The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family secured control in the late 13th century, and a principality was established in 1338. 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, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.
Population
30,586 (July 2010 est.)
Country comparison to the world:212
Nationality
Noun:Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)
Adjective:Monegasque or Monacan
Ethnic groups
French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%
Religions
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%
Languages
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
Country Name
Conventional long form:Principality of Monaco
Conventional short form: Monaco
Local long form:Principaute de Monaco
Local short form:Monaco
Government Type
constitutional monarchy
Capital
Name:Monaco
Geographic coordinates:43 44 N, 7 25 E
Time difference:UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Administrative divisions
none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are four quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo
Independence
1419 (beginning of rule by the House of Grimaldi)
National Holiday
National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)
Constitution
17 December 1962; modified 2 April 2002
Legal system
based on French law; has not accepted compulsory ICJ jurisdiction
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
Chief of state:Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)
Head of government:Minister of State Michel ROGER (since 29 March 2010)
Cabinet:Council of Government under the authority of the monarch
(For more information visit the World Leaders website)
Elections:the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government
Legislative branch
unicameral National Council or Conseil National (24 seats; 16 members elected by list majority system, 8 by proportional representation to serve five-year terms)
Elections:last held on 3 February 2008 (next to be held in February 2013)
Election results:percent of vote by party - UPM 52.2%, REM 40.5%, Monaco Together 7.3%; seats by party - UPM 21, REM 3
Judicial branch
Supreme Court or Tribunal Supreme (judges appointed by the monarch on the basis of nominations by the National Council)
Political Parties and Leaders
Monaco Together; Rally and Issues for Monaco or REM; Union for Monaco or UPM (including National Union for the Future of Monaco or UNAM)
Political pressure groups and leaders
NA
International organization participation
CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC, ICCt (signatory), ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention, UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission:Ambassador to the US and Representative to the UN Gilles NOGHES
Chancery:3400 International Drive NW, Suite 2K-100, Washington, DC 20008
Telephone:(202) 234-1530
FAX:(202) 552-5778
Consulate(s) general:New York
Diplomatic representation from the US
the US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France), under the authority of the US ambassador to France, handles routine diplomatic and consular matters concerning Monaco
Flag description
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since 1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners
note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red
