Today's featured
country is
Monaco
MCO | MC | 492
Location
- Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
- second-smallest independent state in the world (after the Holy See); smallest country with a coastline; almost entirely urban
Population
-
The total population of Monaco is
38,682
-
Ethnic Breakdown:
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.)note: data represent population by country of birth
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Population below Poverty Line:
31.1% (2022 est.)note: % of population with income below national poverty line
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Population Distribution:
the second most densely populated country in the world (after Macau); its entire population lives on 2 sq km (0.8 sq mi)
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Nationality:
noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)adjective: Monegasque or Monacan
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Urbanization:
urban population: 100% of total population (2023)rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Notable Population Centers
| City |
Population |
Note |
|
Monaco
|
32,965
|
Capital
|
|
Monte-Carlo
|
16,012
|
|
Size
-
1
square miles
-
2
square kilometers
- about three times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
History
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present-day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling GRIMALDI family first seized control in 1297 but was not able to permanently secure its holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, coastal Mediterranean scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist and recreation center.
Climate
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain
hilly, rugged, rocky
Languages
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasquemajor-language sample(s): The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
Religions
Roman Catholic 90% (official), other 10%
Government
constitutional monarchy
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Constitution:
history: previous 1911 (suspended 1959); latest adopted 17 December 1962amendment process: proposed by joint agreement of the chief of state (the prince) and the National Council; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of National Council members
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Political Parties and Leaders:
n/a
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Suffrage:
18 years of age; universal
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Legal System:
civil law system influenced by French legal tradition
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Executive Branch:
chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)head of government: Minister of State Christophe MIRMAND (since 21 July 2025)cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarchelection/appointment process: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government
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Judicial Branch:
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 5 permanent members and 2 substitutes)judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court members appointed by the monarch upon the proposals of the National Council, State Council, Crown Council, Court of Appeal, and Trial Courtsubordinate courts: Court of Appeal; Civil Court of First Instance
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Legislative Branch:
legislature name: National Council (Conseil national)legislative structure: unicameralnumber of seats: 24 (all directly elected)electoral system: proportional representationscope of elections: full renewalterm in office: 5 yearsmost recent election date: 2/5/2023parties elected and seats per party: Monegasque National Union - l’Union (24)percentage of women in chamber: 45.8%expected date of next election: February 2028
Demographic Profile
n/a
Economy
- 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
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Budget:
revenues: $5.197 billion (2023 est.)expenditures: $6.037 billion (2023 est.)note: central government revenues (excluding grants) and expenditures converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
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Credit Rating:
n/a
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Natural Resources:
none
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Industries:
banking, insurance, tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products
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Agricultural Products:
none
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Land Use:
agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.)arable land: 0% (2018 est.)permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.)permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)forest: 0% (2022 est.)other: 100% (2022 est.)
-
Labor Force by Occupation:
n/a
- Imports
-
Imported Commodities:
jewelry, cars and vehicle parts, recreational boats, plastic products, artwork (2021)
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Import Partners:
Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, China (2021)
- Exports
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Exported Commodities:
jewelry, perfumes, watches, packaged medicines, cars (2021)top five export commodities based on value in dollars
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Export Partners:
Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Spain (2021)
Additional Resources
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