Principality of Monaco
Monaco
National anthem of Monaco
Hymne Monégasque
Weather in Monaco-Ville
Celcius: 15°Fahrenheit: 59°
Map of Monaco
Basic information on Monaco
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present-day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family secured control in the late 13th century, and a principality was established in 1338. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.
| Location | Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy |
| Population | 32,671 (July 2007 est.) |
| Nationality | noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s) adjective: Monegasque or Monacan |
| Flag description | two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red |