All about Monaco

Monaco is an independent and sovereign state

The Principality of Monaco is an independent and sovereign state with approximately 39,000 inhabitants and borders four municipalities in the French department of Alpes-Maritimes (from west to east: Cap d’Ail, La Turbie, Beausoleil and Roquebrune Cap-Martin) and is located all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.

It has an area of just 2 km ² spanning a narrow coastline of just over 4 km.

125 nationalities represented

Monaco is a city state with almost 125 nationalities represented. Among residents, 28% are French, 17% Italians and 6% British. French is the official language, but Italian and English are also widely understood and spoken. The Monegasque language is used by the elders and taught to the youngest in the Principality’s schools.

The Principality is a hereditary and constitutional monarchy that asserts the rule of law over all institutions and ensures separation of powers.

The areas of Monaco

Monaco is today popularly divided into 8 urban areas. We will mention here the 6 most popular of these areas.

Monaco-ville

This is the oldest part of Monaco and located on a headland – The Rock or Le Rocher – that goes barely 800 meters out into the sea.

Here you will find some of Monaco’s most popular sights. Admire the Palace, Cathedral, interesting museums and one of Europe’s best aquariums – the Musée Océanographique.

Discover the old town through the narrow and charming medieval alleys and admire the fabulous views from the Palace beyond the port of Fontveille and 360-degree views from the top of the Musée Océanographique.

La Condamine

This is the area by the port of Hercule and the surrounding commercial streets. Here you will find the daily markets including the covered Condamine market and the many enticing shops that target your wallet.

Here you experience the authentic Monegasque life. If you listen closely when the elderly talk, you can hear a language you don’t really know – they speak Monegasque.

Join us at one of the cosy cafés and be seduced by the powdery atmosphere that characterizes this area.

Monte Carlo

Monte Carlo, the main residential and resort area, which includes the famous Monte Carlo Casino and hotel de Paris.

Monte Carlo was built from 1870 during the reign of Charles III and is located on the old Spélugues Plateau. This area contains the largest concentration of shops and has one of the most beautiful shopping malls in Europe.

The Lavotto

Lavotto district is best known for its lively beaches and luxury hotels. Here is also the Japanese garden with an oasis of tranquility and its symbolic water features and lush flowers, trees and shrubs. It is located next to the Grimaldi Forum, a dynamic convention center. In this area, which only hosts five percent of the population, Avenue Princess Grace is world famous for its first-class residential properties facing the sea.

Fontveille

Fontvieille, the newest area in Monaco, stands on a land expansion in the sea completed in the 1990s. This southernmost district is known as a business center, but the many apartments located here are home to 12 percent of the population.

The apartment buildings are surrounded by greenery. The Princess Grace Rose Garden park and the paths along the sea wall and harbour add to the district’s charming atmosphere. Fontvieille offers a wide selection of restaurants, a shopping mall, several museums, a heliport and a marina.

By Tommy Sverre – 2022