Monaco. The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican. It occupies a total of a little over 2 square kilometers (the USA are 9.6 million square kilometers) and count very little cities. With its less than 40 thousands inhabitants, it is the most densely populated country in the world!
The Grimaldi family is one of the most ancient reigning dynasties in the world and we have all heard about the fairy tale and tragic stories of this family.
Today, Albert II is reigning on the Constitutional Monarchy, he has succeeded to his father Prince Rainer III, who passed in 2005 after 56 years on the throne. He was surnamed the “Builder” because he transformed Le Rocher (the rock) with an extraordinary expansion of the real estate and by conquering space on the sea.
Inhabitants of Monaco are among the wealthiest on earth. The income per capita is above two hundred twenty thousand dollars per year. But do not dream of becoming a national of Monaco, in 2010 only 7 applications were approved out of the 400 received.
Monaco is frequented and reputed for the Grand Prix Automobile de Monaco (car race). Inaugurated by none other than Prince Pierre in 1929, the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix is among the world’s top ten legendary car races. It is also one of Europe’s premier social highlights of the year. The Automobile Club of Monaco organizes this spectacular Formula 1 race each year. The Grand Prix is 78 laps around 3.34 kilometers of Monte Carlo’s most narrow and twisted streets. The main attraction of the Monaco Grand Prix is the proximity of the speeding Formula One cars to the race spectators. The thrill of screaming engines, smoking tires and determined drivers also makes the Monaco Grand Prix one of the most exciting races in the world. There are more than 3,000 seats available for sale on the circuit ranging from 90€ to more than 500€. Monaco residents often rent out their terraces for the event with prices ranging from 8000€ to 140,000€ for the four days. During the off season, it is possible to walk around the circuit. Tourist office maps have the route clearly marked on their maps.
Other attractions include:
The Palais Princier (Prince’s Palace) is in old Monaco. The Palace offers a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the Port and Monte-Carlo.
The Monaco Cathedral was built in 1875 and stands on the site of a 13th century earlier church. It is a Romanesque-Byzantine church dedicated to Saint Nicolas and houses the remains of former Princes of Monaco and Princess Grace.
The Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium is a world-renowned attraction. Located 279 above sea level, the museum contains stunning collections of marine fauna, numerous specimens of sea creatures (stuffed or in skeleton form), models of Prince Albert’s laboratory ships, and craft ware made from the sea’s natural products. On the ground floor, exhibitions and film projections are presented daily in the Conference room. In the basement, visitors can take pleasure in watching spectacular shows of marine flora and fauna. With 4,000 species of fish and over 200 families of invertebrates, the aquarium is now an authority on the presentation of the Mediterranean and tropical marine ecosystem.
