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 (11 mi) 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 metres (459 ft).

Monaco is divided into four quarters (quartiers): Monaco-Ville, the old city on a rocky promontory extending into the Mediterranean known as the Rock of Monaco; La Condamine, the northwest section including the port area; Monte Carlo, the principal residential and resort area with the casino in the east; and Fontvieille, a newly constructed area reclaimed from the sea. La Condamine quartier is further subdivided into La Condamine proper (the port area); Moneghetti; Les Revoires, containing the Jardin Exotique; and La Colle, on the western border with Cap d`Ail. Monte Carlo quartier is also subdivided into several neighborhoods: Monte Carlo proper (the casino and resort area); Larvotto, a beach area to the east of the principality; Saint Roman/Tenao on the northeast corner; and the central residential area of Saint Michel.

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.

Monaco received its first ambassador from abroad on the 16 February, 2006, from France. This is despite having had representation abroad and in the United Nations for many years.

The official religion in Monaco is Roman-Catholicism. Freedom of worship and religious belief, however, is guaranteed by the constitution.

Monaco has the largest police force and police presence in the world, both per capita and per area.

Monaco's population is unusual in that the native Monegasques are a minority in their own country. The largest proportion of residents are French nationals (47%), while Monegasque and Italian nationals represent 16% each, and the remaining 21% belong to one of the other 125 nationalities that make up Monaco's international population.

French is the only official language, but Italian, English, and the local Monégasque language (a descendant of Genoese) are also spoken. The literacy rate is 99%.

Roman Catholicism is the official religion, with freedom of other religions guaranteed by the constitution.

Monaco has ten state-operated schools, including seven nursery and primary schools, one secondary school, one lycée that provides general and technological training, and one lycée that provides vocational and hotel training.

The shoulder seasons - April/May and September/October - are the most pleasant times, climatically, to visit Monaco. Summer - June to August - can be very hot, and you'll be pressing flesh with most of Europe. Winter is a better bet, as it may be a bit rainy but it's unlikely to be too cold. Car-racing fans will probably want to be here either in January for the Motor Rally or May for the Grand Prix.

Top Attractions are in Monaco: Palais du Prince , Musée Océanographique , Monte Carlo Casino

MONACO National Flower : Carnation
Monaco National Name : Principality of Monaco
National Capital : Monaco
Monaco Area : Approx. 1.95n Sq Km (0.75 Sq. Mi), <0.01% of total
Monaco Population : 33,000 in 2010 (0.00% in total)
Ethnicity in Monaco : French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%
Monaco Languages : French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque.
Religions in Monaco: Roman Catholic 90%
Currency : Euro ,EUR
Time Zone :
UTC+01 (CET)

Popular Cities in Monaco

Monte Carlo