Monaco

Monaco 

     On the coast of France lies the second smallest country. Although small, you could say that this is the best country in the world because of the wealthiness, the education system, the government, the nice climate, and the amazing year-round events. Welcome to Monaco, the place where people say, "This is the best country in the world!"

Flag

     The flag of Monaco is surprisingly very similar to the flag of Indonesia. The only difference is that Indonesia has a longer flag than the flag of Monaco.

     These colors are on the coat of arms and were used for the Grimaldi House. The ratio of the flag is either 4:5 or 2:3.

History of Monaco

     

     The history of Monaco starts with the constant conquering of the rock of Monaco. One day, the city of Genoa, Italy, took over Monaco and then arose the Grimaldi family who previously resided in Genoa, Italy. After leaving for Monaco, they took over in 1297.

     They helped Genoa and France out which helped the nation flourish. In 1641, Monaco was recognized as a sovereign state by Spain and France. During the French Revolution, the people of Monaco were financially thriving.  The revolutionaries during the French Revolution weren't pleased, so in 1793, France took over Monaco. 

     In 1814, France gave independence to Monaco, but they were still under the control of the Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1861, the Franco-Monegasque treaty was signed. Monaco gave France 95% of their land and France gave Monaco protection. 

     The country's booming economy is due to the Monte-Carlo Casino built in 1863. While Monegasque citizens can't gamble there, tourists can. Tourism actually helped the principality out a lot, and this is why no one in Monaco is in poverty. In fact, 33% of the Monegasque population are millionaires. There is also no income tax which is a major factor.

     Now, let's move on to the country requirements.

Country Requirements:

-Defined Territory

     Monaco is located south of France and is the second smallest nation. It is also the smallest nation in the UN. It is 2.02 square kilometers which is about 33% smaller than Central Park in the U.S.A and more than twice as large as the Holy See in the Vatican City. It is located in the French Riviera and very close to Italy. Monaco has no islands whatsoever.

-Permanent Population

     As of 2019, the population of Monaco was 38,300 people. There are 26,337 people in every square kilometer which is one of the world's highest population densities.

-Government

     Monaco is a principality. A principality is a form of government that has a prince as the leader.  The Grimaldi family is the family of the principality and is the oldest in the Europe or even the world! As of 2022, the price of Monaco is Prince Albert II. Price Albert's mother was Grace Kelly, an American actor. This means that Albert is half Monegasque and half American.

     Albert later married Charlene Lynette Wittstock who was a South African Olympian swimmer who was born in Zimbabwe.

-Relations w/ Countries

     Monaco has strong relations with the European Union while not part of it. Most of the country's products are imported so this is a crucial role for the EU. 

     Since it is a Catholic state, it has relation with the Vatican City. Many European countries have strong relations with Monaco since most of their residents move to Monaco.

Education

     Education in Monaco is mandatory starting from age 6 all the way to 16. Lessons are taught in French, but Monegasque is taught when children are young. School starts in September and ends in July.

     Kids learn English as early as three-years-old. When kids are five, they are taught to swim. Religion is also taught with parent permission.

     The education system in Monaco is one of the best in the world.

Formula One Grand Prix

     During May, the Formula One racing event known as the Grand Prix takes place in Monaco. As of 2021, the event has been held 78 times. The event was first held in 1929. It consists of a track that is circled around 78 times.

     This is the shape of the track for the Monegasque Grand Prix. Most of Monegasque celebrities are the racers in the Grand Prix. 

General Information

-The country is a city-state, so the capital is the country itself.

-Currency: € (Euro)

-They drive on the right side of the road.

-The URL domain is .mc.

-Anthem: Hymne Monégasque

-Official Language(s): French (Monegasque is also spoken which is a dialect of the Ligurian language.

-Nationality: Monegasque

BEFORE YOU GO!

     Monaco is a crazy-rich country and although it is small, it keeps growing, literally and figuratively. Monaco keeps reclaiming land like Port Fontvielle. Monaco is a huge sign that when we are given little in life, we can make a lot out of it. This is really something we can learn from the Monegasque.