Monaco / Monte-Carlo
Located on the French riviera, Monaco is famed the world over as being a tax haven for the rich as well as a gambling capital and a home of luxury and glamor.
History of the place
Monaco may be located near the French riviera towns and cities, but this tiny principality is not a part of France at all. Officially known as the Principality of Monaco (Principatu de Munégu in Monégasque), Monaco is a constitutional monarchy headed by Prince Albert II, the head of the House of Grimaldi. The Grimaldi House has ruled Monaco since 1297, when Francesco Grimaldi captured the city dressed as a monk (monaco in Italian). Monaco was only officially recognized as an independent state in 1861, with the Franco-Monégasque Treaty. Today, Monaco is still independent, although it is officially protected by France. Of Monaco's population of 33,000 people, 84% are wealthy inhabitants of foreign countries who have made Monaco their home because of Monaco's policy against levying income tax on individuals. Monaco has its own postal system, its own mint and its own language, Monégasque, although French is the language primarily used by the multicultural population, followed closely by English.
Monte-Carlo and the Casino
Technically, Monaco the city and Monaco the state are one and the same, however there are a few distinctions, namely amongst Monaco-Ville, the old city, la Condamine, by the port, and Monte-Carlo, where the majority of the residents of Monaco live. Monte-Carlo is also home to the infamous luxurious Casino of Monaco. The Casino provides a large majority of the income of the city-state: tourism is Monaco's main economic draw, and many tourists come to the glamorous casino every year to gamble and mingle with the rich and famous. If you decide to visit the casino, be aware that formal dress is encouraged, and unless you want to gamble large sums, you will probably be restricted to the room filled with slot machines, which is still quite impressive. The citizens of Monaco are not permitted to gamble in the casino.
Changing of the Guard
In Monaco-Ville old city sits the palace of the Prince of Monaco, once the home of American actress Grace Kelly, who was married to the former Prince of Monaco. The palace is worth visiting, if only to watch the archaic changing of the guard, a ceremony that the French take even more seriously than the Brits, who are famous for their version at Buckingham palace. Nearby, you will also find a statue of Franesco Grimaldi dressed as a monk, a tribute to the first Grimaldi of Monaco.
Formula One
One main tourist attraction to Monaco is the Monaco Grand Prix, a Formula One race that has been held every year since 1929. The track runs through the city of Monaco and is widely known as being one of the most demanding Formula One tracks, if not the most demanding in the world.
