Profile
Background and figures as recorded in the CIA World Factbook.
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present-day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling GRIMALDI family first seized control in 1297 but was not able to permanently secure its holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, coastal Mediterranean scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist and recreation center.
- Capital
- Monaco
- Government
- constitutional monarchy
- Population
- 32,047
- Area
- 2 sq km
- Location
- Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
- Climate
- Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
- Natural resources
- none
- Languages
- French (official); English; Italian; Monegasque
- Religions
- Roman Catholic 90% (official); other 10%
- Independence
- 1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of GRIMALDI)
- Administrative divisions
- no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US government, but 4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier)…
- Currency
- euros (EUR)
- Export partners
- Italy; Switzerland; Germany; Belgium…
- Import partners
- Italy; Switzerland; United Kingdom; Germany…
Source: CIA World Factbook — a work of the US government, in the public domain