Principality of Monaco
National name: Principauté de Monaco
Ruler: Prince Albert II (2005)
Minister of State: Patrick Leclercq (2000)
Total area: 0.8 sq mi (2.0 sq km)
Population (2007 est.): 32,671 (growth rate: 0.4%); birth rate: 9.1/1000; infant mortality rate: 5.3/1000; life expectancy: 79.8; density per sq mi: 42,309
Capital (2003 est.): Monaco, 1,400
Largest city: Monte Carlo, 15,400
Monetary unit: Euro
Languages: French (official), English, Italian, Monégasque
Ethnicity/race: French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%, other 21%
Religion: Roman Catholic 90%
Literacy rate: 99% (2003 est.)
Economic summary: GDP/PPP (2000 est.): $870 million; per capita $27,000. Real growth rate: 0.9%. Inflation: 1.9%. Unemployment: 3.1% (1998). Arable land: 0%. Agriculture: none. Labor force: 30,540 (Jan. 1994). Natural resources: none. Industries: tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products. Exports: n.a. Imports: n.a. Full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU.
Communications: Telephones: main lines in use: 31,027 (1995); mobile cellular: n.a. Radio broadcast stations: AM 1, FM n.a., shortwave 8 (1998). Radios: 34,000 (1997). Television broadcast stations: 5 (1997). Televisions: 25,000 (1997). Internet Service Providers (ISPs): 2 (2000). Internet users: n.a.
Transportation: Railways: total: 1.7 km. Highways: total: 50 km; paved: 50 km; unpaved: 0 km (1999 est.). Ports and harbors: Monaco. Airports: linked to airport in Nice, France, by helicopter service.

Monaco Contacts
Monaco Tourism Office, Monaco: +377 9216 6116 or http://www.visitmonaco.com/
French Embassy, Washington DC, United States (also responsible for Monaco): +1 212 944 6000.
French Embassy, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Monaco): +44 (0)20 7073 1000.
French Embassy, Ottawa, Canada (also responsible for Monaco): +1 613 789 1795.
French Embassy, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for Monaco): +61 (0)2 6216 0100.
Honorary Consul of Monaco, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 702 0991/2.
French Embassy, Dublin, Ireland (also responsible for Monaco): +353 (0)1 277 5000.
Consulate of Monaco, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 (0)21 933 745.
United States Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4312 2222.
British Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4451 3100.
Canadian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4443 2900.
Australian Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4059 3300.
South African Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 5359 2323.
Irish Honorary Consulate, Monaco: +377 9315 7000.
New Zealand Embassy, Paris, France (also responsible for Monaco): +33 (0)1 4501 4343.
Emergencies: 17 (police); 18 (ambulance and fire).

Hotels

Fairmont Hotel Monte Carlo Monaco
The Fairmont Monte Carlo hotel is a unique luxury convention resort located in the heart of the Principality of Monaco, between the Mediterranean Sea and the legendary Casino of Monte Carlo, boasting a wonderful waterfront location. The fairmont Monte Carlo Hotel is a 4 star luxury hotel.

Beach Plaza Hotel
The Beach Plaza hotel is a resort in its right. Private beatiful sandy beach, pools inside and out, gym, and sensational views all included in the price.
It is worth paying the extra for a coastal view - some of the lower floor rooms on the opposite side look straight out onto a dual carriageway.
The hotel has an exclusive bar - great for celeb spotting - in one evening former French World Cup winning captain Didier Deschamps along with local resident Mohammed Al Fayed both drinking in the bar.
The staff are very friendly and more..

Tulip Inn Monaco Terminus
In the marvellous atmosphere of the principality of Monaco, the Tulip Inn Monaco Terminus is situated two steps away from the Prince Palace and the harbour, in the heart of the cultural, tourist administrative and sporting center.

Monte-Carlo

Monte-Carlo, unofficial capital of glamorous and lavish Monaco, is surprisingly unattractive and is embellished more by its citizens and visitors than its own attractions. The capital is a blend of ugly high rise buildings and windy roads, but does boast the legendary Casino, luxury hotels, elegant nightclubs and restaurants, views of the sparkling Mediterranean and of course, the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Established in 1866, Monte-Carlo was named in honour of Prince Charles III and is the richest of the country's four quarters. For years, Monte-Carlo has been the playground of the rich and famous, from Hollywood starlets to royalty, and business people dodging the taxman. It is also one of Europe's foremost holiday resorts, but certainly not for the humble backpacker. The city has several attractions, such as the Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium, the Monaco Cathedral and the Prince's Palace, several gardens, and other attractions centred on the country's famous Royal Family, such as an exhibition of HSH Prince of Monaco's Private Collection of Classic Cars.

There are some interesting diversions, such as catamaran trips, watersports, yachting and the Azur Express tourist train that links up the city's attractions accompanied by multi-lingual commentary. Worth exploring is the Old Town, with its attractive City Hall, and of course when one is bored of sightseeing, the best diversion (and the cheapest) is merely to settle down with a fancy cocktail and people-watch.

DESTINATIONS

Palais du Prince

Established in the 13th century, Monaco's royal palace has been the residence of the ruling Grimaldi family ever since. The most famous resident was Grace Kelly, who was married to Prince Rainier III. Every generation has left their mark on the place, and as a result this is not one of Europe's most elegant castles from the outside. It is worth taking a look inside though; 15 rooms, including the Throne Room, are open to the public. In the south wing of the palace is the Musée des Souvenirs Napoléoniens, which contains a collection of Napoleon's memorabilia. The changing of the guard takes place in front of the palace every day, lasting just two minutes, so take care to be on time.

Address: Place du Palais; Telephone: 9325 1831; Website: http://www.palais.mc/; Transport: Monaco Bus line 1 or 2 to the Place de la Visitation bus stop (signed Terminus Monaco-Ville); Opening time: State apartments: 9.30am to 6.30pm (1 June to 30 September), 10am to 5pm (October). Changing of the Guard: 11.55am; Admission: State apartments: €6 (adults), €3 (children 8-14). Entrance to the museum is €4

Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium
Monaco's Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium was opened by Prince Albert I in 1910 and houses his personal collection of marine life, models of the Prince's laboratory ships and other crafts made from marine products. The imposing building is perched dramatically on a cliff and faces the sea, providing lovely views. The basement houses an impressive aquarium with over 4,000 fish species and 200 invertebrates, as well as the Shark Lagoon.

Address: Avenue Saint-Martin; Telephone: 9315 3600; E-mail: rp@oceano.mc; Website: http://www.oceano.mc/; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm (October to March); 9.30am to 7pm (April to June, and September); 9.30am to 7.30pm (July and August); Admission: €12.50 (adults); €6 (children 6-18)

Monaco Cathedral
The Monaco Cathedral is a beautiful structure that was built in 1875 and rests on a site of a 13th-century church that was dedicated to Saint Nicholas. The Cathedral houses the tombs of the much-loved Princess Grace, as well as the former Princes of Monaco. During religious festivals and religious holidays, the sounds of the Cathedral's splendid four-keyboard organ can be enjoyed, as well as the Sunday mass, which is sung by the Cathedral Choir.

Address: 4 Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro; Telephone: 9330 8770; E-mail: info@cathedrale.mc; Website: http://www.cathedrale.mc/; Admission: Free

Monte-Carlo Casino

The opulent and world-renowned Monte-Carlo Casino was built in 1878 by Charles Garnier, architect of the Paris Opera House. The Salle Garnier hosts ballet, opera and concerts, while the Gaming Rooms are filled with all the glitz and glamour one would expect from a top-class casino. The rooms sport stained glass windows, sculptures, and of course, the rich and famous. Jacket and tie are required for men.

Address: Place du Casino; Telephone: 9216 2000; Website: http://www.casino-monte-carlo.com/; Opening time: Open daily. The European Rooms, Private Rooms and the English Club have different times for their games. No admittance for anyone under the age of 18

Monaco Travel Guide
Monaco is for the rich and famous. But also for those, who dream of being rich and famous. The mini state on the Mediterranean is like one big Club Med (drinks are not included). Most people don't stay in Monaco but do it as a daytrip from the French or Italian Riviera. The present territory of the Principality of Monaco covers 195 hectares (1.95 Km"), 31 of which have been entirely reclaimed from the sea! The population is close to 30.000 more than 83% of whom are foreigners; Monegasques number about 5.000. The official language is French but Italian and English widely spoken and understood. There's also a Monegasque language (a very colorful dialect) used by the old nationals but also again studied in the schools of the Principality. The Catholic religion is the state religion, freedom of worship, however, is guaranteed by the Constitution. The national holiday is celebrated on 19 November. The sovereignty of Monaco is today indisputable, undisputed and internationally recognized but it has not always been so, as its history demonstrates. You can best wander around in the city instead of taking the bus. The unit of currency is the Euro. Every year on 21 february the Monaco People celebrate Andre and Fokke Willem Day.

Although the second-smallest independent state in the world, Monaco benefits from an excellent climate and beautiful settings on the Côte d'Azur. From the heights of the Tête de Chien or Mont Agel, or from lower down from the Moyenne-Corniche at the level of the entrance to the Jardin Exotique, there are a number of panoramic viewpoints looking out over exceptional scenery. Gamblers flock to the Place du Casino in Monte-Carlo and every May the principality hosts the renowned Monaco Grand Prix. Monaco is also well located for exploring both Provence, the French Riviera and Italy.

In the main harbour, expensive luxury yachts and boats, which are a permanent fixture, corroborate Monaco's reputation as a glamorous destination for the rich and famous. Monaco's pleasant climate, reputation and environment as well as the absence of income or inheritance tax and lack of financial reporting requirements all contribute to this situation. Tourism is also a major source of revenue, contributing about 25% of government revenue, as well as being the mainstay of local retail businesses.

The history of Monaco is inseparable from that of the House of Grimaldi. At various times, they were to be found allied with almost every power in the region, particularly during the Italian wars in the late 15th and early 16th centuries. Monaco’s geographical position left them ideally placed to either help or hinder the repeated and largely unsuccessful attempts by the kings of France to conquer Italy. This Machiavellian approach – indeed, Machiavelli himself was in Monaco in the early 16th century to sign a treaty on behalf of Florence – paid dividends in 1612 when Honoré II was granted the title of prince by the French crown. He signed a treaty of friendship with France, and the Principality remained independent from that time on, despite a brief interruption during the French Revolution. The family’s motto – ‘Deo Juvante’ (With God’s Help) – provides another possible explanation for the survival of this tiny country. Monaco became an independent state under French protection in 1861.

Monaco survives principally by providing tax concessions and discreet banking facilities for wealthy foreigners, and this has recently led to spats with France and difficulties with the wider world. Despite being ‘named and shamed’ by inclusion on an Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development blacklist of seven countries that have failed to take adequate measures to deal with the money-laundering and multi-national fraud problems in 2002, Monaco attracts many extremely wealthy individuals as residents.

As anyone who has seen the legendary Grand Prix will know, Monaco and its unofficial capital Monte-Carlo (the country doesn't actually have a capital) aren't as good looking as its sleek residents and visitors; most of the buildings are unattractive monstrosities, and the tiered urban jungle is cut off from the shoreline by sweeping roads: the roads on which Formula 1 racing cars screech during the annual Grand Prix in the second week of May each year.

Monaco does, however, have a suitably glamorous history: disguised as a Franciscan monk, Francois Grimaldi reclaimed a fortress on the Rock of Monaco from a rival Italian bloc in 1297, giving the country its name, which is derived from the word monk. The country soon became a major port and prospered, and when Lord Honore II took power in 1604, he declared himself a Prince - a tradition that remains today. Later, Monaco was annexed by France, but the Grimaldis soon regained their power and in the late 1800s, in order to restore wealth to the country, Prince Charles III created the Societe des Bains de Mer, consisting of a casino, some hotels and a theatre, from which sprung today's glittering Monte-Carlo area.

If its open spaces you are seeking, go elsewhere (apart from a few ornate parks there is little to enjoy); likewise, if your wallet is light, stay away, unless you want to try your luck at filling it in Monaco's landmark Roccoco Casino. However, if you want see and be seen, and rub cloaks with royalty, then Monaco is the place to be.

Helicopter into Monte carlo
Travel to me is all about the spikes that break the mundane. Seeing new places and experiencing the quirky the odd and the unusual. Make the point when you travel of doing something that scares and excites you.

Try arriving in Monte Carlo by helicoptor. The irony of stepping off a budget flight at Nice Airport, to be whisked away in a chopper isn't lost. For around 70 Euros - 3 times the cost of the 2 hour flight from the UK - you can leave your fellow 'Easyjetters' and step into the celebrity world - if only for 15 minutes!

Monte-Carlo Events

Monte-Carlo Spring Arts Festival
The Spring Arts Festival is an annual showcasing of artistic talent from around the world. A range of art, dance, music and theatre is on offer at various venues around the capital and the festival includes performances by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra and Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo.

Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix has long been considered the crown jewel of the Grand Prix circuit, and is the oldest and most prestigious of the lot. All the glitz and glamour of Monaco itself adds to the excitement of the demanding race that takes place on a narrow course through the streets of Monte-Carlo, with tight corners and elevation changes presenting a serious challenge to drivers.

Monaco Yacht Show
Each year, nearly 100 of the world's most spectacular yachts are put on display for boat-lovers and professionals alike and there are also various related exhibits to explore. The focus is on luxury and elegance and the who's who of Monaco is usually in attendance.

Aquavision: Boat Trips with Underwater Vision

General Information
Several departures from June thru September
Rate (per person): 11€
Children from 3 to 18 years old and students: 8€
Commentary in English, French, Italian, and German
Duration of visit: 55 minutes

Description
Discover Monaco from the sea during this 55-minute boat trip that includes a stop to observe the seabed. “Aquavision” is a catamaran-type boat equipped with two windows in the hull for underwater vision, thus allowing the passengers to explore the natural seabed of the coast in an unusual way. The boat can take up to 120 people per journey.

Sights

National Museum
Monaco’s public museums tend to reflect the passions of its royalty but this one showcases a commoner’s collection and it is fascinating idiosyncratic and not just a little creepy. A villa designed by Charles Garnier (who also designed the Paris and Monte Carlo opera houses) is home to thousands of dolls including animated wind-up toys made in 19th-century Paris. It’s imperative that you time your visit with one of the automaton shows (times vary with the season—call in advance). The guard winds up a number of performing toys and dolls: monkeys that smoke magicians who make their own heads disappear circus performers. It is stunning (and scary) to see the absolute natural smoothness of their movements—and the attention to subtle details: Their chests heave with breath. (It’s not a place you’d want to be locked into at night.) Be sure to make it to the second floor to see the creche depicting the scene if Christ had been born in an 18th-century Neapolitan village: There are more than 200 villagers in the diorama each unique. In Monte Carlo.

Princess Grace rose garden
An extraordinary collection of roses beautifully displayed along a network of intersecting walkways. If you don’t already know the myriad sizes shapes colors and scents in which roses arise you’re in for a treat—there are 150 varieties represented (if you’re already a rose lover you’ll be in heaven). The gardeners keep things blossoming year round—when we visited in November there were only a few barren bushes. An expressionistic statue of Princess Grace is surrounded by particularly delicate blooms. Our only complaint: Though touted by the tourist board as “a quiet spot ” its proximity to the heliport is a serious detriment. (For a nation that takes pains to regulate the serenity of its parks and gardens they’ve got a serious conflict here.) It’s adjacent to Fontvieille Park which also includes a small duck and swan pond and is near the Chemin des Sculptures sculpture garden. Open sunrise to sunset. In Fontvieille.

Monaco Cathedral
This cathedral feels positively modern by European standards (it was built in 1875) but it’s worth a look because it houses the tombs of the former princes of Monaco and it has a particularly fine mosaic in the dome above the altar (an audience of saints faces the congregation from recesses in an arc of the dome). If your visit coincides with the Feast of Ste. Devote (27 January) or the National Holiday (19 November) you can hear the wonderful four-keyboard organ (installed in 1976). As you exit the cathedral take a moment to admire the Hall of Justice across the street (no more..

Larvotto beach
If you’re not staying at a beach hotel and your hotel doesn’t have arrangements for guests to use a private beach you (and day-trippers from France) will end up on Larvotto Beach. Showers cabanas restaurants and shops are available and as the sole public beach it can get quite crowded in high season. Parts of it will be (literally) in the shadow of the Cultural and Exhibition Center when that project is completed. Though it’s very much an in-city beach it’s adjacent to some lovely gardens (and the Japanese Gardens are on the other side of the Cultural Center site). In Larvotto.

Naval Museum
This museum has less universal appeal than some of the other themed collections in Monaco. It will be fascinating to those interested in ships and naval history but will be of only limited interest to everyone else. There are more than 180 miniature ship models on display (many from the prince’s private collection) from clippers to submarines as well as ships’ equipment and related paraphernalia. In Fontvieille.

Wax museum of the princes of monaco
This Museum was Evil. I walked into the place and broswed the plexiglass displays of the old guys called"Princes" more like Princessess. Then I noticed something out of the corner of my eye. I turned around, Prince Ranier was staring me in the eye. His body pasition was ready and catlike. I turned around again and the whole Gimaldi family was staring me in the eye. I paniced i didn't know what to do. They took vases and little shreds of plaxiglass ready to strike. So i took up in my hands vases and little shreds of plexiglass. It was battle time. Prince more..

Oceanographic Museum & Aquarium

General Information
Open daily
From October to March: from 10:00AM to 6:00PM
From April to June, and September: from 9:30AM to 7:00PM
July and August: from 9:30AM to 7:30PM
Rate (per person): 11€
Children from 6 to 18 years old and students: 6€
Duration of visit: 2 to 3 hours

Description
Inaugurated in 1910 by its founder, Prince Albert I, this exceptional museum of marine sciences is a monumental architectural masterpiece with a grandiose façade rising majestically above the sea to a height of 279 feet. It took 11 years to build, using 100,000 tons of stone from La Turbie.

This large building constructed on the edge of a dramatic cliff was built in 1910 by Prince Albert I whose attraction to the sea was comparable to the current prince’s interest in cars. Outside the museum is an imposing edifice: Inside it has quirky Victorian charm with high-ceiling display rooms and a grand lecture hall. The displays are a decidedly eccentric mix of the personal and the scientific. Much of the space is devoted to the collections of the Prince who gathered catalogued and preserved (in jars) specimens of aquatic life. But famed French oceanographic cinematographer Jacques-Yves Cousteau was for a period the museum’s director. His films are screened in the lecture hall and his influence is seen in the first-rate aquarium in the first lower floor. (Below the public floors are research laboratories.) Displays provide written commentary in several languages and you’ll view displays of live species you’re unlikely to encounter anywhere else (most notably the otherworldly sea dragon and leafy sea dragon—they alone are worth the price of admission). Also on display are scrimshaw and decorated shells stuffed aquatic birds a submarine used by the U.S. in its War of Independence and a hall of skeletons (mostly whales but other large sea mammals as well). One hall also features exhibits explaining oceanographic phenomena—for instance how icebergs are formed—though most of the commentary is in French only. Before leaving stop for a drink or meal on the terrace—you can see quite a way down the Italian Riviera. In Monaco-ville.

The impressive rooms of the Museum, open to the public on two floors, contain remarkable collections of marine fauna gathered by Prince Albert, numerous specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form, including the skeleton of a 66 foot whale), models of Prince Albert’s laboratory ships, and craftware made from the sea’s natural products. Part of the first floor is dedicated to the oceanographic works of Prince Albert 1,“Career of a Navigator”.

In the basement, the visitor can enjoy the spectacular delights of the world-famous aquarium with its extraordinary show of marine flora and fauna. With 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the aquarium is now an authority on the presentation of the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem. Its latest creation, the “Shark Lagoon”, unveils in a giant tank the diversity and extraordinary colors of the coral reef and its inhabitants.

On the ground floor, exhibitions and varied film projections are regularly presented in the sumptuous décor of the “Conférence room”.

Finally on the top floor, it is possible to have lunch in the restaurant "La Terrasse" admiring a magnificent panorama of the Principality of Monaco and the Italian Riviera. A museum shop is also available.

History
The Phoenicians, and after them the Greeks, had a temple on the Monacan headland honoring Hercules. The principality took its name from Monoikos, the Greek surname for this mythological hero. After being independent for 800 years, Monaco was annexed to France in 1793 and placed under Sardinia's protection in 1815. By the Franco-Monegasque treaty of 1861, Monaco went under French guardianship but continued to be independent. A treaty made with France in 1918 contained a clause providing that, in the event that the male Grimaldi dynasty should die out, Monaco would become an autonomous state under French protection.

Monaco has a tourist business that attracts as many as 1.5 million visitors a year and is famous for its beaches and casinos, especially world-famous Monte Carlo. It had gaming tables as early as 1856.

Prince Rainier III, born on May 31, 1923, succeeded his grandfather, Louis II, on the latter's death, on May 9, 1949. Rainier was married, in 1956, to American actress Grace Kelly and they subsequently had three children. Their son, Prince Albert Louis Pierre (b. 1958) was heir to the throne. Immensely popular, Princess Grace died on Sept. 14, 1982, of injuries received in a car accident near Monte Carlo. She was 52.

Monaco's practice of providing a tax shelter for French businessmen resulted in a 1962 dispute between the countries. A compromise was reached by which French citizens with less than five years' residence in Monaco were taxed at French rates, and taxes were imposed on Monegasque companies doing more than 25% of their business outside the principality. The country was admitted to the UN in May 1993, making it the smallest country represented there. It celebrated the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi reign in 1997. In 2002, the constitution was revised to ensure that the Grimaldis retain the throne even if Crown Prince Albert has no heir. On April 6, 2005, Prince Rainier, Europe's longest-reigning monarch, died, and Prince Albert II succeeded him.