The principality of Monaco is renowned as one of the world’s most luxurious destinations and is home to the world’s rich and famous. Bordered by France and the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco’s residents enjoy an enviable lifestyle. If you are considering residing in or visiting this fascinating destination, then read on for some fascinating facts about Monaco.
Fun facts about Monaco
1 – One of the smallest countries in the world
Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, second only to the Vatican City. Covering just less than 0.8 square miles, it is around the same size as Central Park in New York City. What Monaco lacks in size it more than makes up for it in its luxurious offerings. Nestled along the French Riviera, this stunning locale is a popular vacation destination with the world’s rich and famous who flock to this tiny destination to enjoy a luxurious lifestyle unlike any other. Here they will find ultra-luxurious casinos to lavish resorts and out-of-this-world restaurants. And, thanks to the principality’s diminutive size, all these luxuries are within striking distance from one another.
2 – One of the most densely populated countries in the world
In addition to being one of the smallest countries in the world, Monaco is also one of the most densely populated places in the world, boasting some 36,000 inhabitants. This makes Monaco real estate some of the most sought after – and priciest – in the world.
3 – Menton and Roquebron used to be part of Monaco
The French communes of Menton and Roquebron used to be part of the principality. However, in 1848 it succeeded from Monaco, reportedly due to a tax imposed on lemon imports.
4 – World-leading land reclamation projects
Bordered by France and the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, the only way for Monaco to expand its landmass to meet ever-growing demand is by reclaiming land from the sea. Indeed, an interesting fact about Monaco is that the principality has grown by around 100 acres thanks to land reclamation. Areas that have been expanded by land reclamation including La Condamine, the Larvotto beach district, Port Hercules, as well as the popular ward of Fontvieille. Monaco’s most recent land reclamation project is Mareterra, set to offer breathtaking Monaco real estate that sets a new benchmark in luxury living.
5 – Monaco real estate amongst the most expensive in the world
And, if you are in the market to purchase some Monaco real estate, you’ll find some of the priciest along Princess Grace Avenue, named after famed Princess Grace, the former American actress who married the Prince of Monaco, Rainier III, in 1956. This sought-after Avenue is based in Monaco’s Larvotto district, with many of the luxurious apartments and penthouses boasting spectacular views of the Mediterranean Sea. Princess Grace Avenue is also just a stone’s throw away from world-famous Monte-Carlo, famed for its plethora of high-end luxury boutiques, Port Hercules, home to some of the world’s largest superyachts, and the elegant Larvotto beach.
6 – A millionaire’s playground
An interesting fact about Monaco is that around 30 percent of Monaco’s population are millionaires, making the principality one of the wealthiest destinations in the world. Indeed, the world’s wealthiest are attracted to the city-state thanks to its favourable tax system, luxurious lifestyle, and warm year-round Mediterranean weather.
7 – No airport
Despite being one of the wealthiest countries in the world, an interesting fact about Monaco is that there is no airport. Residents who do wish to travel abroad by plane travel via the Cote D’Azur Airport in Nice, reaching it via car, train, or helicopter. Of course, many of Monaco’s wealthiest residents opt to travel by superyacht.
8 – Vast police force
Another interesting fact about Monaco is that it boasts around one police officer for every 100 residents, making it one of the largest police forces per population in the world. This, coupled with the principality’s 24-hour video surveillance system, makes Monaco one of the safest places to live in the world, with a zero-tolerance on crime.
9 – Tax-free destination
One of the biggest draws of living in Monaco is its tax-free status. Residents pay no personal income tax or capital gains tax, although there is VAT on goods and corporation taxes. Monaco’s favourable tax system makes it a highly desirable place to live, ensuring Monaco real estate is always in high demand.
10 – A world-famous casino
Monaco is perhaps famed most for the Monte-Carlo Casino. The casino is located in a stunning example of Belle Epoque Monaco real estate. A notable fact about Monaco is that three James Bond films were filmed at the casino, GoldenEye, Never Say Never Again, and Casino Royal. Located in the elegant Carre D’Or, a visit to the Monte-Carlo casino is a must.
11 – Illegal for residents to gamble
Despite having such a stunning casino right on their doorstep it is against the law for Monaco’s residents to gamble. Not even Monaco’s royal family, including the Prince, is permitted!
12 – Ruled by the famed Grimaldi family
Speaking on the topic of Monaco’s royal family, the principality has been ruled by the Grimaldi family since 1297. Amongst one of the Grimaldi family’s most famous members was former American actress Grace Kelly, who married Prince Rainier III. Their son, Prince Albert II, took the throne in 2005. He is married to Princess Charlene, a Zimbabwean-South African former Olympic swimmer.
13 – Prince Albert is a fan of The Eagles
An interesting fact about Monaco’s Prince Albert is that he is reportedly a big fan of The Eagles, hosting a pre-wedding concert for some 15,000 people headlined by the 1970s American rock band in 2012. Rock on Prince Albert!
14 – Home to world-famous events
A well-known fact about Monaco is that the principality is home to some of the world’s most famed events, including the Monaco Grand Prix and the Monaco Yacht Show. Founded in 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix is typically hosted every May, while the Monaco Yacht Show, Europe’s largest yacht show, takes place every September.
What fun facts about Monaco would you add to this list?
