France is a developed and stable democracy with a modern economy. Monaco is a developed constitutional monarchy on the shores of the Mediterranean. Tourist facilities are widely available. Monaco is a principality governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. Even though Prince Albert II is a constitutional monarch, he still has immense political power.
The House of Grimaldi have ruled Monaco, with brief interruptions, since 1297.
The official language is French, but Monégasque, Italian, and English are widely spoken and understood.
The state's sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861, with Monaco becoming a full United Nations voting member in 1993. Despite Monaco's independence and separate foreign policy, its defence is the responsibility of France. However, Monaco does maintain two small military units. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railway to France, and the opening of the first casino, Monte Carlo.
Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist destination and recreation centre for the rich and famous. However, in more recent years Monaco has become a major banking center and has successfully sought to diversify its economy into the services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting industries. The state has no income tax, low business taxes, and is well known for being a tax haven.
Monaco Travel Guide
Top Destinations in Monaco
La Condamine, Monaco
La Condamine is the second oldest district in Monaco, after Monaco-Ville. It is known for its distinctive wide harbor and moored expensive yachts.
Monte Carlo, Monaco
The principality of Monaco or the city-state Monaco [1] lies in between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, bounded by the French Riviera to the west and the ...
