Independence Year : 1861
Population : 34000
Life Expectancy : 78.8
Capital : 2695
GNP : 776.00
GNP Old : 0.00
Local Name : Monaco
Government Form : Constitutional Monarchy
Location : Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
Terrain : Hilly, rugged
Climate : Mediterranean with mild winters and hot, dry but sea breezes cooled summers
Ethnic Group : Monegasque 19%, French 32%, Italian 20%, other 29%.
Religions : Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%.
Official Website :
www.monaco.gouv.mc
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General Information - Monaco
Background
Founded in 1215 as a colony of Genoa, Monaco has been ruled by the House of Grimaldi since 1297, when François Grimaldi, known as "Malizia" seized Monaco's fortress in response to the exile imposed upon the Guelfs. For seven centuries the Grimaldi family has presided over the Principality of Monaco, the only exception to this was from 1789 to 1814, when Monaco was under French control. Designated as a protectorate of Sardinia from 1815 until 1860 by the Congress of Vienna, Monaco's sovereignty was recognised by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861.
The Principality at the Cote d'Azu has only one commune, Monaco, whose limits are the same as those of the stater.
Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino in Monte-Carlo.
On 11 April 1950 Prince Rainier officially became monarch, succeeding his grandfather Prince Louis II. With the marriage to U.S. actress Grace Kelly in 1956, Prince Rainier brought Hollywood glamour to his tiny Mediterranean state and put Monaco on the international stage. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center and a haven for really rich people.
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