Top 10 Interesting Facts About Monaco
Monaco is a sovereign microstate in Europe. It is surrounded on three sides by France and has coastline on the Mediterranean Sea on its fourth side. Although a tiny nation, Monaco is a hub for the world’s super-rich and is associated with glamor and a luxurious lifestyle. Some interesting facts about Monaco are highlighted below.
10. Monaco Has More Police Personnel per Capita Than Most Other Countries in the World
Monaco has a relatively large armed national police force for a country of its size. 515 men and women are part of this force. The country has an area of only 2 square km and a population of approximately 38,000. The 515 police officers cater to the needs of this small population. Thus, Monaco has one of the largest police forces in the world on both a per-area and a per-capita basis.
9. The National Flag of Monaco Is Nearly Identical to That of Indonesia
The national flags of Indonesia and Monaco are both horizontal bicolors of red and white. The only difference between the two is that the flag of Indonesia is longer. The national flag of Poland also has a similar design, the difference being that the colors are reversed, with the white stripe over the red stripe. The flag of Singapore also closely resembles the flag of Monaco, with the exception that it features a white crescent and five white stars at the hoist-side of the red stripe.
8. Monaco Does Not Allow Its Own Citizens to Enter Casinos in the Country
Monaco’s monarchy recognizes the ill-effects of commercial gambling and does not allow its citizens to gamble within the country. Although Monaco is one of the world’s premier destinations for gambling and is home to the Monte Carlo Casino, the country’s citizens are not allowed inside the casino.
7. Monaco Is a Hub of the Super-Rich
Monaco has the highest density of millionaires in Europe. It also has the highest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita, with one billionaire for every 12,600 residents of Monaco. There is no income tax in Monaco, and therefore the country is regarded as a tax haven. Similarly, there is no corporation tax for businesses in Monaco. These factors, combined with the extremely high standard of living of the people of Monaco, attract the super-rich to the country from all corners of the globe.
6. Hollywood Is in Love with Monaco
Many Hollywood movies are filmed in Monaco. The country's world-class casinos have served as the set of numerous movies, including James Bond films. The glamor and wealth associated with this city-state attract Hollywood film-makers to Monaco.
5. Monaco Has the Largest Display of In-Water Yachts in Europe
The Monaco Yacht Show is held every year in Port Hercules, Monaco. Informa, a British publishing house organizes the event. It is a four-day event where more than 125 yachts are exhibited. Yacht designers, luxury brands, brokerage companies, and luxury vehicle companies also participate in the event.
4. Does a Strange Curse Torment the Royal Family of Monaco?
Monaco’s royal family is often associated with an unfortunate historical event. It is believed that in the 13th century, Prince Rainier I, the ruling king of the royal family at that time, kidnapped and raped a lady. In order to take revenge, the victim transformed into a witch and cursed the royal family so that no member would ever find true love. Strangely, several tragedies and scandals struck the Grimaldi family over the years and it appeared as if the curse may have come true.
3. Monaco Is the World’s Second Smallest Nation
With an area of only 2.020 square km, Monaco is the world’s second smallest nation after the Vatican City. It is also the most densely populated country in the world. Monaco has a 5.47 km long land border with France and a 3.83 km long coastline on the Mediterranean Sea.
2. The Native Monégasques Are a Minority in their Own Country
Monaco has unusual demographics. The country's native Monégasque people, who were born or naturalized in Monaco, are a minority. The biggest group are French nationals, who account for 28.4% of the country’s population. The Monégasques make up 21.6% of the population, followed by Italians (18.7%), British (7.5%), and people of various other nationalities.
1. Monaco Hosts One of the World’s Most Prestigious Automobile Races
Monaco serves as the venue of the Monaco Grand Prix, a Formula One motor race that is held each year on the Circuit de Monaco. It is one of the world’s most famous motor car races. The first Monaco Grand Prix was held in 1929.
