: the Duchy of Valentinois, the Viscountcy of Charles in Auvergne and the Marquisate of Beau along with the lordship of Saint-Rémy in Provence. At court, he was patronized by the first minister, Cardinal Mazarin, and King Louis XIV (1643–1715) became the godfather of his grandson, the future Prince Louis I.
According to the Treaty of the Pyrenees of 1659, the Prince of Monaco was supposed to receive back his possessions in Naples and Milan, but he abandoned them in favor of the French king, who, in turn, transferred them to the Duke of Lanti.
Honore II minted his own coin. He did a lot to decorate the city and especially the princely palace, where he collected a huge collection of paintings, furniture, valuables, etc. Monaco hosted luxurious celebrations, ballet performances, balls and magnificent religious ceremonies.
After the death of Honore II, his grandson Louis I (1662–1701) ascended the princely throne, whose name is also associated with the construction of a number of monumental buildings. He published a collection of laws that was characterized by comparative liberalism. Led by the prince, the Monegasque cavalry fought on the side of France and Holland in Flanders and Franche-Comté during the war against the British. When the problem of the Spanish succession arose, Louis XIV appointed Louis I as his ambassador to the papal court in 1698, instructing him to obtain papal support for the French candidate for the Spanish throne. While in Rome, he squandered much of the wealth collected by his grandfather. In 1701 the prince died in Rome.
His son, Prince Antoine (1701–1731), moved in the circles of the highest French aristocracy and maintained connections with the future regent, the Duke of Orleans. He had a brilliant career in the French army, participating in many battles. Antoine restored and strengthened the princely palace, where he organized magnificent festivities. The prince was fond of music, conducted his own orchestra and corresponded with prominent French composers Francois Coupren, Andre Detouche and others. Close ties of Monaco with France forced in 1707, despite the neutrality of the principality, to fear an invasion by the troops of the Duke of Savoy, and the prince began building new fortifications. The military threat was eliminated only after the conclusion of the Peace of Utrecht in 1713.
With the death of Antoine, the male line of the Grimaldi dynasty was cut short. The prince's daughter Louise-Hippolyte ruled for only a few months before power passed to her husband, Jacques-François de Matignon, proclaimed Jacques I (1731–1733). In 1733 he transferred the throne to his son Honore III (1733–1793). The new prince, like his predecessors, served in the French army, taking part in military operations in Flanders, on the Rhine and in the Netherlands, receiving the rank of marshal in 1748.
During the War of the Austrian Succession in 1746–1747, Monaco was blockaded by Austrian and Sardinian troops. They were pushed back by French forces under the command of Marshal de Belle-Ile. The subsequent reign of Honore III passed quietly. The principality's economy flourished and the standard of living of the population rose, despite the state's meager natural resources. Monaco's main source of wealth was maritime trade and the collection of duties on ships heading to Italy. The prince, who had extensive land holdings in Valentinois, Auvergne, Provence and Normandy, acquired more land in Alsace.
During the period of the Great French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. All the possessions of the Monegasque prince in France were lost after the French Constituent Assembly abolished feudal rights on the night of August 4, 1789. Initially, the assembly upheld the Treaty of Peronne and even intended to compensate the prince for the loss of his property, valued at 273,786 francs. However, after the overthrow of the French king in 1792, this project was abandoned. Honore III's references to the Treaty of Peronne were unsuccessful, and by the time of the prince's death in 1795, the financial well-being of the dynasty had already been undermined.
In Monaco itself, a struggle unfolded between two parties. One of them advocated maintaining the sovereignty of the principality. The other, the People's Society, demanded, first of all, the creation of a system of representative government. The second of them managed to win. In January 1793, the National Convention was elected, which soon announced the overthrow of the Grimaldi dynasty.
The entry of French troops into the county of Nice accelerated the formation of a new regime. On February 15, 1793, the French Convention decided to unite the principality with France. Monaco, renamed Fort Hercule, formed a canton within the French Republic, and then became the administrative center of the district (later the center was moved to San Remo). All the wealth collected in the princely palace was confiscated, paintings and works of art were sold, and the palace itself was turned into a barracks, and then into a hospital and a shelter for the poor. Most members of the princely family (including Honore III) were arrested, then released, but were forced to sell almost all their property. Some of them served in the French army.
The situation changed after the abdication of the French Emperor Napoleon. The First Peace of Paris on May 30, 1814 restored the principality within the borders that existed before January 1, 1792, under a French protectorate.
Honore IV, son of Honore III, became the prince, but due to poor health he lost the throne to his brother Joseph. The son of the abdicated prince, Honoré-Gabriel rebelled against this decision and convinced his father to transfer power to him. In March 1815, Honoré IV (1815–1819) went to Monaco, but, arriving in Cannes, he was arrested by the landing Napoleonic troops and taken to Napoleon.
After the final collapse of the Empire, according to the second Treaty of Paris on November 20, 1815, the principality was placed under the protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
Sardinian protectorate. The treaty between Monaco and the Sardinian king Victor Emmanuel I was signed in Stupinigi on November 8, 1817. It was much less favorable for the principality than the treaty with France that was in force before the French Revolution. The finances of the principality were in a pitiful state, the country's resources were dwindling, and the communes, parishes and hospitals owed large sums of money.
After the death of Honore IV, power passed to his son Honore V (1819–1841), who was awarded the title of baron by Napoleon in 1810, and the title of peer of France by the Restoration regime. The new prince took measures to overcome the crisis. However, his harsh policies met with popular discontent and protest demonstrations, especially in 1833 in Menton. After the death of Honore V, power passed to his brother, Florestan I (1841–1856), a great admirer of literature and theater, who was completely unprepared for government. Most issues were resolved by his wife Caroline, who came from a bourgeois family. She managed to temporarily soften the discontent caused by the decrees of Honore V. But the détente did not last long, and soon Florestan and Caroline again tightened their policies, hoping to thus return prosperity to the principality.
Meanwhile, in Menton, demands for independence were growing louder. Residents of the city sought the adoption of a liberal constitution, like the one introduced in the Kingdom of Sardinia by King Charles Albert. They rejected the constitution proposed by Florestan. After the revolution of 1848 in France, the situation worsened. Florestan and Caroline transferred power to their son Charles.
But it was already too late. Uprisings began, Prince Florestan was overthrown, arrested and imprisoned, and princely rule was abolished. However, in 1849 Florestan was restored to the throne.
On March 20, 1848, Menton and Roquebrune, which officially remained fiefs of Savoy and Sardinia, declared themselves free and independent cities “under Sardinian patronage.” On May 1, 1849, the authorities of the Kingdom of Sardinia issued a decree on their annexation to the district of Nice. The Monegasque princes Florestan and Charles III (1856–1889) never managed to return these territories.
In March 1860, in gratitude for the military assistance provided by the French Emperor Napoleon III to the unification of Italy, the Kingdom of Sardinia ceded Savoy and the County of Nice, including Menton and Roquebrune, to France. On July 18, 1860, Sardinia withdrew its troops from Monaco, thereby ending the protectorate.
According to the agreement of February 2, 1861 between Prince Charles III and Napoleon III, Monaco renounced all rights to Menton and Roquebrune in favor of France, for which it received compensation in the amount of 4 million francs. The treaty officially recognized the independence of the Principality of Monaco, but it was reduced to 1/20 of its former area. According to unpublished additional articles of the treaty, Monaco promised not to transfer any part of its territory to any power other than France.
Principality before World War II. The principality, reduced in size and deprived of resources, was in an extremely difficult financial and economic situation. It was impossible to raise taxes further. Back in the 1850s, the authorities decided to improve matters by opening a casino, but the gambling house of the French entrepreneur Durand soon closed due to lack of transport connections and lack of competitiveness. The businessman Lefevre, who bought the company, also failed to get things going.
After several attempts to revive trade, Charles III and his mother Caroline decided to organize a company called the Sea Bathing Society. The concession to create a gambling house was sold for 1.7 million francs to banker Francois Blanc, who previously headed a gambling house in Hamburg. The term of his license was 50 years. Blanc managed to organize a casino and expand operations, the volume of which soon exceeded the most optimistic expectations. The hotels, theater and casino built by the Sea Bathing Society began to attract many tourists to the principality from the very beginning.
In 1865, Monaco signed a convention with France establishing a customs union. At the same time, the prince retained the right to conclude international treaties and agreements. The parties agreed on the construction of a railway line through Monegasque territory. Since 1868, when the railway line between Nice and Ventimiglia came into operation, the number of tourists has increased even more. In 1870, 140 thousand people visited the country, and in 1907 - already more than 1 million (at that time there were 52 hotels in the principality).
Monaco's economic progress was accompanied by an expansion of urban development. The Spelug quarter surrounding the casino was quickly built up with luxury hotels and prestigious buildings. In 1866 it received a new name after the prince - Monte Carlo. In 1869, the opera opened in Monte Carlo, which, under the leadership of the famous conductor Raoul Gainsbourg, gained worldwide fame.
During the reign of Charles III, train stations were built in Monaco and Monte Carlo, a post office was organized, the first postage stamps of the principality were issued and gold coins were minted. A separate bishopric was created in Monaco. In 1881 the civil code was introduced.
The population grew rapidly. In 1870, only 1,500 people lived in the principality; in 1888 this number increased to 10 thousand, and in 1907 - to 16 thousand.
The foreign policy activity of the principality also developed. In 1866–1905, Monaco concluded extradition treaties with Italy, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Denmark, as well as a convention on cooperation in the legal field with Italy, Belgium and France. The Principality signed multilateral agreements: the Paris (1883) and Berne (1886) conventions and the Madrid Agreement (1891). It appointed ambassadors and diplomatic representatives to France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, and to the papal court.
Prince Albert I (1889–1922) became famous for his scientific research in oceanography, paleontology, anthropology and botany. He founded the Institute of Oceanography in Paris with the famous Oceanographic Museum in Monaco (opened in 1910), the International Institute of Peace (1903) and the Exotic Garden, and contributed to the development of the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology in Monaco and other research institutions.
In 1911, the prince approved the constitution of the Principality of Monaco. In accordance with it, the monarch retained very broad powers, but shared legislative power with the National Council, which was elected by universal suffrage. In October 1914 the constitution was suspended.
Albert I patronized the development of art and culture: magnificent performances were staged at the Monaco Opera, and famous seasons of Russian ballet were held in Monaco. Monaco was active in diplomatic activities. According to the 1912 convention, French troops could be introduced into the territory of the principality only at the prior request of the prince. In 1914, Albert I unsuccessfully tried to persuade the German Emperor to abandon hostilities in the First World War. His son Louis served in the French army, and during the First World War he rose to the rank of general.
Officially, Monaco remained neutral in World War I, but France feared that the principality might fall under German influence, since Louis' heir was unmarried and the prince's cousin, Duke Wilhelm von Urach, was a German subject. On July 17, 1918, Monaco was forced to sign an agreement with France, which entered into force on June 23, 1919. The French Republic recognized and guaranteed the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Principality. In turn, the government of the principality was obliged to act “in accordance with the political, military, maritime and economic interests of France” and to coordinate its foreign policy with it. Only Monegasque or French citizens approved by the French government could become heirs to the throne or regents of Monaco. If the princely dynasty ended, Monaco was to form an autonomous state under the protectorate of France. The French army and navy received the right to occupy Monaco, even without the consent of the prince.
A political crisis erupted in the country in 1918 when the National Council refused to recognize the legitimacy of a daughter born to the heir to the throne, Louis, out of wedlock. The authorities issued an order on October 30, 1918, allowing the heir to adopt children in the absence of his own legitimate descendants.
Louis II (1922–1949) tried to maintain the independence of the principality in a difficult international situation and in the economic crisis of the 1930s. During the Second World War, troops of the warring powers entered the territory of the principality twice. The prince's grandson served in the French army during the war.
Modern Monaco. The grandson of Louis II, Prince Rainier III, who took the throne in 1949, contributed to the development of the principality's economy (tourism, industry), scientific research, sports and culture. While maintaining its traditional image as a luxury tourist destination and gambling paradise (in 1973, casinos accounted for just 5% of budget revenues), the country has also become a business, industrial and cultural center. Due to the drainage of areas of the sea, the area of ​​the state increased by 1/5 during his reign. In 1981, the city of Fontvieille was founded on the territory reclaimed from the sea to the west of the Monaco Rock. Currently there are plans to extend the land on which the Rock of Monaco is located far out to sea and significantly expand the territory of Monte Carlo. The developed areas will be built up; they are planning to build an underground railway and a station there.
In the economic field, measures have been taken to develop the hotel business, modernize the tourism infrastructure and build facilities suitable for holding international meetings and congresses. Modern industry and trade were created, which became the basis of income in the budget of the principality. The country has undergone major construction work on port facilities, an underground railway, administrative buildings, reconstruction and expansion of a hospital, urban infrastructure, tunnels and parking areas. A new stadium and water stadium, and an airport for helicopters were built.
In 1966, the Monegasque state decided to strengthen its control over such an important source of income as the Sea Bathing Society. Threatening to nationalize the casino, it bought up a majority of the company's shares.
New education laws improved compulsory schooling. New schools were built, measures were taken to develop sports and culture. The prince established prizes for composers and writers, and opened the palace to host concerts of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. The princely family patronized the organization of art festivals and ballet performances. The Monte Carlo television station began operating in 1954, and since 1961 the International Television Festival has been held. Scientific research developed: a Scientific Center, a laboratory for marine radioactivity, a center for underwater marine resources, etc. were opened in the principality.
Foreign policy emphasized maintaining close relations with France. French presidents and the Prince of Monaco have repeatedly exchanged official visits. In 1951, both countries signed a convention on good neighborliness and mutual assistance in the field of customs duties, taxes, postal services, television, etc. However, the tax problem caused friction in relations between states. France sought to return taxes on capital settled in Monaco to its budget. On May 18, 1963, after Monaco refused to make changes in the field of taxation and the establishment of French customs cordons on the border with the principality, a new Franco-Monaco convention was signed in Paris. It provided for the introduction of an income tax in the principality according to the principles of French taxation. However, citizens of Monaco, French people living in the country for more than 5 years, and companies in whose capital the share of Monegasque capital exceeded 25% were exempt from the tax.
Monaco maintained official relations with various countries and opened an embassy in Spain. In 1993 the country became a member of the UN.
In the late 1990s, Monaco increasingly began to be accused of becoming an international offshore center for money laundering. In 2000, a commission of the French National Assembly presented a corresponding report and recommended extending French banking control to the principality. Parliamentarians claimed that the number of fake companies registered in Monaco in 1998 was about 6 thousand, 49 banks had 340 thousand accounts, and the owners of 2/3 of them lived abroad. It was argued that the justice of the principality, dependent on the princely house, was not taking any measures to stop the current situation.
On October 24, 2002, after three years of negotiations, a new treaty was signed between Monaco and France, replacing the 1918 treaty. It confirmed the “traditional friendship” of the two countries, French guarantees of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the principality and Monaco’s obligation to exercise its sovereignty in accordance with “fundamental interests of the French Republic in the fields of politics, economics, security and defense,” as well as to coordinate its foreign policy with France. Monaco has the right to open diplomatic missions abroad or transfer the representation of its interests to France. The provisions on the possibility of changing the order of succession to the throne and the entry of French troops were formulated much more softly than in 1918. The text of the treaty stated only that the territory of Monaco was “inalienable”, that France must be informed of the change in succession to the throne and that French troops could enter the territory Monaco only with the consent of the prince or at his request (except in cases where independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened, but the normal functioning of power is interrupted).
Rainier III kept the political life of the principality under strict control. In 1950, the authorities banned the activities of the Communist Party. In the elections to the National Council until 1958, the National Democratic Consent bloc, a coalition of the Radical Socialist Party and the Monegasque Democratic Party, won, and in 1958 it was ahead of the National Union of Independents. In January 1959, the National Council was dissolved and the 1911 constitution was suspended. In January 1961, the prince appointed a new parliament. And on December 17, 1962, the country received a new constitution that confirmed the broad powers of the monarch. Legislative power belonged to the prince and the elected National Council, and executive power belonged to the Government Council, consisting of a state minister and three councilors. In this case, the Minister of State (head of the Government Council) had to be a French citizen and was appointed by the prince from among three candidates recommended by the President of France. Parliament did not have the right to control the activities of the government and take legislative initiatives.
In 1963, women in Monaco received voting rights. National Council elections in 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998 were consistently won by the National Democratic Union (NDU), formed by the merger of the National Union of Independents and the National Democratic Accord. Thus, during the 1998 elections, the VAT collected more than 67% of the votes and won all 18 seats in the National Council. The opposition parties National Union for the Future of Monaco and the Rally for the Monegasque Family received 23% and 9% of the votes, respectively.
In 1981, for the first time in its history, the principality experienced a general strike of workers demanding the expansion of trade union rights, guarantees of job preservation and the fight against inflation. There are trade unions in Monaco.
The posts of state ministers were succeeded by Jean-Émile Raymond (1963–1966), Paul Demange (1966–1969), François-Didier Greg (1969–1972), André Saint-Mieu (1972–1981), Jean Early (1981– 1985), Jean Ossay (1985–1991), Jacques Dupont (1991–1994), Paul Dijude (1994–1997) and Michel Levesque (1997–2000). In January 2000, VAT member Patrick Leclerc was appointed chief minister.
In 2002, the constitution of the Principality of Monaco was revised. This was preceded by discussions in the Council of Europe and demands to introduce a parliamentary regime in the country, including the responsibility of the government to parliament. Members of the National Council unanimously rejected such changes, considering them a path leading to political destabilization. However, the powers of the legislature were expanded. According to the new constitution, the National Council received the right to legislative initiative and put forward bills, to which the government is obliged to give an official and reasoned response within 6 months. It can make amendments to government projects, approve the introduction of direct and indirect taxes, as well as off-budget expenditures, and ratify all international treaties that change existing legislation.
In February 2003, regular elections to the National Council were held in Monaco, the composition of which was expanded from 18 to 24 members. Another innovation was the introduction of elements of a proportional voting system and the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 years. The election campaign was stubborn. The main struggle was between the VAT, led by Jean-Louis Campora, president of the National Council since 1993, and the opposition list of three parties, the Union for Monaco, led by former VAT member Stéphane Valéry. Both groups emphasized giving Monegasque citizens priority in employment and housing, and protecting the principality's traditional values. For the first time in 40 years, the elections put an end to the political dominance of the VAT, which managed to win only 3 seats in the National Council. The Union for Monaco won, receiving 21 seats; its leader S. Valery was elected the new chairman of the National Council.
LITERATURE
Pechnikov B.A. The numbers on the map indicate... M., 1986

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MONACO

MONACO
Monaco, the capital of the Principality of Monaco, shares a small territory of the country (1.95 km2) with two other cities of Monaco - La Condamine and Monte Carlo. The Principality of Monaco is located in Southern Europe, on the Mediterranean coast (the length of the coastline belonging to Monaco is 3.5 km). On land, the country is surrounded by French territory. The French-Italian border passes at a distance of 20 km from Monaco. The population of the capital is about 4 thousand inhabitants.
The preferential tax regime that exists in Monaco attracts many wealthy people here. However, obtaining Monegasque citizenship is very difficult, so the vast majority of residents are foreigners (French, Italians, British, Belgians). The indigenous inhabitants of Monaco, the Monegasques, are of French origin, partially mixed with Italians. The official language of Monaco is spoken French - the so-called Monegasque dialect (a mixture of French and Italian). The majority of the local population professes Catholicism.
Monaco is one of the world's tourism centers and one of the best resorts on the Cote d'Azur (Riviera). Up to a million tourists visit the country every year. The casino complex in Monte Carlo, built in the second half of the 19th century, is world famous. The casino, as well as a chain of hotels, entertainment venues, beaches, and water sports centers, belongs to the Sea Bathing Society, which has been under government control for the past 20 years.
Monaco is the center of many international organizations (International Hydrographic Office, International Academy of Tourism), a venue for international meetings. The Oceanographic Museum with a unique aquarium, founded here in 1899, has become the largest center for research of the World Ocean. The director of the museum for some time was the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau. The most powerful radio station in Europe, Radio Monte Carlo, is also located in Monaco. The city has served as the setting for many feature films.
The main industries here are the production of souvenirs and tourism. Other attractions include the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology. Residential quarters and terraced gardens (XVI-XVIII centuries), the princely palace (XVI-XIX centuries, includes fragments of a fortress of the XIII-XIV centuries), and the La Misericord chapel (XVII century) have been preserved.
PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO
A small state in southern Europe. In the north, east and west it borders with France, in the south it is washed by the waters of the Mediterranean Sea. The area of ​​the country is 1.95 km2.
The population (1998 estimate) is 32,035 people, the average population density is one of the highest in the world - about 16,428 people per km2. Ethnic groups: French - 47%, Italians - 16%, Monacians - 16%. Language: French (state), Monegasque (a mixture of French and Italian), Italian, English. Religion - Catholicism - 95%. The capital is Monaco. The government system is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is Prince Rainier III (in power since May 9, 1949). The head of government is Minister of State P. Dijou. The monetary unit is the French franc. The birth rate (per 1000 people) is 10.7. The mortality rate (per 1000 people) is 11.9.
The Principality of Monaco is a member of the UN. Monaco is a world famous Mediterranean resort. It has a mild climate and beautiful landscapes. Consists of four districts: La Condamine, Fontevey and Monte Carlo. Among the country's attractions are a medieval-style cathedral; the princely palace, built in the Renaissance style; oceanographic museum. The annual Monte Carlo Cup in Formula 1 car racing is very popular. Perhaps the most visited place in the principality is the casino in Monte Carlo, which brings the main income to the country's budget. All citizens of Monaco are exempt from paying taxes, but they are prohibited from visiting the casino.

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Geography of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is one of the smallest states in the world in terms of area, and it is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, not far from the borders of Italy. The country borders with France.

Monaco is located on the sea coast, which was formed by limestone mountains, which are part of the Maritime Alps in southern Europe. The highest point of the principality is Mount Agel, its height is 140 m.

The relief of Monaco is a hilly, heavily rugged area with rocks. Cape Monaco is a rocky plateau protruding far into the sea. La Condamine is an open, small sea bay.

The merged city-districts of Monte Carlo, Fontvieille, Monaco and the resort of La Condamine make up the territory of the dwarf state.

Government of Monaco

The form of government in Monaco is a constitutional monarchy. In the world community, the prince is recognized as the head of state, and the rights to govern the state are inherited in the principality. The head of government is the Minister of State, and all legislative power is vested in the monarch and the National Council, which is a unicameral parliament. The Communal Council performs the functions of the lower house.

Weather in Monaco

The climate in the state of Monaco is Mediterranean: winters are quite warm, the average temperature in January does not fall below +8°C.

Summer in the Principality is sunny, without rain, and the average temperature is +24°C. There are a lot of sunny, clear days in Monaco - about 300, there is little precipitation, mostly in late autumn, the average amount is 1300 mm, and the Alpes-Maritimes with their cliffs protect the principality from cold winds blowing from the north. Sea breezes have a cooling effect on the coast in summer. Thanks to its favorable climatic conditions, Monaco is considered a popular resort all over the world.

Language of Monaco

The official language in Monaco is French. But, since the country is home to many people of different nationalities, the residents of Monaco speak different languages; English, Italian and Monegasque are widely spoken in the country.

Religion

90% of Monaco's population are Catholic, and only 6% are Protestant.

Currency in Monaco

The international name of the monetary unit of Monaco is EUR.

1 Euro, as you know, is equal to 100 cents. The banknotes that are in circulation in Monaco are monetary units and coins that are in circulation in European countries.

It is possible to exchange money at points intended for the exchange of monetary units, which are located in banks, hotels and railway stations. It is profitable to exchange currency using ATM machines. Credit cards belonging to the world's leading systems and travel checks are freely used in this country.

Customs restrictions

Exported and imported cash means of payment are not limited in quantity, but securities, as well as cash in an amount that exceeds 9 thousand euros, are subject to declaration. A duty of 6-7% is levied on the value of exported goods if their amount exceeds 7.5 thousand euros or an equal amount in another currency. In order to subsequently freely export expensive jewelry owned by the traveler, it must be declared upon entry into the country.

The following goods imported from European countries that are not members of the European Union are not subject to duty: items and things intended for personal use, cigarettes up to 200 pcs. (cigars up to 50 pcs.; cigarillos up to 100 pcs.; tobacco - up to 250 grams), wine - up to 2 liters; alcoholic drinks containing more than 30% alcohol - up to 1 liter; perfume volume up to 50 g. and eau de toilette up to 0.25 l.

It is prohibited to import into or export from the country objects of historical value, animals and plants included in the Red Book, as well as drugs, weapons and ammunition of various classifications.

If a tourist has a prescription certified by the signature and seal of a doctor, then a permit for the transportation of medicines is not required for medications intended for personal consumption. Products of plant and animal origin, plants of any kind and animals must be presented for inspection to quarantine service employees.

Import of animals

To import animals, their owner must have a certificate of vaccinations given to the animal and a medical certificate issued no later than five days ago about the condition of the animal in French.

Russian representative offices of Monaco:

The consular section is located in the city of Monte Carlo.

The Consulate General is located in France, in the city of Marseille. Telephone:

Tips

In restaurants and hotels, 15% of the service charge is included in the bill, but if the service charge was not included in the bill provided, then in this case it is customary for the waiter to leave 10% of the total bill; for a guide or maid, it is enough to leave 50 cents or 1 EUR. The taxi driver is usually given a tip of 10-15% of the amount shown on the meter.

Office hours

From Monday to Friday, banks are open to the public from 9.00 and banks close at 16.30 in the evening. The lunch break in government offices in Monaco starts at 12.00 and lasts until 14.00.

Purchases

Store opening hours in Monaco are usually as follows: opening at 9.00, closing at 19.00. Break from 12.00 to 15.00.

18.6% is VAT, but for medical equipment, medicines, soft drinks and food products the country has a lower tax rate than standard figures. The tax amount is, of course, included in the market value of the goods. Foreigners have the opportunity to receive a cash tax refund when purchasing goods in one store for an amount exceeding 185 euros - the money is returned to buyers at customs if they present the goods and a receipt for it to the customs service. In some cases, the check is sent to the address specified by the buyer and cashed at the bank.

Principality of Monaco (dwarf state)

The Principality of Monaco (Principaute de Monaco) is a dwarf independent state associated with France, located in the south of Europe on the shores of the Ligurian Sea (no larger than London's Hyde Park).

It is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The Principality is famous for the casino in Monte Carlo and the Formula 1 stage held here - the Monaco Grand Prix.

It should be noted that over the past 100 years, Monaco has been living off gambling and satisfying the whims of rich people from different countries. In addition, the Principality of Monaco became one of the world's largest sites of property speculation, a kind of low-rise Manhattan-by-the-sea, with an incredible concentration of fin-de-siecle style hotels (late 19th century) instead of skyscrapers.

Since the 13th century, the principality has been owned by the Grimaldi family and, by law, in the event of the end of the dynasty, the principality of Monaco (a dwarf state) must once again become part of France. The present ruler, Prince Rainier, is the only legitimate autocratic ruler in Europe, and all French laws must be approved by him for application in Monaco.

The principality has a parliament, which has a small set of rights and is elected only by Monegasques - subjects of Monaco, who make up only about 16% of the population. However, there is no opposition to the ruling family in Monaco. Monegasque citizens and non-French citizens pay no income tax, but their wealth is protected by strict security forces: Monaco has more police per square meter of territory than any other country in the world.

If you are a true car racing fan, then you should come to Monaco in the last week of May, during which time Formula 1 races for the Monaco Grand Prix take place around the port and casino. At this time, it is impossible to get to any place from where the track is visible without a ticket, which excludes the possibility of inspection attractions .

The oldest part of the principality, 2 kilometers long, Monaco-Ville, is concentrated around the princely palace on a high rocky cape. To the west of it are the new suburb and marina of Fontvieille. On the other side of the cape is the old port quarter of La Condamine, at the eastern border is the seaside resort of Larvotto with artificial beaches and imported sand, and in the middle is Monte Carlo.

City-region of Monte Carlo

Monte-Carlo is a city-district located in the Principality of Monaco, where a lot of money is circulating. Arriving in Monaco, you should definitely see the famous Monte Carlo casino(Casino de Monte-Carlo). Persons under 21 years of age are not allowed into the casino and may have to present a passport. The dress code is strict, shorts and T-shirts are discouraged, and for the most interesting departments a skirt (for women), a formal suit, jacket and tie (for men) are more or less required. Bags and large coats are checked at the entrance.

Amateur players who come for one day, as a rule, do not enter the casino itself, but go to a small slot machine room (one-armed bandits and poker machines) with free entry, located at the main entrance to the casino. You can stroll through the impressive lobby, use the luxurious restrooms, and check out the small theater (which hosts temporary exhibitions) without any obligation.

The first gaming room of the inner sanctuary is the European salons (Salon Europeen, open from 14.00, entrance 10 €). There are other slot machines around the American roulette, craps and blackjack tables, the dealers are trained in Las Vegas, the lighting is dim and very smoky. However, the decoration of the halls above this piece of Nevada is made in the fin-de-siecle rococo style, and the ceiling of the neighboring Pink Salon Bar is painted with images of naked women smoking cigarettes.

The heart of the entire establishment is the Salons Prives (passage through the Tuze Rooms). To get there you must look like a player and not a tourist (no cameras or video cameras), plus you will have to pay 20 € upon entry. These halls are much larger in size than European salons and more richly decorated, and the atmosphere in them, during opening hours or out of season, resembles the atmosphere of a cathedral.

No clinking of coins, just the sliding of chips and the soft talk of the dealer. Elderly players walk quietly, sorting through large banknotes (the maximum non-agreed bet here is 76 thousand €), television cameras under the chandeliers monitor the players sitting at the tables, and no one drinks anything. In the evenings at the height of summer, the halls are filled to capacity, and evil loses its solemn and noble connotation.

Next to the casino is the Opera House, and around the palm-lined Casino Square there are other casinos, palace hotels and grand cafes. The American bar of the Hotel de Paris gathers the “cream of the world society.” If you are dressed appropriately and are not afraid of being judged by others for refusing to order a drink for 30 €, then you can have free fun there, against the backdrop of the decadence of the Belle Epoque times, people watching, of which, most likely, the most interesting aspect is the bank accounts.

Monaco-Ville, Fontvieille and Larvotto

After the casino, polished Monaco-Ville (buses No. 1 and 2), where every second store sells mugs with a portrait of Prince Rainier and similar trinkets, does not make much of an impression on tourists. You can wander around the luxurious Prince's Palace of Monaco(Palais de Monaco).

Admire the wax figures of princes at the Monaco Wax Museum (L’Historial des Princes de Monaco, 27 rue Hasse). View a slideshow about different aspects of the principality in the Monte Carlo Story, underground opposite the Oceanographic Museum, or walk among the tombstones of former princes and Princess Grace in the neo-Romanesque-Byzantine Monaco Cathedral(Cathedrale de Monaco).

What's really interesting in the Old Town is part of Barbara Piasecka-Johnson's collection of religious art at the Museum of the Chapelle of the Ordeal (Musee de la Chapelle de la Visitation) on Place Visitacion. This small but exquisite collection includes works by Zurbaran, Rivera, Rubens and even extremely rare early religious works by Wermeer.

Perhaps the main place to visit in Monaco is the aquarium in the basement of the Oceanographic Museum, where marine life surpasses the most fantastic inventions of Kandinsky and Hieronymus Bosch. Not so exceptional, but still distinctive are the cacti in the Exotic Garden (Jardin Exotic) on the Boulevard Jardin Exotic high above Fontvieille.

The entrance ticket also entitles you to the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology (Musee d'Anthropologie Prehistorique), which traces the history of the human race from the Neanderthals to Prince Grimaldi, and the prehistoric caves of the Grotte de 1'Observtoire with illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.

In Fontvieille, the part of the city lying slightly south of the Palace, there are other museums, including his lordship's car collection, his coin and stamp collections, his collection of model ships and his zoo with rare wild animals on the Terrasses de Fontvieille; bus number 6) at the port.

Near Larvotto beach there is the National Museum (Musee National, 17 avenue Princesse Grace), dedicated to the history of dolls and robots. It's better than you might expect: some of the dollhouse scenes are very funny and the slow-crawling robots are very surreal.

Useful information about the Principality of Monaco

The train station is located at the top end of Boulevard Rainier III and has 4 exits: signs for "Le Rocher-Fontvieille" will take you to the end of Avenue Prince Pierre above Place d'Armes, and signs for "Monte Carlo" - to Place Saint Devote.

The remaining two exits lead to the boulevard Belgique and the pedestrian path in front of the station. Municipal buses run throughout the Principality from 7.00 to 21.00 (single ticket 1.50 euros, card for 4 trips 3.50 euros). Buses traveling along the Lower Corniche stop at the bus station, other routes have stops in different places, but all stop at Monte Carlo.

Local bus no. 4 from the bus station and buses no. 1 and 2 go to the "Casino-Tourisme" stop near the tourist office (2 boulevard des Moulins), which has a conveniently located branch at the train station for those arriving by train (Tuesday-Saturday 9.00-17.00) .

The incredibly clean and efficient free elevator connecting the upper and lower streets (marked on the tourist map) is very convenient. Bicycles are available for rent from Monte-Carlo-Rent (quai des Etats-Units) in the port.

one of the smallest states in the world. Located in southern Europe, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. includes the merged arrondissement cities of Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille.

State of Monaco it is not only a resort pearl of the Mediterranean Sea, but also a well-known tourist center. It should be noted that the country is one of the smallest states in the world in terms of area (Monaco is second only to the Vatican). The territory occupied by the principality is 1.95 square meters. km., translated into hectares equals 200 of which a fifth was reclaimed from the sea. But soon, thanks to the project being developed, the territory of the principality will increase by almost 300 thousand square meters. m due to the construction of an artificial peninsula.

The Principality borders on countries such as,. The border between France and Monaco is virtual, as border posts and outposts give way to flower tubs and road signs (sometimes they only point to a nominal border).

Story

The appearance of the first settlements in this area dates back to 3000 years ago. This is where the name of the country comes from. According to one version, this area was then called Monoikos, which comes from "Portus Monoeci", mentioned in various legends of the port. According to another version, the area got its name from the temple built by the Greeks in honor of Hercules - “Heraklos Monoikos”, which translated means “The only Hercules”.

In these places in 43 BC. the great Caesar gathered his fleet awaiting the arrival of Pompey from Illyria.

Modern Principality of Monaco

Modern Monaco is a merged city-district: Monaco-Ville (the old city, also has the second name “Le Rocher” (“the rock”)) is the business part of the country, Monte Carlo, La Codamine (city and port), Fontvielle (industrial area).

The capital is the city of Monaco with a population of only 3 thousand people, it is located on the Monaco cliff, dominating the bay and port. According to 2000 data. Monaco's population was about 31.9 thousand people, of which indigenous people - Monegasques- about 6 thousand or 16%. people, the French - about 13 thousand or 47%, the Italians - about 5 thousand or about 15%, the British - over 1 thousand. And if Monaco ranks second to last in terms of territory, then in terms of population density it ranks first in the world.

A high standard of living and favorable climatic conditions provide a fairly high level of life expectancy (for men about 75 years, for women 83 years). A significant part of the country's population is over 65 years of age (25%). However, with such a high level of life expectancy, Monaco has very little population growth. This is due to the low birth rate. The slight population growth is offset by an influx of immigrants.

Official language is French, but Monegasque, Italian, and English are also common. 95% of believers are Catholics.

Traditional Monegasque housing– Mediterranean type (two-story small stone houses with tiled roofs).

National clothes- pants, leggings, shirt, vest and jacket, neckerchief for men, black wide gathered skirt, white jacket with long sleeves, lilac or blue bodice, colored scarf and white cap for women, it is worn only during festivals and celebrations.

Policy

Monaco is a constitutional hereditary monarchy(principality, in 1997 the 700th anniversary of the ruling Grimaldi dynasty was celebrated). Legislative power belongs to the prince and the National Council (parliament) consisting of 18 deputies. Parliamentary elections are held on the basis of universal suffrage (which is vested in all citizens over 21 years of age) by direct voting under a system of proportional representation for a period of five years. A deputy of the National Council can only be a Monegasque, born in Monaco and at least 25 years old.

Executive power belongs to the Government Council, headed by the Minister of State (this post, according to tradition, which dates back to 1918, is occupied by a French diplomat, a citizen of France). The Government Council, consisting of seven members, meets at least twice a year. At its meetings, with the participation of the prince, international agreements, applications for citizenship and other state affairs are discussed. According to the 1962 constitution, the prince retains the right to take legislative initiatives, but cannot suspend the operation of the constitution.

All laws are adopted by the National Council; Amendments to the constitution require 2/3 approval. The National Council may be dissolved by the head of state with the consent of the Government Council, but new elections must be called without delay. In accordance with the treaty concluded with France in 1918, Monaco becomes an autonomous state under the protectorate of France in the event that the throne is unoccupied due to the absence of an heir. Officially, there are no political parties in Monaco; the main political organization is the National Democratic Union.

The legal system is based on the French legal code. It consists of courts of first instance, magistrates and appellate courts. There is also a Supreme Court, consisting of five members and two assessors, appointed by the prince for a term of four years on the proposal of the National Council. Monaco has a police force, but no army of its own, other than the 65-member Royal Guard. Defense matters are the responsibility of France.

Economy

In the sphere of economy and production, Monaco is developing in such industries as electronics, electrical engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, precision instrumentation, production of building materials, earthenware, ceramics and majolica. A separate item can be highlighted in trade, the tourism sector and the production of souvenirs. State power is very closely connected with business and exercises strict control over the latter. The government holds monopolies on a number of economic sectors: the sale of tobacco products, the operation of the telephone network and postal services, etc. The government maintains strict control over production. Perhaps there is not a single environmentally polluting production facility in this country. It is not surprising that This is where the Green Peace movement was born..

The Principality issues its own postage stamps, which are highly valued by philatelists around the world.

The preferential tax regime attracts hundreds of international companies to Monaco. Several dozen banks use the territory of Monaco to conduct financial transactions. The budget of the principality is replenished by taxes from banking, tourism, entertainment activities, as well as the sale of stamps. And if you have the idea that the main profit comes from gaming establishments, you are mistaken. Casinos provide the treasury with only 3-4% of all revenues of the principality.

Monegasques are the richest people, almost no one works, because... becomes a millionaire even before birth. Reason: on the territory of Monaco, the head of any representative office of any global company must be a citizen of Monaco, i.e. Monegasque, therefore, for every newborn Monegasque there is a queue of hundreds of companies wanting to have him as their director! Can you imagine how much they unfasten for them?! And it’s profitable for the company, because the number of millionaires, billionaires and just tourists here is off the charts! Of course, the reader has a question: who works in production and in the service sector. The answer is simple: more than 70% of those working in these industries are from neighboring regions of France and Italy.

Tourism

Being a world center of tourism, Monaco is famous for the abundance of exhibitions and other events held here, both European and international. Moreover, every month is significant for some event. For example, in January the International Circus Festival and the Monte Carlo Motor Rally take place, and February in Monaco is known for the International Television Festival. The Rose Ball, the Festival of Contemporary Sculpture, the International Floriculture Competition and much more - all this awaits you in Monaco.

It is also famous for its medical and health centers - thalassotherapy centers. Among the most famous establishments are Le Monte Carlo Sporting Club. The health centers use the latest methods using sea water, the sea climate in combination with original products of marine origin. offer a wide range of wellness treatments: relaxation and hydromassage, aromatherapy and aqua aerobics.

The activities of the crowned family are not limited to financial management. In addition, members of the princely family are active in other areas, such as the patron of the Monte Carlo rally, tennis tournaments, and annual circus and magic festivals. Princess Caroline solemnly opens exhibitions and festivals and organizes charity balls. Largely thanks to her efforts, it was possible to revive the famous ballet seasons of Monte Carlo, at the origins of which Diaghilev himself stood. Her younger sister Stephanie is a patron of the stage and modeling business.