The Principality of Monaco is synonymous with, ritz, fame and wealth unlike any other place on earth. It is a conglomeration of many ethnicities, mainly French, Italian and the native Monegasques. In total, 38,800 people call Monaco home, and live in an area roughly 2km squared making it the most densely populated country on Earth. The country’s history is rich, with the land now known as Monaco being traded and invaded many times throughout history. Regardless of its upmarket status, Monaco is a spectacular destination for everyone. In the time I spent there, I saw cars worth more than most people make in a decade, buildings decked with gold leaf. Yet I did not feel unwelcome of poor in comparison to those around me, to the contrary, the locals were very friendly and conversational and provided spectacular service.
HISTORY
The history of the land that is now Monaco stretches back to before the Holy Roman Empire. From 1219 to 1297, the region was ruled by the Genoese Republic after being gifted by the Holy Roman Empire. However, its modern history only really starts after the arrival of the Grimaldi family, a European noble house which was an offshoot of the Noble houses of Genoa. In 1297, Francesco Grimaldi, otherwise known as “Il Malizia” or the Malicious One, took the fortress on the top of the Rock of Monaco, now the prince’s palace. Grimaldi and his men infiltrated the keep disguised as monks seeking refuge, and once inside slaughtered the occupants and claimed the land. For 100 years the Genoese and Grimaldi family fought for lordship over Monaco. Genoa eventually became embroiled in other conflicts and the Grimaldi family ended up purchasing the right to rule Monaco from the Crown of Aragon, cementing their rule.
Skipping forward in time to the 20th century, Monaco experienced a revolution in 1910 prompting the adoption of the Constitution of Monaco in 1911, later revised in 1962 by Prince Rainier III. This constitution propelled the nation into the modern era in the wake of the large anti-royal sentiment growing globally. The constitution of Monaco redefined the role of the monarchy from absolute rule to a constitutional monarchy, similar to Great Britain and Denmark.
It wasn’t till the reign of Prince Rainier III of Monaco that the country as we know it today arose. Prince Rainier III reinvigorated the economy of Monaco by refocusing it away from gambling towards becoming the tax haven that it currently is. Gambling now only makes up a small portion of the countries GDP, but remains one of the key tourist attractions.
CULTURE
Monaco has a strong French influence, given that it is surrounded on all sides by France and has a majority French population at 28%. Italian and Spanish influences are also common, especially in their architecture and food. The native Monegasque people only make up 21% of the population, with a culture that is a hybrid of Italian and French. The Language of the Monegasque is most exemplary of this hybridization with phrases being borrowed from both Italian and French and sounding similar to both.
When someone says Monaco, the first thing that comes to most people’s minds is the Monte Carlo Casino. The Monte Carlo is among the world’s best-known casinos, famed for its gorgeous architecture and its high-class clientele. Outside the front of the casino are parked the cars of the wealthiest patrons, Ferraris and Rolls Royces are a common sight. It is interesting to note that Citizens of Monaco are not permitted to gamble at the casino. This law was put into place when the casino was opened in 1863, during a time of bankruptcy, in order for Monaco to keep hold of as much money as possible. The casino was the lifeblood of Monaco for a period of the 20th century thus the building also holds immense historical significance.
Although Monaco is most famous for its Casinos and the Monaco Grand Prix, there is no shortage of other cultural items in the microstate. The government actively supports the arts and every year gives several awards to talented artists, writers, and composers. Alongside the Arts, Monaco has actively pursued studies in the sciences. In particular, Monaco is famous for its study of oceanography and has built one of the largest museums dedicated to oceanographic study, the Musée océanographique de Monaco. Monaco also places great value in conservation and renewables. The Prince Albert II Foundation facilitates conservation efforts globally and funds 470 programs giving out 55 million Euros.
POLITICS
Monaco is an independent sovereign city-state with its government structured around the hereditary monarchy of House Grimaldi. The 1962 revision to the Constitution of Monaco governs how the country administers its different councils and the balance between the three arms of Government. As well as establishing the role of the hereditary monarchy and the limits of their power.
Executive power still resides in the hands of the Sovereign Prince of Monaco, currently Albert II. The prince has many duties, including granting citizenships, negotiating with foreign powers and ratifying laws. After the Prince, the Minister of State acts as the representative of the Prince as well as the leading authority of Monaco. The Minister of State is also in charge of administrative duties of the country and the executive services. They are advised by five Councilor-Ministers who are each in charge of their respective departments.
Monaco’s fate has always been closely aligned with that of France, given their shared and open border. This relationship between the two states was solidified in the Treaty of Versaille in 1919, where France agreed to prove military protection to maintain Monaco’s sovereignty under the proviso that Monaco will exercise its sovereign rights in line with French interests. Monaco also maintains close relationships with many nations and organizations around the world. It became a member of the United Nations in 1993 and also joined the Council of Europe in 2004, further integrating it into the Eurozone. Monaco also uses the Euro and is de facto part of the Schengen zone as a result of its open border with France.
CONCLUSION
Monaco is a spectacular place to visit, it is charming and classy from one corner to the other. If planning a trip to Monaco, keep in mind that the average cost of living in Monaco is significantly higher than surrounding France. The country has a lot of history and many delights to indulge in while visiting. I definitely intend to return at some point in the future.
