Monaco is a tiny sovereign city-state on the French Riviera, bordered by France on three sides and the Mediterranean Sea to the south. It is renowned for its glamour, casino, and Formula One Grand Prix street race. Despite its small size, Monaco has one of the highest standards of living in the world.
- Capital
- Monaco
- Continent
- Europe
- Region
- Western Europe
- Area
- 2.02 km²
- Coordinates
- 44° N, 7° E
- Languages
- French
- Currency
- EUR €
- Domain
- .mc
- Calling code
- +377
On the world map
Bordering countries
FranceCountry facts
- Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world by area, covering just over two square kilometres.
- The official language of Monaco is French, though Monégasque, Italian, and English are also widely spoken.
- Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since 1297, making it one of Europe's oldest ruling dynasties.
- Monaco has no income tax for residents, which attracts many wealthy individuals from around the world.
- The national flag of Monaco consists of two equal horizontal bands of red on top and white on the bottom.
Capital facts
- Monaco-Ville, the historic old town built on a rocky promontory, is the traditional heart of the capital.
- The Prince's Palace of Monaco has served as the royal residence since the late 13th century.
- The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, founded by Prince Albert I in 1910, is a celebrated marine science institution.
- Saint Nicholas Cathedral, built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style in 1875, is the burial place of the Grimaldi princes.
- The capital sits on the Rock of Monaco, a natural fortification that rises about 60 metres above the sea.