The Principality of Monaco (French: Principauté de Monaco; Monegasque: Principatu de Munegu), more commonly known as Monaco, is a city state and one of the European microstates. It is located between the Mediterranean Sea and France along the French Riviera, near the French border with Italy.
Monaco is the most densely populated independent country in the world1 and the world's second-smallest independent country.
Monaco has been governed as a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as head of state. The executive branch consists of a Minister of State (the head of government), who presides over a four-member Council of Government (the cabinet). The Minister of State is a French citizen appointed by the Prince from among candidates proposed by the French Government. Under the 1962 constitution, the Prince shares his power with the unicameral National Council (parliament). The 24 members of this legislative body are elected from lists by universal suffrage for five-year terms.
The principality's local affairs are directed by the Communal Council, which consists of 15 elected members and is presided over by the Mayor.
The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world, after Vatican City. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, 18 kilometres east of Nice and near the Italian border, and is surrounded on three sides by the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Région of France. It consists of a narrow strip along the coast at the bottom of the foothills of the Alps and its highest point is "Le Rocher" at 140 m.
Monaco is divided into seven sections or quarters (quartiers): Monaco-Ville, the capital, the old city on a rocky promontory extending into the Mediterranean known as the Rock of Monaco; La Condamine, the section along the port; Monte Carlo, the principal residential and resort area with the casino; Fontvieille, a newly constructed area reclaimed from the sea; Moneghetti, on the western border with Cap d`Ail; Larvotto - Tenao includes the beach area to the east of the principality. Saint Roman is the easternmost tip, bordering the Tenao.
The principality is noted for its beautiful natural scenery and mild, sunny climate. The average minimum temperature in January and February is 8 °C (47 °F); in July and August the average maximum temperature is 26 °C (78 °F).
Things you should know when travelling to Monaco
Most Canadian visitors to Monaco do not experience problems. There are no serious security concerns. However, crime such as pickpocketing does occur, especially at the Monaco train station. Exercise normal precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure. Theft of passports or other important documents should be reported to the nearest police station or Sûreté Publique.
