GENERAL INFORMATION

The Principality of Monaco is located in the south of Europe. This is a tiny state, its area is only 2.02 km². Monaco borders France and is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. The official language is French.

Monaco is one of the smallest and most populous countries in the world. About 32 thousand people live on the territory of the principality, mainly French, Monegasques (subjects of the Principality of Monaco), Italians and British. The country is not a member of the European Union and NATO, but has close ties to the EU apparatus and uses the euro as its official currency.

Monaco has a subtropical Mediterranean climate. Summers are warm and dry, with an average temperature of +20 to +25°C.

Winter is mild and rainy, the average temperature is from +10 to +12°С. The number of sunny days per year reaches 300. In general, the climate in Monaco is similar to the climate on the southern coast of France.

The Principality is located on the sea coast, formed by mountains that are a continuation of the Alpes-Maritimes. The terrain is hilly and rocky. The highest point of Monaco is Mont Agel (140 m). About 20% of the country's territory is occupied by gardens and parks. Figs, pomegranates, almonds, persimmons, pistachios, bananas, citrus fruits are grown in Monaco.

The fauna is not very rich: mammals are mostly small rodents, but there are many birds here.

The country's economy stands on three pillars - this is tourism, gambling and the construction of new residences. The Principality guarantees bank secrecy and low taxes, which attracts billions of dollars from abroad. Monaco has no external debt, and the country's foreign exchange reserves amount to about two billion dollars.

Monaco has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world - 67,800 euros. This tiny country is home to more than 5.5 thousand companies that provide more than 56 thousand jobs. The country has low unemployment (about three percent). The minimum wage since 2019 is 1695 euros per month.

At the same time, income tax is not levied in the Principality. The disadvantages of the Monaco economy include dependence on fluctuations in the economic situation in France and Italy, as well as the lack of own resources, agriculture and dependence on imports.The capital of Monaco, Monte Carlo, has a Fontvieille Heliport and two seaports.

The principality does not have its own airport, but the nearest one is in Nice, just a 40-minute drive away. There is also a railway station located on the line Nice - Menton - Ventimiglia. The length of railway tracks in Monaco is 1700 meters. Public transport in the Principality consists of five bus routes. It is possible to rent an electric bike - 35 bicycle stations are located throughout the Principality, which is very convenient.

If you are close to the atmosphere of social receptions and receptions, you strive for a lifestyle that can be called luxurious and would like to communicate more with influential people, then Monaco is a great choice. For several centuries, aristocrats and millionaires from all over Europe have been gathering here. 

Despite the fact that Monaco is a tiny principality, a rich social life takes place here, so you won’t be bored. Monaco hosts the Formula 1 Grand Prix, many art festivals, charity balls. We should also mention the opera and ballet in Monaco - world stars and the best troupes of the world perform here.

The geographical location of the country has influenced architecture and landscape design - Monaco has narrow and steep streets, and there is limited development on the hills. Buildings are often built from local materials - granite, marble, terracotta tiles.

Despite the tiny area of ​​​​Monaco, the traveler has something to see and admire here. Medieval architecture can be admired in the old town of the principality - Monaco-Ville. 

There is also the Prince's Palace, the Cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum, which for 30 years was headed by Jacques-Yves Cousteau. You should definitely look into the Exotic Garden and the gardens of St. Martin. Fans of actress Grace Kelly will be interested in visiting Princess Grace's rose garden.

This garden was planted by Prince Rainier, in memory of his dead wife.

Larvotto Beach is one of the most glamorous beaches in the world. This artificial pebble beach with developed infrastructure is located near the casino.

Monaco has two picturesque ports: Hercule or Fontvieille. There you can admire the picturesque views of the sea or arrange a boat trip by renting a yacht.

Casino in Monte Carlo is the most recognizable building in the country. The casino was built in 1866. This is the oldest casino in Europe, many people call it the "European Las Vegas". 

Before lunch, the casino functions as a tourist site, and from 14 o'clock it opens its doors to visitors.

In addition to the casino itself, the building also houses three restaurants, an opera house, a club and a dance floor.

It is curious that the citizens of Monaco are forbidden to play in the casino - this entertainment is available only to visitors.

The Principality is home to one private university, the International University of Monaco. Accreditation to the university is issued by the educational organization ACICS in the USA. A year of study at this university costs about 18 thousand euros. This is much higher than the cost of studying in Europe, but still lower than the cost in many US universities.

The university offers one undergraduate program, five master's programs and one doctoral program. The profile of the programs is business administration, finance, international management. It is noteworthy that 83% of graduates find a job in the first three months after receiving their diploma.