Monaco - French Riviera

The Principality of Monaco is more known simply as Monaco, is a small city state with a constitutional monarchy system. It is located in Western Europe, on the French Riviera and between France and Mediterranean sea.It belongs to six micro states in Europe.
Monaco is the 2nd smallest nation of the world, there is only 32,410 people living there on the area of 1,96 square kilometres. But there is percentualy more millionaires than in any other country or nation.

It is located 18km from Nice and near Italy. From 3 sides it is surrounded by France, region Provence, Alps and Cote d´Azur.
"Le Rocher" is a highest point of Monaco = 141 meters. 
The principality is loved for its beautiful scenery and a sunny, mild climate. During winter there is in average 8°C and in summer it is maximum 26°C. Monaco has a long beach and cliffs that are about 63 meters high.

Law and government

Monaco has a constitutional monarchy from 1911, with a Prince who is a head of state. Minister of State presides in a 4 member cabinet (Council of Government). Minister of state is proposed by the French Government and must be a French citizen. He is appointed by the Prince. Since 1962, the prince has to share his power with parliament which has 24 members.

Monaco has the largest police in the world, based on per capita and aslo on per area. There is no regular army, it is responsibility of France, but there is a small military force to protect the prince. They are called Compagnie des Carabiniers. It was formed in 1817 and consist of about 100 officers (served in French army before) and soldiers. They also guard coastal waters and beaches.

Economy

For Monaco is a tourism one of its main income sources. Visitors are attracted every year by its nice climate and of course also thanks to its famous casino.  On the other hand it is is considered as a one of the world´s most expensive places. It is also considered as a tax haven and its citizens are mainly millionaires from all over the world. You can see plenty of high class automobiles, expensive boutiques, restaurants, 5 star hotels...

There is no income individual tax. That attracts many " tax refugees" from Europe, celebrities, formula 1 drivers, but also business people.

Monaco is not a EU member, but has a close relatioship with France (customs union) and so it also use Euro as its currency.

French language is an official language of Monaco, but also English, Italian and 2 local languages are very often spoken.

And not to forget Monaco GP (Grand prix of Formule one) which is the only GP held on the city roads.

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