Practical Information and Fun Facts About Monaco

Location and Geographical Situation 

Geographical Features 

Tête de Chien, Mont Gros, Mont Agel, La Coupière… Monaco is surrounded by peaks ranging from 500 to 1,078 meters, less than 10 kilometers away as the crow flies. This explains the city’s steep elevation changes, going from 164 meters above sea level at its highest point to sea level in less than 400 meters. Built on terraces, the Principality includes “upper” districts such as the Exotic Garden, a natural promontory (the “Rock”, officially “Monaco-Ville”) and seaside areas such as Larvotto or Port Hercule in the Condamine district. 

Monaco’s Size and Population 

With its many buildings above ten stories, Monaco has a dense skyline compared with other cities on the French Riviera. This is due to the Principality’s status as an independent state, its population and its size, which require vertical construction on a relatively modest territory. 

Monaco’s Residents 

38,631 people live in the Principality of Monaco. This figure explains why, year after year, the city-state ranks at the top of international density rankings: with 19,315.5 inhabitants per square kilometer, Monaco far surpasses Singapore (8,292/km²) and Bahrain when comparing countries, and reaches the density levels of major urban areas such as Paris or Seoul when analyzed as a city. 

Residents under 14 represent 13.47% of the Principality’s total population, while those aged 65 and over account for 36.17%. These statistics are comparable to states of similar nature, such as San Marino (the third smallest state in Europe after the Vatican and Monaco) and are in line with many Western countries, South Korea and Japan. 

Languages Spoken in Monaco 

Officially, French is the administrative and protocol language of the Principality of Monaco, and its use is widespread in local media, shops and among the population. A regional language, a dialect derived from Genoese, Monegasque (or munegascu), is understood and used by around 15% of the local population, mainly among older generations, although it is now part of the school curriculum in the Principality’s schools. Occitan, the language of the French Riviera and the south of France, also retains a symbolic place in Monegasque cultural life. Finally, Italian and English are among the languages spoken in Monaco, with many speakers within the Italian, English and American communities living in the Principality. 

Currency Used in Monaco 

By tradition and due to its geographical situation, Monaco is linked to France by a number of treaties, and currency is one of them: the currency used in Monaco is therefore the euro, the official currency of France. The Principality mints certain coins featuring Prince Albert II and puts them into circulation. Like the coins of Andorra, the Vatican and San Marino, these are highly sought after by numismatists because of their rarity. 

Climate in Monaco 

With an average of 2,500 hours of sunshine per year and only 62 rainy days annually, Monaco enjoys the Mediterranean climate of the French Riviera. Hot summers, mild winters, little wind, sea temperatures reaching 26°C in the height of summer... Monaco’s climate offers many advantages, making it one of the most pleasant seaside destinations in the south of France. 

History and Political Role 

A sheltered port, a rock overlooking the sea, an easy route to Sicily, Tunisia or Spain... The Phoenicians, an ancient Mediterranean civilization from the Levant, established the first trading post on the site of present-day Monaco more than two thousand years ago. The Romans later transformed Monoïkos into portus Herculis Monoeci: it was from Port Hercule that Julius Caesar set sail to defeat his rival Pompey in 48 BC. 

The small port survived barbarian invasions and Saracen raids to become a Genoese colony in the Middle Ages. Descendants of this Italian republic, the Grimaldi settled in Monaco thanks to the boldness of François “the Crafty”, who managed to seize the Rock disguised as a Franciscan monk. The small family lordship of Monaco endured over the centuries by drawing closer to the powers of the time, whether Spain or France. Temporarily ruled by the Republic and then the Empire, the Principality came under Sardinian protectorate until 1860, when Monaco’s current borders with France were drawn. Having become a constitutional monarchy, the Principality built itself as a sovereign state during the 20th century by adopting a political course based on neutrality, a market economy, diplomatic openness, bilateral cooperation with France and, more recently, environmental protection — through the state, but also through princely NGOs such as the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation. 

Princely Family and Traditions 

In 1956, the marriage of Prince Rainier III to actress Grace Kelly brought unprecedented global attention to Monaco’s ruling family. At the time, Monaco was mainly known for its seaside and cultural activities — as shown by Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer, founded in 1863 by François Blanc under an ordinance from Prince Charles III, and by the Ballets de Monaco — but it became a news topic through the lives of the sovereign and his family. 

Today, Prince Albert II, holder of executive power, his wife Princess Charlene, heirs Jacques and Gabriella, as well as the children of the Casiraghi family (from Princess Caroline of Monaco, Princess of Hanover) and the Ducruet family (from Princess Stéphanie of Monaco), all enjoy international fame. 

Many Monegasque traditions originate from the Grimaldi family and its rule over Monaco. The veneration of Sainte-Dévote comes from the military cries of the Grimaldi and their soldiers, who encouraged each other by shouting “Devota!...” during wars. This military tradition continues with the presence of the Prince’s Carabinieri Company at the Prince’s Palace: the changing of the guard every day at 11:55 a.m. is one of the emblematic events of Monegasque culture. On the religious side, Monaco, elevated to an archdiocese, follows the calendar of religious celebrations, with processions for Corpus Christi or the Immaculate Conception, and festivals on St. John’s Day and, for schoolchildren, St. Nicholas Day on December 6. 

More recently, Princess Grace’s legacy has given rise to new traditions, such as the Rose Ball, a charity event bringing together the global elite, and the International Rose Competition, held every year at the Princess Grace Rose Garden. The Prince also brings the Monégasques together each autumn for a large picnic, U Cavagnëtu, at Princess Antoinette Park in the presence of the sovereign and his family. 

FAQ – Practical Information About Monaco 

How do residents get around the Principality on a daily basis? 

Monaco’s geography allows residents to get around in several ways. A large number of urban lifts and escalators connect the districts, so pedestrians do not have to deal with the local elevation changes. A city bus network, with stops spread throughout the different districts, as well as on-demand minibuses, provide regular and fast service for residents. The Principality has also installed charging stations for self-service electric bikes. Finally, Monaco’s road network, both above ground and underground, ensures quick connections. 

 

Can you visit historical sites or the Prince’s Palace? 

From spring to autumn, the Prince’s Palace of Monaco opens its Grand Apartments, a splendid symbol of the “House of Princes”, home of the Grimaldi family for centuries. The Rock district, known as “Monaco-Ville,” also hosts other historical sites that visitors can explore, such as Fort Saint-Antoine, or glimpse, such as the former Monaco courthouse. 

 

What are Monaco’s public holidays and traditions? 

Two specifically Monegasque public holidays give rise to official days off: Sainte-Dévote (January 27), during which a solemn mass, a procession and the burning of a boat take place in memory of Monaco’s patron saint, and Prince’s Day (November 19), the Principality’s national holiday. The ceremonies include fireworks, a military parade, a religious celebration at the cathedral, a friendly match at Stade Louis-II and a concert at the Grimaldi Forum.