The Principality of Monaco has a tiny territory that is only 2.02 km². You can travel this country far and wide in just half an hour. By land, the country of Monaco borders on only one state - France, in the south it is washed by the warm Mediterranean Sea.
general information
The Principality of Monaco is headed by a prince who has fairly broad powers. For more than 700 years, the country has been ruled exclusively by the Grimaldi dynasty. Since 2005, Prince Albert II was appointed head of state .
In the administrative plan, the principality is divided into 3 communes, which are divided into another 10 districts. Despite its dwarf size, the country of Monaco is one of the most densely populated in the world. The average life expectancy here is about 80 years.
Low taxation and guarantee of bank secrecy attracts billions of capital to the country. True, since 1994, as in many other states, accounts that are in doubt are still disclosed by banks.
The inhabitants of the principality do not know what unemployment is, since the number of vacant places is 45,000, and the population of the principality is only 35,656 people (according to 2006 data). Therefore, a significant part of the workers in Monaco are foreigners. It should be noted that local residents are exempt from income taxes.
Of the weaknesses of the principality, only two can be distinguished: the lack of natural resources and a large dependence on imports.
Tourists note
It's no secret that life in this small country is extremely expensive. For example, in neighboring Italy and France, prices are much lower. Tourism in Monaco is developed thanks to good climatic conditions and a casino.
In order to visit this country, Russian citizens require a visa (Schengen or national French), a passport, airline tickets, as well as insurance for an amount not less than 30 thousand dollars. On a tourist invitation a single entry visa is issued.
Holidays in Monaco are best planned from May to October, during this period the temperature of water and air is the most comfortable.
There is no airport in Monaco, so to get here, you need to fly to French Nice, and from there take a bus to the principality. A special steam locomotive runs for tourists here, which will familiarize you with the miniature state in just 30 minutes.
A hotel room on average will cost $ 50-60 per day. The price for lunch at a restaurant varies from $ 20 to $ 100. Service tips are usually already included in the bill in the amount of 15% of the check amount.
What can be seen?
The country of Monaco is a favorite vacation spot for celebrities and politicians. On the streets of the principality you can see luxury villas and the most expensive car brands, on the coast - luxury yachts, in restaurants - people in haute couture clothing.
The mini-state is known for the stage of the Formula 1 championship held here. The country annually hosts two international festivals: television and circus. In Monte Carlo you can visit the Oceanographic Museum, whose director was previously the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
If you want to get on such an endless celebration of life - buy a ticket to this country. As a rule, last-minute tours to Monaco are included in the format of excursions when traveling to nearby European countries.
In a word, the country of Monaco is a real carnival of luxury and fun. If funds are available, you too can feel yourself a very important and rich person for a short while.