Monaco / Monte-Carlo

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An independent and sovereign state

Located at the foot of the Southern Alpes and bordering the Mediterranean, the Principality of Monaco shares its boarders with several French municipalities within the Alpes-Maritimes: Cap-d'Ail, La Turbie, Beausoleil and Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. From ancient times, the Rock of Monaco served as a refuge for primative populations.
However, the story really begins from the thirteenth century. June 10th, 1215 marked the birth of the future Principality. On this day, the family of Genoese Ghibellines laid the first stone of the fortress which is known today as the Palais Princier. To attract inhabitants, newcomers were provided with land concessions and tax exemptions. The history of Monaco has been associated for over 700 years to the Grimaldi family.
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The official language is French

Italian and English are also widely used. The traditional language of Monaco, "le monegù," is used by older generations and is taught in schools. The currency is the Euro. Monégasques coins, of the same value as the French coins, are in circulation. The motto of Monaco and of its Princes is : "Déo Juvante" (With God's help). Catholicism is the religion of the state. 
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The population of the Principality

Monaco has 29.972 inhabitants (according to the official census of 1990) of which 5070 are Monégasques, 12 047 are French and 5000 are Italian. More than 100 nationalities are represented. Today the Principality of Monaco covers 195 hectares, of which 40 have been reclaimed by the sea over the past 20 years. Monaco runs 4100 meters along the sea and rises to 163 meters. The Principality forms only one commune, Monaco, whose boundaries coincide with that of the State
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The five districts of the Principality of Monaco

Monaco-Ville : On the rock, one can find the old fortified city, the ramparts, the gardens, the Cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum. 
La Condamine : The district around Port Hercule.
Monte-Carlo: founded in 1866 during the reign of his Prince Charles III who gave it its name.
Le Larvotto: This area consists of the internationally renowned Casino, its grand hotels and leisure facilities (Larvotto beach, the Monte-Carlo sporting club, the Boulingrin gardens).
Fontvieille: An area of 22 hectares supporting an urban, tourist and sport complex, next to a harbour and pollution-free industrial zone.  
Moneghetti: containing les Révoires and an exotic garden, which form the border with the French town of Cap-d'Ail.
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A few words about the casino

The building's historic architect, Charles Garnier, who is also the architect of the majestic Paris Opera house, dedicated the design of the Monte-Carlo casino from the beginning to "l'Art du Jeu." With its frescoes Boucher, ornaments, sculptures, caryatids, and its stunning atrium made of marble and gold, the architecture gives this place a solemnity and an unforgettable emotional impact. Built in 1863, overlooking the sea, the Casino has seen some of Monte-Carlos most important moments played out, and it gives the player a sense of nobility. The casino is also home to the Monte-Carlo Opera, whose exceptional seasons follow one another in a stunning setting.

Main attractions: The old town (the Rock) - The Oceanographic museum -The Casinos - The Monaco Grand Prix racetrack.