What is the area of Monaco?
The famous principality, located in the heart of the French Riviera and only a few kilometers from Italy, never ceases to attract citizens from all over the world. Its idyllic living environment, the variety of its economic and cultural infrastructures, as well as its international artistic and sporting influence make Monaco a privileged destination, a land of opportunities. Here is some information on the basic geography to know about the most emblematic Rock of the Mediterranean.
The second smallest state in the world
About the territory
With a total area of 202 hectares, or just over 2 km², the Principality of Monaco is the second smallest state in the world, just after the Vatican, fiefdom of the papacy landlocked in Rome. The territory stretches over more than 4 kilometers of coastline (4,100 meters), divided between the port and the beaches. The depth of the national territory, i.e. the distance separating the seaside from the French border, varies between 350 and 1,050 meters. The highest point of the City-State rises to more than 164 meters, on a side of Mont Agel, and the average altitude around the Prince's Palace is around 60 meters above sea level. The border with the France covers 5.5 kilometers. The neighboring towns are Beausoleil, Cap d'Ail, Roquebrune Cap Martin and La Turbie.
About the population
Independent from Italy since 1297 and from France since 1814, the Monegasque state joined the Council of Europe in 2004. With more than 39,000 inhabitants in 2022, the principality is the most densely populated in the world, far ahead of Singapore, Bahrain, Malta and Taiwan. Monegasques represent around a quarter of the population of Le Rocher, with around 8,000 inhabitants. The two other most represented nationalities are the French (9,000 inhabitants) and the Italians (8,000). In total, 139 nationalities live together in the city. The three most spoken languages are French, Italian and English. At school, young Monegasques can learn the local language which was spoken by their ancestors, and which is sometimes still heard around the stalls of the Condamine market. As in Europe, people pay here in Euros, the official currency since January 1, 1999.
A restricted but optimized
area A vast building stock and numerous infrastructures
Despite its small size, the Monegasque territory has been optimized to accommodate a maximum of infrastructures to meet the various needs of its population. There is the Princess Grace Hospital near the Exotic Garden, or the prestigious International University of Monaco (IUM), most of whose courses are taught in English. The Academy of Music, the Academy of Classical Dance and the Municipal School of Plastic Arts symbolize the unfailing artistic ambition of Monegasque society and its government. Its real estate program is not to be outdone, since it is unquestionably one of the most ambitious in the world. It has a significant share of new real estate or under construction. In the list of the most famous buildings, we find the Millefiori, the One Monte Carlo, the Mirabeau, the Park Palace or the Odéon Tower. Here, the protection of citizens is one of the most rigorous in the world.
An area in full expansion
For several years, the Monegasque government has multiplied initiatives to extend its area, in particular on the sea. Thus, between the government of Prince Rainier and that of Prince Albert, it has already succeeded in extending its area of 40 hectares, including the development of a new port. The construction project for the Fontvieille district and that of Larvotto date from the 1960s. The latter was carried out near the French border, near Roquebrune Cap Martin, under the aegis of Prince Rainier III. In 2003, the construction of a new dyke allowed the creation of a new car park, housing and two new ferry terminals. In 2006, Prince Albert II inaugurated a new extension project on the Mediterranean. The goal is to allow the emergence of a space of 6 hectares. The latest extension project to date will give birth to a new district, the Anse du Portier, in the year 2025.
A small area but full of symbols
Iconic places in the Principality
The district of Monte Carlo is undoubtedly the most iconic in the Principality of Monaco, from which it has become almost inseparable. The Carré d'Or, its casino and its luxury hotels make it one of the most glamorous places in the world. It is no coincidence that James Bond himself, in the guise of Pierce Brosnan, spends time there in the film GoldenEye. In the district of Monaco-Ville, around the Rock, we find the Prince's Palace, the Notre-Dame-Immaculée cathedral and the Oceanographic Museum, whose board of directors was notably directed by Commander Cousteau for more than 30 years. Today, the Oceanographic Museum has become a high place for the protection of underwater fauna in the Mediterranean.
An influence that transcends borders
The Monegasque area is put to good use during one of the most watched and appreciated sporting events in the world: the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Monaco, a member of the Triple Crown, which takes place in full downtown. A true celebration for motor sports enthusiasts from all countries, this GP has nearly a century of history. Well known to the French, the Stade Louis-II, located in the Fontvieille district, is the ground of the AS Monaco football club, several times winner of the French championship and often noted for its careers in the various European Cups. Europe. The European Football Super Cup match was played there every year between 1998 and 2012. All these international sporting events help to showcase the Monegasque territory and increase its reputation.
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