From the world’s second-smallest country to the most super-rich people per capita, these are the most interesting facts about Monaco.
Fast facts
Official name: Principality of Monaco
Population: 31,813 (2024 est.)
Area: 2 sq km
Capital city: Monaco City
Major languages: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
Major religions: Christian (Roman Catholic)
Time zone: UTC+1 (Central European Time)
Interesting facts about Monaco
1. Monaco is a country and city-state in Western Europe bordering France.
2. Monaco was originally founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century BC known as Monoikos.
3. Its name comes from two Greek words, “monos” which means single or alone, and “oikos” which means house.
4. In 1297, Monaco was seized by Francesco Grimaldi from Genoa. Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi family ever since.
5. At various stages, Monaco has been ruled or protected by other European states. From 1524 to 1641, Monaco was under Spanish protection; from 1793 to 1814, Monaco was annexed by France; and from 1815 to 1860, Monaco was a Sardinian protectorate.
6. Monaco’s flag is identical to Indonesia’s (apart from its dimensions), although this is entirely coincidental. The horizontal red and white stripes represent the traditional colours of Monaco’s coat of arms and royal family which date back to at least 1339.
7. Monaco is the world’s second-smallest (independent) country. Only Vatican City is smaller.
8. Monaco has the world’s sixth-smallest population of independent countries, after countries such as Vatican City, Tuvalu and Nauru.
9. However, Monaco is the world’s second most density-populated (independent) country, with 17,360 people per sq. km.
10. Monaco is one of just three sovereign principalities in the world. The others are Andorra and Liechtenstein. A principality is a sovereign state ruled by a monarch with the title of prince and/or princess.
11. Monaco is famed for its opulence; nearly 70% of its residents are millionaires (USD).
12. Monaco also has the most super-rich people per capita in the world, with 199 people holding assets of $30m or more out of a population of just 39,000 – five people in every thousand.
13. In 1956, Prince Rainier III of Monaco married Hollywood actress and Oscar-winner Grace Kelly. As such, she became Princess Grace of Monaco and retired from acting.
14. In 1982, Grace Kelly died at the age of 52 when her car plunged off a mountain road.
15. A road named in her honor, Avenue Princesse Grace, was named the most expensive street in the world in 2008, with real estate valued at $17,750 USD per square foot.
16. Monaco is made up of four administrative areas known as quarters: Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco Ville and Monte Carlo.
17. Monaco Ville, the old town of Monaco, is also known as Le Rocher (The Rock) due to its cliff-top position on a rocky headland overlooking the sea.
18. Monaco is famous for its Formula One race, the Monte Carlo Grand Prix. The street circuit has held races since 1929, and the race was in the inaugural F1 championship in 1950.
19. One of Monaco’s most famous landmarks is the Casino de Monte Carlo. Opened in 1866, the marble-and-gold casino is regarded as one of the world’s most exclusive establishments.
20. The casino was featured in two James Bond films: Never Say Never Again, starring Sean Connery in 1983, and GoldenEye, starring Pierce Brosnan in 1995.
21. Despite this, gambling is illegal for Monaco’s residents. Only tourists are allowed to gamble.
22. Monaco has the world’s highest GDP per capita at $240,862 USD.
23. Monaco is one of 27 countries that does not have a single UNESCO World Heritage Site.
24. One of Monaco’s most famous tourist attractions is the Musée Océanographique de Monaco. Opened in 1910, the huge aquarium contains 450 marine species, sustained by 250,000 liters of freshly pumped seawater per day.
25. Monaco has the world’s lowest murder rate recording zero (0) murders per year.
26. Monaco is one of the world’s most notorious tax havens. The country does not levy income tax on its residents. Instead, it raises money from taxes on commercial transactions, luxury tourism, banking, state-run radio, television and gambling institutions, state-operated tobacco companies, postage stamps and sales taxes.
27. Monaco is one of just 21 countries that does not have an army. Instead, its defence is the responsibility of France.
28. Monaco has the world’s shortest coastline at just 5.6km (3.5 miles).
Every effort has been made to verify these facts about Monaco using primary sources. However, if you find an error or have any questions, please contact us.
Caitriona Maria is an education writer and owner of The Facts Institute. A teacher for seven years, she has been committed to providing students with the best learning opportunities possible, both domestically and abroad. Dedicated to unlocking students' potential, Caitriona has taught English in several countries and continues to explore new cultures through her travels.