Monaco - a miniature European country, known all over the world for a wide variety of nightlife and gambling, luxury yachts moored on the shore and fashionable hotels where you can easily meet a world celebrity.
Monaco map in Russian
It is very difficult to find the miniature state of Monaco on the world map, since some little red dotSurrounded by France on all land borders, it barely stands out from its giant neighbor.
Where is it located and with whom does it border?
The principality is located in the southern part on the coast Ligurian Sea, and its size is more like a city with a small suburb.
Monaco's modest territory does not prevent travelers from heading to this sophisticated and luxurious country, which is guarded by an army of 82 people.
To have an accurate idea of \u200b\u200bwhere the country of Monaco is, it is enough to mark on the map a small place where the borders of the territory of France and along it converge. The same almost inconspicuous point, which is located at this junction next to the no less luxurious Nice, will be a principality. For this it is often called the continuation of the Cote d'Azur.
You can see the detailed location of Monaco on the world map in this video:
Natural resources
The territory of Monaco is a rocky coast with hilly relief, located on the southern periphery of the Alpes-Maritimes. The highest point of the country is cape Mont-Azheljutting out into the sea and into the open bay.
The country has a typical mediterranean flora: boxwood, juniper, jasmine, cedar and dwarf palms. In the forest there are laurel, strawberry and tree erika. Maquis, viburnum and red juniper grow in the mountains. Fruit crops include figs, pomegranates, sweet and bitter almonds, pistachios and grapes, as well as bananas, persimmons, oranges and lemons.
The seaside does not have a lot of fish and other marine inhabitants.
Fauna Monaco is very modest - there are no large animals left here, only small mammals: rodents, hedgehogs, shrews, bats and a rare species of the Mediterranean bat. Reptiles and various insects are found everywhere.
What is the climate?
The principality is typical seaside climate with sunny as well as soft. The number of sunny days per year is 300, and drizzling rains do not cause inconvenience, falling mainly in autumn and lasting up to a maximum of three days.
How to get from Russia?
Most easy way to be in Monaco - take a direct flight from Nice, and from there take a bus (45 minutes) or train (half an hour).
From the platform of the railway station, which is located on the hills of Monte Carlo, a picturesque view opens up.
Alternative option - go by plane to, and from there by train directly to Monaco (about 950 km). Regular flights to Nice or Paris are operated by Aeroflot and Air France. The flight will take about 4 hours.
You can buy a ticket right now by using this search form for tickets. Enter cities of departure and arrival, date and number of passengers.
State structure
In Monaco - a constitutional monarchy, where the head of state is the prince, who transfers the management rights to the heir.
History
Monaco's colorful history began when Francois Grimaldidisguised as a monk, deceived him into a Genoese fortress, and at night he opened the gates to the soldiers to seize it. Since then, the Grimaldi dynasty has ruled this country for over 700 years. It is for this reason that the family coat of arms of the princely family is a knight in a cassock.
Throughout its existence, Monaco lost independence and acquired it again. , The Kingdom of Sardinia and France - the country fell under the protectorate of these states.
In 1848, thanks to Charles III, the country received recognition of sovereignty from France.
The prince is right there allowed to open there are casinos and several hotels, which ensured the success and popularity of the principality, since at that time in many neighboring states, including France, gambling was prohibited.
Since then, Monaco has steadily attracted the august persons, bourgeois and aristocrats, which provided the country with a decent income.
Politics and economics
External and domestic politics Monaco is inextricably associated with... Since the principality is under the protectorate of this state, Monaco carries out its actions in accordance with its interests.
The main profit of Monaco is gambling business and tourism, the construction of new residences, as well as at the expense of the media covering the social life of the ruling family.
Visa
For a visit to Monaco will be required, since this country is a member of the European Union. There is no princely representative office in Moscow, therefore, documents are submitted to the French visa centers in Moscow, Yekaterinburg and Nizhny Novgorod.
In the country you can hear Monegasque, English and Italian speech, but French is considered the state language.
Culture and religion
National characteristics of Monaco are such that only about 20% of the country's inhabitants are indigenous people - monegasque.
They have special privileges do not pay taxes and live in the old townbut they also lay the foundations of culture. Thanks to them, family values \u200b\u200bare respected in Monaco, implying the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with the family.
90% Monaco - catholics, about 6% - protestants.
Transport
Moving around Monaco will not cause problems at any time of the day. Go here shuttle Buses in six directions, water and land transport is available around the clock, as well as a small tourist locomotive and free escalators.
Business and Currency
Freely used in Monaco Euroequal to 100 cents.
The tourism, banking, financial and electronic spheres are well developed here, for this reason the country is considered great place for businessbut taxes on local firms are high.
Wi-fi hotspots are available everywhere, and Monaco Telecom is the only provider of Internet and mobile services.
The property
The small size of the country does not allow for new developments, but real estate in Monaco is valuable acquisition with a high cost, because real estate on the territory of the principality makes it possible to obtain a residence permit.
Holidays in Monaco
Throughout the history of the country, the principality has acquired important sights and places worthy of the attention of travelers.
Main resort towns
Officially in Monaco four citiesmerged into one big central city:
- Monaco-Ville - the oldest part, located on a hill, where the ruling family lives;
- Monte Carlo - the largest area in which the legendary casino is located;
- La Condamine - the main port of the country and the place where major transactions are carried out;
- Fontvieille - this place arose thanks to the construction of a dam.
Other areas of Monaco are Lavrotto - a place where luxurious beaches are located, as well La Collet, Moneghetti, Saint-Roman, Saint Michelwhich are considered attractive residential areas.
sights
The most striking attraction of Monaco - luxury casino in Monte Carlo, the entrance to which is available around the clock. Its construction was the first reason why the country became so popular.
Here you can also visit:
- The Wax Museum with figures of princely persons;
- Princely palacefounded in 1215;
- Cathedral of Monaco - the main cathedral of the principality;
- Chapel of mercy - the old church on the City Hall square;
- Church of Saint Devota - the patroness of the principality.
Many tourists will be interested in strolling through the Exotic Garden with several thousand species of tropical plants, as well as the Alley of Sculptures with works of world famous masters.
Tours
Excursions to Oceanarium, which was founded with the assistance of Prince Albert I and J. Cousteau. In aquariums, there are about 200 species of marine life.
It will be fascinating to get acquainted with princely collection of vintage cars, which brings together automotive history since the 20th century: Bugatti 1929, De Dion Bouton 1903, and many other first-class models of prestigious cars.
National cuisine and restaurants
In Monaco, it is not customary to dine at home, instead it is popular to visit numerous restaurants, the most prestigious of which are Le Louis XV and Le Cafe de Paris.
Local chefs prepare exquisite dishes dominated by Italian or French cuisine.
Where to stay?
Monaco hotels offer visitors first-class accommodation with impeccable comfort and high prices. In total, the principality has about 15 hotels 3-5 stars.
The most popular holiday destinations are:
- Hotel Hermitage 5 *;
- Hotel Metropole 5 *;
- Port Palace 4 *;
- Ambassador Monaco 3 *;
- Novotel Monte-Carlo 3 *.
Rooms in them are not always free, so guests of this country try to stay outside its borders.
To select a hotel, use the search form. Enter city, arrival and departure dates and number of guests.
Entertainment
During the day, travelers visit museums and theaters, relax on beaches, ride yachts or watch stage races "Grand Prix of Formula 1"as part of the route runs through the city.
The most favorite place of entertainment at night is, of course, the casino. During the day it is available for excursions, in the evening gambling audience comes here.
One of the attractions of Monaco - shopping, which takes place in the "Zolotaya Ploshchad" area, where you will find only original products of brand stores.
Now more and more newlyweds prefer to play a wedding abroad. Monaco is a great place to host such a meaningful celebration. Read in, where else you can have a wedding.
- Don't drink tap water - it is better to buy a bottled product;
- On national holidays, the country hosts colorful ceremonies (January 27, November 19, December 25);
- Car speed limited to 50 km / h;
- During the races, prices in the country rise twice;
- Banks are closed on weekends.
Monaco is an incredibly vibrant and attractive destination, as it has a convenient geographical location, developed infrastructure and many interesting sights.
National flag of Monaco.
Monaco (Monaco) is a principality in the south of France, one of the smallest states in the world. The area of \u200b\u200b1.95 sq. Km is 200 hectares, and 40 hectares were reclaimed from the sea. The population is 32.6 thousand people, of which only 5.5 thousand are citizens of Monaco (Monegasques). In terms of population density, Monaco ranks first in the world. The preferential tax regime that exists in Monaco attracts many wealthy people here. However, obtaining Monegasque citizenship is very difficult, therefore the absolute majority of the country's inhabitants are foreigners (French, Italians, British, Belgians). The indigenous people of Monaco, Monegasques, are French by origin, partly mixed with Italians. The official language of Monaco is French, the spoken language is the so-called Monegasque dialect (a mixture of French and Italian). The majority of the local population is Catholic.
Natural conditions
The Principality of Monaco is located in the south of Europe, on the high, rocky coast of the Ligurian Sea (part of the Mediterranean Sea), protected from the north and east by the Alps. The length of the coastline belonging to Monaco is 3.5 km. From land the country is surrounded by French territory (French department of the Alpes-Maritimes). At a distance of 12 km from Monaco, the border between France and Italy passes.
Monaco is located on the southern periphery of the limestone Alps-Maritimes. The climate is Mediterranean with moderately warm winters (average January temperature + 8-10 ° C) and dry, warm and sunny summer (the average temperature in July and August is + 24 ° С). There are up to 300 sunny days a year, and about 60 rainy days. The average annual rainfall is 1300 mm. They fall mainly in the fall.
The Alps-Maritimes protect Monaco from cold northerly winds. In summer, sea breezes have a cooling effect on the coast. Thanks to soft climatic conditions Monaco is a popular Mediterranean resort.
Political structure
Monaco consists of three merged administrative districts-cities - Monaco (capital, old town), La Condamine (business center and port) and, the industrial area of \u200b\u200bFontvieille is distinguished separately. Monaco is a principality, a constitutional hereditary monarchy. The current constitution was adopted on December 17, 1962. The head of state is the prince, who exercises legislative power jointly with the National Council (of 18 members), elected for 5 years. A member of the National Council can only be a Monegasque who was born in Monaco and at least 25 years old.
Since 2005, Prince Albert II Grimaldi, a representative of the oldest dynasty in Europe, has been on the throne (its 700th anniversary was celebrated in 1997). In accordance with the treaty concluded with France in 1918, Monaco is an autonomous state under the protectorate of France. Monaco has a police force, but no army of its own, apart from the 65-man Royal Guard. Defense issues are in the competence of France.
Economy
Monaco is one of the world centers of tourism and the best resorts of the Cote d'Azur (Riviera), enjoying international fame. The country is visited annually by up to a million tourists. Monaco has developed highly profitable industries - electronic, electrical, chemical, pharmaceutical, precision instrument making, production of building materials, earthenware, ceramics and majolica. Trade, tourist services and the making of souvenirs are important. In the country high level employment and living standards. There is a government monopoly on the sale of tobacco products, the telephone network and postal services.
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Monaco. Port.
Thanks to the preferential tax regime, hundreds of international companies (including large ones) and dozens of banks widely use the territory of Monaco to conduct financial transactions. State revenues are made up of taxes from banks, hotels, resorts, casinos, receipts from tourism, sale of postage stamps, which are highly valued by philatelists all over the world, etc. The network of hotels, entertainment establishments and bathing baths is owned by the Sea Bathing Society (since 1967 - under the control of the government). Contrary to popular belief, casinos in Monte Carlo account for only about 3% of the principality's income. The monetary unit is the euro.
History
In 10-1 centuries. BC e. within the territory of modern Monaco first there was a Phoenician and then a Greek colony. A temple was erected here, dedicated to the mythological hero Melkart (among the ancient Greeks - Hercules, among the Romans - Hercules). In 1 century. BC e. this territory became part of the Roman Empire, later it was captured by the Arabs. In the 7th century. n. e. these lands were part of the Lombard Kingdom, and later - the Kingdom of Arelat.
In the second half of the 11th century. n. e. the territory was taken over by the Genoese. On the site of present-day Monaco, the Genoese built a fortress in 1215. In 1419, the Genoese family of Grimaldi was finally established in Monaco. Monaco became an independent principality (under the protectorate of Genoa). The principality originally belonged, outside of its present possessions, to Menton and Roquebrune.
From 1524 it was under the rule of the Spanish monarchy while maintaining formal autonomy, in 1605 Spanish troops occupied the territory of the principality. Agostino Grimaldi entered into an alliance with Emperor Charles V in the wars against the French king Francis I. Later, the Prince of Monaco Honore I helped Spain in the defense of Malta from the Turks and in the naval battle of Lepanto in 1570. In 1641, the population of Monaco opposed Spanish rule, and the principality passed under the protectorate of France, retaining internal self-government. At the end of the War of the Spanish Succession in the Peace of Utrecht in 1713, the sovereign status of the Principality of Monaco was confirmed. In 1731, the princely power passed through the female line to Goyon Matignon, who took the surname Grimaldi.
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Monaco. Princely Palace.
As a result of the Great french revolution the princely power in Monaco was overthrown, in 1793 its territory was annexed to France. The Treaty of Paris of 1814 restored the principality of Monaco, the princely throne was returned to Honore IV. By the decision of the Congress of Vienna in 1814-1815, Monaco was transferred to the protectorate of the Sardinian kingdom. In 1848, as a result of the revolution in Monaco, Prince Florestan I was overthrown, arrested and imprisoned, and the princely rule was abolished. In 1849 Florestan I was restored to the throne, but the Sardinian protectorate was terminated. In 1856 two cities - Menton and Roquebrune proclaimed their independence. In 1861, Prince Charles III sold to France his formal rights to the cities of Menton and Roquebrune and agreed to establish a French protectorate in Monaco.
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Monte Carlo. Casino.
In 1861 the Frenchman Maurice Blanc was given a concession to open a gambling house in Monaco. The international joint-stock "Sea Bathing Society", which owned a gambling house, built a casino complex in Monte Carlo (1861-1910, French architect Ch. Garnier). After the completion of the railway between France and Monaco (1868), the casino in Monte Carlo became world famous and became one of the main sources of income for Monaco. In 1865, Monaco entered into a customs union with France. In 1899, the Oceanographic Museum was founded, which became an international center for oceanographic research. In 1911 the first constitution was put into effect, which provided for the formation of an elected National Council (Parliament). Relations with France are governed by a number of agreements. In 1951, Monaco and France signed a convention on mutual assistance in the field of customs duties, taxes, mail, television.
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Monte Carlo. Oceanographic Museum.
In 1959, Prince Rainier III (ruled 1949-2005) dissolved the National Council and suspended the constitution. In December 1962, a new constitution was issued. In the spring of 1962, a conflict arose with France, during which the French authorities established a customs cordon on the border with Monaco. The main reason for the conflict is the refusal of Monaco to introduce some changes in the field of taxation in the principality. In 1963, a convention was signed between France and Monaco on the collection of income tax on the basis of French taxation. Only Monegasques, French people who have lived in Monaco for at least five years, and companies with a Monegasque capital of more than 25% are exempt from taxes.
Culture
This independent principality has been ruled by the Grimaldi family for 7 centuries. Prince Rainier III (1929-2005) ascended the throne in 1949. In 1956, he married the American actress Grace Kelly. He has three children: Caroline, Albert and Stephanie. Princess Grace died in 1982 in a car accident. Monaco is home to one of the most powerful medium-wave radio stations in Europe - Monte Carlo. The Tele-Monte-Carlo television company is functioning.
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Monaco. City landscape.
Monaco is the center of many international organizations (International Hydrographic Bureau, International Tourism Academy) and a place for international meetings. The Oceanographic Museum, founded here in 1899, became largest center research of the World Ocean.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix (Grand Prix de Formule 1) is held every year on the weekend close to the Ascension Day (May June). The track is laid through the city.
International Festival The Circus in Monte Carlo (Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo) takes place every year at the end of January. The most famous circus groups in the world are fighting for the title of the best. On the last day, the jury will announce the winner of the prestigious Clown d "Or" award.
Imagina takes place every year in February. One of the most significant European multimedia art salons.
The Television Festival (Festival de Television de Monte-Carlo) takes place every year in February - showing the best examples of TV products.
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Useful data for tourists about Monaco, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Monaco, cuisine, peculiarities of visa and customs restrictions in Monaco.
Geography of Monaco
The Principality of Monaco is one of the smallest states in the world, located in the south of Europe, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, near the border of France and Italy. The territory of Monaco consists of the merged cities-districts of Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille.
Monaco is located on an elevated coastline formed by limestone mountains, which are the southern extension of the Alpes-Maritimes. Cape Monaco is rocky, protrudes far into the sea, La Condamine is a small open bay. The relief of the surface is hilly, rugged, rocky. The highest point is Mont-Agel (140 m.).
The state
State structure
Monaco is a constitutional monarchy. The head of state is a prince who transfers the rights of government to his heir. The head of government is the state minister. Legislative power rests with the monarch and the National Council (unicameral parliament). The functions of the lower house are performed by the Communal Council.
Tongue
State language: French
Residents also speak Monegasque, Italian and english.
Religion
90% of the population are Catholics, 6% are Protestants.
Currency
International name: EUR
Euro (Euro), equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.
You can exchange currency at exchange offices at banks, at the railway station, in hotels.
Credit cards of the world's leading systems and traveller's checks are freely used. It is also beneficial to exchange currency through ATM machines.
Popular attractions
Tourism in Monaco
Holidays in Monaco at the best price
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Popular hotels
Excursions and attractions in Monaco
On the Azure coast of the Mediterranean Sea there is a truly paradise - the principality of Monaco. This is one of the smallest states in the world and one of the most fashionable resorts. Monaco is dazzling luxury and sophisticated elegance. A wonderful mild climate, magnificent natural landscapes, gorgeous beaches of the Côte d'Azur, the famous Monte Carlo casinos, the legendary Formula 1 and a host of other entertainments will fill your vacation with unforgettable impressions.
The Principality of Monaco consists of only a few cities practically merged together - Monaco Ville (the official capital), Monte Carlo, La Condamine and a small territory reclaimed from the sea - Fontvieille. Despite the very tiny size of Monaco (about 2 square kilometers), there are interesting historical and cultural attractions and always a huge number of tourists.
Monaco Ville or the so-called "Old Town" is built on a flat cliff top at an altitude of 60 meters above sea level and is the historical center of Monaco. Here is the Prince's Palace with a magnificent palace square. The southern wing of the palace houses the Napoleon Museum and the Collection of the Historical Archives of the Prince's Palace. Also on the territory of Monaco Ville is Fort Antoine, the stunning Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, which was for some time led by the famous French explorer of the World Ocean Jacques-Yves Cousteau, the magnificent Gardens of St. Martin, the Wax Museum and the Museum of Old Monaco. Of particular interest are the magnificent White-stone Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in the Roman-Romanesque style, which is also the burial place of the princes of Monaco, and the Chapel of Mercy (one of the oldest buildings, built in 1639).
Monte Carlo is rightfully considered a cultural and entertainment center Monaco. Here is the world famous Casino - one of the oldest and most respectable gambling establishments in the world, striking in its magnificent architecture and luxury. In Monte Carlo, the Opera House, the National Museum of Monaco, St. Charles Church and the wonderful Japanese Garden are also worth visiting.
The main port of Monaco is located in La Condamine, and the business life of Monaco is also concentrated here. The main attractions of La Condamine include the magnificent Exotic Garden, the Church of Saint Devote, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology, the Market and the Princess Caroline pedestrian street. The Fontvieille area is famous for its eponymous park with the stunning Rose Garden of Princess Grace, the Maritime Museum, the Museum of Philately and Numismatics, the Zoological Gardens and the Louis II Stadium. And in the huge Commercial Center is the Museum of Vintage Cars of Prince Rainier III, which contains a magnificent collection of luxury vintage cars (one of the best collections of this kind in the world).
Monaco is the picturesque Alps, azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea, fashionable beaches and interesting sights. But still, the main life of the country revolves around a huge number of exquisite restaurants and cafes, famous nightclubs, discos and, of course, casinos.
Monaco is an incredibly small country, but despite this, it is known throughout the world as the best resort on the French Riviera. Almost all of the country's activities are related to tourism and this is its main income. On the very coast of the sea there are high-rise buildings near which villas are buried in greenery. It is surprising that in such a small area of \u200b\u200bthe country there are many parks and green spaces, which occupy about 20% of the entire area of \u200b\u200bMonaco. Rest in this place is difficult to compare with something else, the cleanest beaches with warm water, near which there are many entertainment venues, will allow you to relax to the maximum at any time of the day. In addition, Monaco is known for its city of Monte Carlo, which is also called the European Las Vegas. For gamblers, this is a real paradise, as the city is home to the largest casino complex in Europe. According to archaeologists. The first settlements on this land appeared in 900 BC. Thanks to such an old age, this small country is one big museum.
Geography of Monaco
The Principality of Monaco lies on a small coastal strip near the Franco-Italian border. On land, the principality borders on France, and in the south it is washed by the Mediterranean Sea. The area of \u200b\u200bthe country is only 200 hectares. The capital of the principality is Monaco-Ville.
Monaco Ville
The area of \u200b\u200bMonaco is 1.98 km2. sq., occupies 234th place in the world in area.
Population
35,986 people.
The state currency is the euro (EUR).
Official language - French.
Visa for Monaco
Russian citizens need a visa to visit the Principality of Monaco. For this purpose, both a French and a Schengen visa may be suitable. The visa must be obtained on the basis of an invitation at the French Consulate, since there is no Monaco representative office in Russia. To apply for a visa, you will need insurance in the amount of at least 30 thousand dollars, a passport and round trip tickets. Usually the visa processing time takes no more than 2 weeks. If one parent and a child is flying to Monaco, then you must have a birth certificate and a power of attorney from the parent remaining in Russia.
Weather in Monaco
The climate in this small area is Mediterranean. It is warm and dry in summer, and it rains in winter, but just as warm. Thanks to its special location at the foot of the Alps, the sun shines in Monaco almost all year round. In July, the temperature is +22 +23 С, and in January +10 +11. Frosts are extremely rare. There is no more than 600 mm of precipitation per year, mainly in January-February. Accordingly, it is best to visit the country during the summer months.
Monaco landmarks
Monaco-Ville is the ancient capital of Monaco, which is located on the top of a small cliff at an altitude of 60 meters. The flat top is very densely built up with old buildings. The city has many fortifications, and walking along the narrow streets, which seem to have just come to life from the picture, you can come to the Palace Square, which houses the building of the Royal Palace. At noon, all tourists of the city gather at this place and observe with interest the solemn changing of the guard. Despite the fact that this procedure takes place every day, there are a lot of people who want to see this action. The local oceanographic museum, founded in 1910 by Albert I, who was a famous lover of the seas and oceans, is known all over the world. The museum was also run by the no less famous navigator Jacques-Yves Cousteau. No less interesting city is also Monte Carlo, which has become the heart of Europe's nightlife and gambling. The city center, of course, is the casino (Casino du Monte Carlo), which is currently considered the most respectable casino in the world, in addition, it is this place that gave the world its very name - "casino". It is also worth noting that thanks to this casino, in the 19th century, when the economic crisis reigned in Europe, saved Monaco from bankruptcy, since only the income of the gambling business did not allow the country to go bankrupt. Building this institution rebuilt many times and the oldest of them, which has survived to this day and is still functioning, was built in 1878, and the newest premises of the complex in 1910. One of the first Cabarets was also opened here and it is called "Le Cabaret", and the famous "Granier Hall" is considered the most beautiful gambling hall in the world. However, not only casinos are of the greatest interest in Monte Carlo. Many come here to see the unusual puppet theater, which is surrounded on all sides by terraces planted with greenery. Like any state, Monaco has its own business center - Condamine. Unlike other areas of the principality, here, instead of quiet picturesque streets, there is a huge number of offices, banks, supermarkets and markets. The main attraction of the city is the Church of Saint Devote, which is considered the patroness of Monaco. You should definitely go to the country's oldest market, built in 1880, even if you don't buy anything here, you will remember a walk around this place for a long time. Same good place for walks of locals and tourists is the Rue Princesse Caroline street, along which there are hundreds of boutiques, shops and souvenir shops. By the sea is the picturesque town of Fontvieille. A collection of cars that once belonged to Prince Rainier III brought fame to this place. Now this collection has been moved to the Museum of Antique Cars in the commercial center of the city. According to experts, Prince Rainier's collection is the richest in the world (over 100 cars). Undoubtedly, other museums located in the city are also interesting: the Maritime Museum, which now displays copies of the famous sea \u200b\u200bships, Museum of Numismatics, etc. In Fontvieu, the largest sports complex in the state was built, which can accommodate 20,000 people, and there is an Olympic-class pool under the ground of the complex.
National cuisine of Monaco
The principality does not have its own national cuisine. But local restaurants and cafes present a wide range of French, Italian and other European countries.
Transport
Diversity public transport in Monaco is not great. You can get around here on five bus routes that run from 7 am to 9 pm with an interval of 10 minutes. One-way ticket costs 1.4 euros, you can also buy tickets for four and eight passes, costing 3.4 and 5.45 euros, respectively, and a one-day pass will cost only 3.4 euros, so if you plan on many trips a day, it is best to take a day pass. There is also a special tourist locomotive with small trailers, which travels around the territory of the entire principality in half an hour. During the trip on this train, tourists can listen to explanations in several languages, and the journey costs only 6 euros. This type of tourist transport runs in the principality every day, with the exception of only a few cold months of the year. There is also such an unusual form of transport as escalators, which are used here to climb the streets above. The ascent to the upper street is free. Taxis can be found at hotels, gambling establishments, railway stations and post offices. Compared to many European countries, the fare is not very high, only 1.2 euros per kilometer, but after ten in the evening the price rises by 25%. Although it is unlikely that a tourist will have to order a taxi, since given the small size of the principality, the longest walk can take half an hour.
Currency exchange in Monaco
For September 2011, the national currency rate is 1 USD \u003d 0.71 EUR. National currency - euro. Banks are open from Monday to Friday, working from 09.00 to 16.30 with a lunch break 12.00-14.00. The exchange is carried out in special exchange offices at banks, as well as in hotels, railway station and international airport in Nice. Paying with credit cards and traveller's checks is no problem.
Electricity
220V / 50Hz (European type sockets).
Religion
90% of the inhabitants of the Principality of Monaco are Catholics, the state has its own Catholic bishop. In second place is the Protestant Church. According to the constitution, the country has freedom of religion.
Safety
The police system in Monaco is one of the best in the world. Police officers are ubiquitous and can be dressed in uniforms or in civilian clothes. A police officer has the right at any time to inspect the personal belongings of a suspicious person, to search a car, hotel room or apartment. Thanks to the high coordination of the work of the local police. The crime rate in the country is extremely low.
State in Southern Europe, on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded by land by the territory of France.
Territory - 1.95 sq. km. The capital is Monaco.
Population - about 32.5 thousand people. (1998); of these, the indigenous inhabitants of Monegasque - about 6 thousand, French - about 13 thousand, Italians about 5 thousand.
The official language is French.
Religion - Catholicism.
Since the 15th century. Monaco is an independent principality under the protectorate of Genoa, in 1524-1641. - under the Spanish, then under the French protectorate, in 1793-1814. - as part of France. The treaty signed in 1918 between France and the principality states that Monaco undertakes "to exercise its sovereign rights in full compliance with the political, military, maritime and economic interests of France" and must "coordinate with the French government all measures concerning international relations principalities. "France represents Monaco abroad.
State structure
Monaco is a unitary state. Administratively, it consists of 4 merged districts - cities: Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontviel.
The Constitution, granted by the monarch in 1962 and replacing the first Monegasque constitution in 1911, is in force. According to the form of government of Monaco, it is a constitutional hereditary monarchy (principality). The political regime is democratic. Officially, there are no political parties in Monaco: there are various political organizations.
Legislative power belongs to the Prince and the National Council (Parliament), which consists of 18 deputies, elected for 5 years by direct universal suffrage. The powers of parliament are limited: it does not have the right to control the activities of the government, as well as to come up with legislative initiatives.
The head of state is the Prince, who, according to Article 3 of the Constitution, has executive power. The prince in Monaco appoints and recalls members of the government, can dissolve parliament at any time, represents Monaco in public relations and has the right to conclude and ratify treaties, issues ordinances in the execution of such treaties and laws. The prince is assisted by advisory bodies: the Crown Council, which advises the head of state on international treaties, dissolution of parliament, amnesty and pardons, and the State Council, which gives its opinion on draft ordinances and laws.
In practice, executive power is exercised by the Government Council, headed by the Minister of State (Ministre d "Etat). In accordance with the 1918 treaty between Monaco and France, 2 out of 4 seats in the Government Council are occupied by representatives of France, including the post of Minister of State. The latter is appointed by the Prince from the list. three candidates nominated by the President of France The Prince appoints other members of the Government Council: an adviser for internal affairs, an adviser for social policy and public employment and an adviser for finance.
Legal system
The legal system of Monaco belongs to the Romano-Germanic legal family and has significant similarities with the legal system of France. In a number of areas (insurance, telecommunications, postal services, etc.) French laws are directly applicable.
The Constitution (Article 2) establishes for the principality the status of a legal state based on respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms.
Main source civil law - Civil Code of 1881, which is a variant of the Civil Code of France in 1804. The Commercial Code of Monaco is also very close to its French counterpart.
The economic legislation of Monaco is aimed at attracting foreign capital to the country by providing a super-preferential tax regime. There are about 800 international companies and 50 banks operating in the country.
Monaco's labor law is broadly in line with international standards... Workers are free to join trade unions. The constitution provides for the right to strike in accordance with the law. The law prohibits civil servants from going on strike. Established by law work week - 39 hours.
The main source of criminal law is the Criminal Code of Monaco. The death penalty for all crimes was abolished by the 1962 Constitution (Article 20). The last death penalty took place in 1847.
In legal proceedings, with a few exceptions, French law also prevails. According to the Constitution (Article 19), arrest (except for arrest at the scene of a crime) is allowed only on the basis of a court order issued no later than 24 hours from the moment of arrest.
Judicial system. Control bodies
According to the Constitution, judicial power belongs to the Prince, who, however, delegates its exercise in full to local courts and tribunals acting on behalf of the head of state.
The judicial system consists of justices of the peace, courts of first instance, the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation. There is also a Tribunal Supreme Court with 5 members and 2 substitutes appointed by the Prince for 4 years. Judges are nominated for each seat by Parliament, the Council of State, the Crown Council, the Court of Appeal and the civil court of first instance. The Supreme Court performs some of the functions of constitutional review and is the highest body of administrative jurisdiction. The judges of other courts are also appointed by the monarch and are usually French citizens.