The Principality of Monaco has a tiny territory, which is only 2.02 km². You can travel around 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 has been appointed head of state.
In administrative terms, the Principality is divided into 3 communes, which are further divided into 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 around 80 years.
Low taxation and guarantee of bank secrecy attracts billions of dollars of capital into the country. True, since 1994, as in many other states, accounts that raise doubts are still disclosed by banks.
Residents of the principality do not know what unemployment is, since the number of vacancies is 45,000, and the population of the principality is only 35,656 people (according to 2006of the year). Therefore, a significant part of the workers in Monaco are foreigners. It should be noted that local residents are exempt from income taxes.
From the weaknesses of the Principality, only two can be distinguished: the lack of natural resources and heavy dependence on imports.
Note to tourists
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 casinos.
In order to visit this country, Russian citizens require a visa (Schengen or national French), a passport, air tickets, and insurance in the amount of at least 30 thousand dollars. A single-entry visa is issued with a tourist invitation.
Holidays in Monaco are best planned from May to October, during this period the water and air temperatures are most comfortable.
There is no airport in Monaco, so to get here, you need to fly to French Nice, and from there by bus - to the principality itself. For tourists, a special steam locomotive runs here, which will acquaint you with a miniature state in just 30 minutes.
A hotel room will cost $50-60 per night on average. The price for lunch in a restaurant varies from $20 to $100. Service tips are usually already included in the bill at a rate of 15% of the check amount.
What can you see?
The country of Monaco is a favorite holiday destination for celebrities and politicians. On the streets of the Principality you can see luxurious villas and the most expensive brands of cars,coast - luxury yachts, in restaurants - people in haute couture clothes.
The mini-state is known for hosting a Formula 1 round. The country annually hosts two international festivals: television and circus. In Monte Carlo, you can visit the Oceanographic Museum, which was previously directed by the famous Jacques-Yves Cousteau.
If you dream of getting to 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 an excursion while traveling to nearby European countries.
In a word, the country of Monaco is a real carnival of luxury and fun. If you have funds, you can also feel like a very important and rich person for a while.
