What’s up about Monaco?

Monaco is actually called the Principality of Monaco whose national motto is “Deo Juvante” which means, “With God’s Help”.

This small nation is located just under France and just north of the Mediterranean Sea. It’s official language is French and is comprised of such ethnic groups such as French, English, Italian, and Monegasque.

Its government is a Unitary Constitutional Principality led by Prince Albert II. It’s population is estimated at around 36,000 plus people and that’s only on an area of 2.02 km. Even though Monaco is not a member of the EU, the Euro is its only currency, it is also a member of the Schengen area and the GDP is around $5.5 billion. It got its name from an ancient Phocaen Greek colony around the 6th Century BC where the population was referred to as Monoikos which translates to reportedly be “one house”. Add to that some good ol’ fashioned Greek mythos and you have an area steeped in antiquity.

Monaco by Herry Lawford

Over a period of hundreds of years the country fell into the hands of other nations from Italy to France and more. The ruling family that emerged were the Grimaldis who had to hold onto their crowns just to keep the small country running and somewhat under their control. Squabbling led to treaty after treaty until the Monegasque Revolution of 1910 which finally put the Grimaldis into power. Well, not exactly as there were more treaties until more invasions occurred like in 1943 when the Italian fascists under Mussolini took their turn at upending Monaco. It looked like Monaco had “Invade Me” painted on their front doors because after the Italians invaded the Germans invaded which then led to the deportation of the Jews living in Monaco.

After WWII Prince Rainier III took over the throne and became quite the celebrity. He married one of the most famous actresses in history, American Grace Kelly and their reign was celebrated with fairytale mystique.

The political scene of Monaco changed subsequently and some say in good part to Princess Grace and old laws gave way to new liberties. This moved Monaco into the modern age of civil rights. Rainier left the throne in 2005 and his son Prince Albert II took his father’s place.

Monte Carlo Casino, Monaco by Julian Fong

Of course one can’t talk about Monaco without mentioning its most popular site, Monte Carlo.

Located in the northeast of the country it is famed for gambling and resort living. It still hasn’t lost its luster after all these years and is featured in high flying, jet set movies and television. Its gambling industry is a major source of income as well as marketing the country’s other goods and services. People travel from all over the world just to say they’ve gone to Monaco. In addition the government there has no personal income tax which attracts lots of people who want to keep what money they have. So if you are already good enough in playing table games you can then head to Monaco and play Baccarat, Blackjack, Poker, Roulette and much more games or you can test it online first e.g. at Party Bingo and make yourself prepared for a visit.

Overall, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world (after Vatican) but the most densely populated one. It is a small yet well kept country that has undergone a tumultuous past. From invaders from ancient Greece to Napoleon to Hitler this country has survived and thrived on its own two feet keeping its people’s dignity well into the modern age.

If you need some more information about Monaco, you can visit its official site at visitmonaco.com

Tags: English, French, italian, Monaco, Monte Carlo Casino, With God's Help

Category: Cities