Monaco is a small independent city-state located in Western Europe. It is bordered by France on three sides and by the Mediterranean Sea to the south. With an area of just 2.02 square kilometers, Monaco is the second smallest independent country in the world, after Vatican City. Despite its small size, Monaco is famous for its luxurious lifestyle, beautiful climate, and stunning scenery.

Monaco is known for its beautiful coastline, with a number of scenic bays and beaches, as well as its iconic Monte Carlo Casino. Visitors can also explore the historic Monaco-Ville, which is home to the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral of Monaco, and the Oceanographic Museum. Additionally, Monaco is known for its world-famous Formula One Grand Prix, which takes place on the streets of Monaco every May.

Monaco's economy is largely based on tourism and financial services. It is one of the wealthiest countries in the world and has a high standard of living. Monaco is also known for its favorable tax policies, which have attracted many wealthy individuals and businesses to the country.

The official language of Monaco is French, and the country uses the euro as its currency. The population of Monaco is around 39,000 people, with a significant number of expatriates living in the country. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II serving as the head of state. The country has a high level of political stability and is known for its low crime rate.

Telephone Code
377

Local Emergency Phone
112

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Currency (Code)
Euros (EUR)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): C, E, F

Major Languages
French, English, Italian, Monegasque

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Oceanographic Museum; Motor Races; Monte Carlo Casino; Jardin Exotique; Les Apartments du Palais; St Martin & Saint Barbe Gardens

Major Sports
Formula One & E, soccer, yachting, tennis, chess

Cultural Practices
Be gentle with pouring - never fill the glass more than half-way - alcohol is something that is to be savored, not guzzled. Never drink before every single person has been served, and never fill your own glass.

Tipping Guidelines
Restaurants nearly always includes a service charge of 10-15% of the total bill. Doorman and porters generally receive up to 5 euros for their services.

Souvenirs
Designer clothes, jewelry, watches, and perfumes; racing memorabilia, ceramics, collectible stamps

Traditional Cuisine
Barbagiuan — chard leaves, onions, ham, and parmesan-or ricotta-cheese-stuffed deep-fried pastries

Geography
Area
total: 2 sq km
land: 2 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers

Natural resources
none

People and Society
Population
31,597 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Monegasque 32.1%, French 19.9%, Italian 15.3%, British 5%, Belgian 2.3%, Swiss 2%, German 1.9%, Russian 1.8%, American 1.1%, Dutch 1.1%, Moroccan 1%, other 16.6% (2016 est.)

Languages
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque

Religions
Roman Catholic 90% (official), other 10%

Population growth rate
0.66% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
constitutional monarchy

Capital
name: Monaco

Economy
Economic overview
high-income European economy; non-EU euro user; considered a tax haven; tourism and banking are largest sectors; negatively impacted by COVID-19; major oceanographic museum; among most expensive real estate; major state-owned enterprises

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$7.672 billion (2015 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$115,700 (2015 est.)

Agricultural products
none

Industries
banking, insurance, tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products

Exports
$964.6 million (2017 est.)

Exports - partners
Italy 19%, Germany 14%, United Kingdom 9%, Switzerland 9%, Spain 8%, United States 6%, Belgium 5%

(2019)

Exports - commodities
jewelry, perfumes, watches, packaged medicines, plastic products (2019)

Imports
$1.371 billion (2017 est.)

Imports - partners
Italy 34%, Switzerland 16%, Germany 9%, United Kingdom 7% (2019)

Imports - commodities
jewelry, recreational boats, cars and vehicle parts, watches, general wares (2019)