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GENERAL
INFO ABOUT MONACO
Monaco is a sovereign city-state,
located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. Bordered by
France on three sides, one side borders the Mediterranean Sea.
It has an area of 2.02 km², and a population of 36,371,
making Monaco the second smallest, and the most densely populated
country in the world.
Monaco has a land border of only 4.4 km (2.7 mi), a coastline
of 4.1 km (2.5 mi), and a width that varies between 1,700 and
349 m (5,600 and 1,145 ft).
The highest point in the country is a narrow pathway named Chemin
des Révoires on the slopes of Mont Agel, in the Les Révoires
district, which is 161 metres (528 feet) above sea level.
Monaco's most populous Quartier is Monte Carlo, and the most
populous Ward is Larvotto/Bas Moulins.
Monaco is known for its land reclamation, which has increased
its size by an estimated 20%.
Monaco is a principality governed under a form of constitutional
monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state.
Even though Prince Albert II is a constitutional monarch, he
still has immense political power.
The House of Grimaldi have ruled Monaco, with brief interruptions,
since 1297.
The official language is French, but Monégasque, Italian,
and English are widely spoken and understood.
The state's sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque
Treaty of 1861, with Monaco becoming a full United Nations voting
member in 1993.
Despite Monaco's independence and separate foreign policy, its
defence is the responsibility of France. However, Monaco does
maintain two small military units.
Economic development was spurred in the late XIXth century with
a railway to France, and the opening of the first casino, in
Monte Carlo.
Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery,
and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist,
and recreation centre for the rich and famous.
However, in more recent years Monaco has become a major banking
center and has successfully sought to diversify its economy
into the services and small, high-value-added, non-polluting
industries.
The state has no income tax, low business taxes, and is well
known for being a tax haven.
Population: 36,000 (estimate)
Area: 2.02 km² (0.78 sq mi)
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Official language: French (+ monégasque)
Currency: Euro
Calling code: +377
Internet TLD: .mc
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