Monaco

The second smallest sovereign state, with the shortest coastline of any non-landlocked nation.

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate in Western Europe. Situated on the French Riviera, it is a semi-enclave bordered by France to the north, east, and west, with the Mediterranean Sea to the south; the Italian region of Liguria is about 15 km east. With a population of 38,423 living in an area of 2.08 km², Monaco is the second smallest sovereign state in the world, after Vatican City, as well as the most densely populated. It also has the world's shortest national coastline of any non-landlocked nation, at 3.83 km. Fewer than 10,000 of its residents are Monégasque nationals. Although French is the official language of Monaco, Italian and Monégasque are also widely spoken and understood.

Quick Facts

Region: Western Europe
Languages: French
Currency: Euro
Area: 2 km²
Sovereign status: Principality
Ruling dynasty: House of Grimaldi
Geographic context: Enclave on the Mediterranean coast, bordered by France

Lore & Background

Monaco was first mentioned by the Greek historian Hecataeus of Miletus, who referred to it as 'Monoikos, a Ligurian town'. In 1191, the Holy Roman Empire granted Monaco to the Genoese. The Grimaldi family captured it in 1297 by posing as monks. The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco, with brief interruptions, since 1297. The state's sovereignty was officially recognised by the Franco-Monégasque Treaty of 1861. Monaco became a full United Nations voting member in 1993.

Reader's Guide

Monaco is governed under a form of semi-constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. The prime minister can be either a Monégasque or French citizen. Monaco uses the euro as its sole currency. It is not part of the European Union but participates in certain EU policies. Monaco is a member of the Council of Europe and the OIF. It hosts the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Rally. AS Monaco competes in French Ligue 1. Monaco is a centre of marine conservation and research.