“A sunny place for dark people” is how Somerset Maugham described Monaco. One can agree with this aphorism of the famous writer, or one can argue. Nobody objects that Monaco is a “sunny place”, and 300 sunny days a year are clear proof of this. But there are some doubts about the “dark people”. Of course, they are in Monaco and there are quite a few of them, but they are not the only ones who come to Monaco! In any case, I would somehow not like to classify myself as one of the “dark people.”
It is known from statistics that Monaco receives about 5 million tourists a year! In this regard, a strange paradox arises. It’s not difficult to calculate how many people have visited there at least over the last 10 years. And even if every tenth person writes a few lines, how many memories, impressions, and photographs should there be! Alas, for some reason this is not in such expected quantities. There is not even such a country in “Foreign”, and this gap urgently needs to be filled. Moreover, Monaco deserves it. Since childhood, I had a dream to see with my own eyes the smallest states in Europe. First I visited the Vatican, then I managed to visit San Marino, and only now, after another conference in France, it was my turn to Monaco. Everyone has their own motives - some go to Monaco to play in a casino, some are attracted by Formula 1 racing, and some want to look at a beautiful life and make sure that this is possible not only in the movies. You can join strong of the world This is to be among luxury yachts, sparkling Rolls-Royces, casinos and luxury hotels, where famous personalities and the financial elite “nest”. My desire was much more modest. Besides my childhood fascination with stamps and coins, I really love the sea and everything connected with it. That is why, when I read and watched films about the voyages of Jacques-Yves Cousteau, I always imagined the Oceanographic Museum in Monaco, where he brought all his interesting finds. For 30 years, the world's most famous explorer of the deep sea was the permanent director of the museum. This was probably the main driving motive for me.
On the Internet I found a quote from Andersen’s fairy tale, which perfectly answers my own question about why Monaco is not given due attention: “My state is small, but through a magnifying glass it is very clearly visible on the map.” So, if you look through a magnifying glass at the map of Monaco, then its territory measures 190 hectares (of which 40 hectares were conquered for Lately by the sea), you can see four cities: Monaco - the capital of the principality, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and new area Fontvieille. Moreover, each of them is famous in its own way!
One day is enough to leisurely walk around the entire principality along, across and diagonally many times, but a month is not enough to examine everything in detail, to become imbued with its romantic spirit, and to get acquainted with its rich history.
The history of the principality is well known. Even Virgil in his poems mentioned this land as “an impregnable fortress, a quiet port, sheltered from all winds.” The restless Julius Caesar gathered his fleet here, preparing for war with Pompey. In the 13th century, when these lands were under the rule of the Genoese, Francois Grimaldi managed to take possession of the impregnable fortress of Monaco. Disguised as a priest, he entered the fortress, managed to lull the vigilance of the Genoese guards and open the gates of the fortress, already besieged by his army. Since then, for seven centuries, the throne of Monaco has been invariably passed on to the descendants of the Grimaldi family. This is an indispensable condition for the very existence of the principality: according to the treaty of 1815, the end of the dynasty means the immediate entry of France into possession of the territory of the principality.
So far this has not happened, and we are traveling from neighboring France to the sovereign state of Monaco. We previously left the car in Nice, as we had heard about big problems with parking in the most densely populated country in the world, and to be on the safe side, we took the train. Monaco is only 30 minutes from Nice, no documents are required, there is no customs or passport control. I remember when I went from Italy to San Marino, there was a border there, and there were border guards for appearances. Besides the Italian one, no other special visa was required to enter the country, but if you really asked them and paid 1 dollar, then at the border they would put a San Marino visa in the passport for exotic things, but in Monaco there is nothing like that, it’s even a shame. The train stopped in a tunnel resembling a subway station. There is also information here in English, French, Italian and Spanish They will kindly explain to you what the main attractions you need to see in Monaco, they will provide you detailed maps and wish you a pleasant trip.
Monaco
Coming out of the tunnel, we find ourselves in the capital of the country - the city Monaco where he lives
only about 3 thousand inhabitants! The city is picturesquely located on the leveled surface of a rocky outcrop of the Maritime Alps, and is lined with ancient buildings. The views around are stunning - mountains and cliffs on one side, and the exceptional blue sea on the other! We immediately saw Monte Carlo - even if this is your first time in Monaco, you will certainly recognize the famous casino. But for some reason we didn’t notice Condamine, since we didn’t yet know that the central part of Monaco with a beautiful port is the main city of the principality.
View from the capital of Monaco to the city of Condomin (the central part with the port), smoothly turning into Monte Carlo, with the famous casino on the right side of the photo.
I don’t know if there is public transport in Monaco (probably there is), but there is no need for it to get to know the country. The whole country is an open-air museum, and you can walk around Monaco in a couple of hours, so it's better to enjoy the walk, which is what we did. There are tunnels cut into the rocks everywhere - both horizontal for roads and vertical for pedestrians. These pedestrian tunnels with elevators can in a certain sense be compared to our subway. People living here have to “inhabit” the stone space. They house shops, restaurants, and newspaper shops. The city itself is in some places completely ordinary, and in others it resembles a model of an ideal place to live, where pedestrian paths are laid between houses in thickets of exotic greenery.
The main attraction of the city of Monaco is the Prince's Palace, built on the site of a fortress erected in 1215 right on the top of the cliff. Today he serves official residence ruling Grimaldi family.
Prince's Palace of Monaco
The square in front of the Palace is surrounded by a battery of cannons cast in the era of Louis XIV.
Monaco has its own army - according to the latest data, 82 people. One of them is guarding the palace!
Monaco's army is coming! Every day at 11.55 there is a changing of the Palace guard, which is performed by carabinieri in full ceremonial uniform. The ritual of changing the guard has not changed for centuries.
Brave guardsmen
Monaco also has its own military orchestra. The number of military bands (85 people) is three more than the number of Monaco's army (82)!
Closing chords of the changing of the guard
From the Prince's Palace of Monaco you can clearly see the port and Monte Carlo beyond. The building with the green roof is a casino.
From above, Monaco appears as a group of tall multi-storey buildings near the blue sea. The entire coastal part of this area is an artificially created alluvial territory.
Monaco has a lot of beautiful and amazing things. First of all, it is the turquoise color of the sea and lush vegetation, palm trees on the city streets and cleanliness all around.
There are many snow-white yachts parked near the azure surface of the water (wealthy townspeople are the rule, not the exception here).
Monaco Cathedral
The main cathedral of the Principality of Monaco was built in 1875 from white stone. The cathedral stands on the site of an older church from the 13th century. The princes of Monaco, their wives and daughters are buried in the Cathedral.
Almost immediately behind the cathedral, the Oceanographic Museum appeared before our eyes - another attraction and pride of Monaco
“The Oceanographic Museum of Monaco looks like a majestic frigate at eternal rest - a frigate storing in its holds all the treasures of all the depths. And I built it as a guarantee of the union and cooperation of all scientists from all countries of the world,” said Albert I (1848-1922) about his brainchild. .
A passionate lover of marine science, traveler and philanthropist, Albert left behind not statues and memorials in his honor, not palaces and estates (although, of course, his descendants have plenty of this stuff), but a public castle on the top of a cliff - the Monaco Oceanographic Museum . The first in Europe and to this day one of the most popular, it reveals the riches and paradoxes of the Neptune element to everyone who wishes. He collected the most curious specimens of sea shells and corals, collections of navigational instruments, models of ships and nautical charts formed the basis of the museum's exhibition. In honor of its permanent leader for 30 years, the museum was named Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Currently, the museum is one of the largest centers for research of the World Ocean.
One of the first deep-sea vehicles Jacques Cousteau
On the underground floors of the museum there are numerous aquariums that contain underwater inhabitants. The Marinarium, where almost 4,000 fish and marine animals from almost all seas and oceans live in 90 seawater pools, makes a stunning impression on both children and adults. You can spend hours admiring the huge turtles, graceful sharks, scary moray eels and colorful fish, as well as the exceptionally beautiful corals of the tropical seas.
Aquarium of the Oceanographic Museum
Co observation deck The museum offers an amazing panorama of the principality, the surrounding mountains and the entire Ligurian coast up to the Italian Riviera.
Condamine(La Condamine)
The Condamine district arose on the site of the old port in the Bay of Hercules, almost on the site of the ancient Greek “Heraclos Monoikos” - many buildings here are located on territory reclaimed from the sea. Monaco's business life is concentrated in this area; the main shopping districts are located here. La Condamine is an area of the port, banks, shops, hotels, representative offices of companies and corporations, enterprises, hotels and beaches.
One of the streets of La Condamine.
If the capital is associated primarily with the Prince's Palace and the Oceanographic Museum, then La Condamine is, of course, with Formula 1. The main tracks of the Monaco Grand Prix are concentrated here. The Condamine - Monte Carlo ring road meanders in a dizzying serpentine through cramped urban labyrinths; it is the shortest (3.5 km) and recognized as the most dangerous in the world. “The Devil's Carousel”, “the race of a thousand turns” - this is how its participants dubbed the competition. At breakneck speed, they have to negotiate numerous 90-degree turns and even 180-degree hairpins.
Along the route you can see monuments to legendary racers and their cars.
Formula 1
For anyone interested in cars, an exhibition of the personal collection of classic cars of His Highness the Prince of Monaco is open in Monaco. The exhibition includes more than a hundred cars and leaves a strong impression.
Such cars are not uncommon in Monaco. In the absence of competitions, you can easily ride a Ferrari.
Monaco, unlike Nice, has wonderful sandy beaches. However, if you are too lazy to go to the beach, you can swim in the pool, which is located next to the embankment in the very center of the Condominium. The water in the pool is as blue and clean as the sea, and you can sunbathe as you like!
View from the embankment. Free people in a free country.
Monte Carlo
Monte Carlo was officially founded in 1866. It houses a world-famous casino, hotels, branches of banks and concerns, beaches with swimming pools and baths, an opera house, National Museum fine arts with paintings by Renaissance masters, philharmonic orchestra, etc.
It seems that there are no everyday life in Monte Carlo - it’s one big holiday!
The city is truly all about entertainment. Parks, restaurants, cafes and bars open 24 hours a day, and most importantly, of course, the casino!
The main entrance to the Monte Carlo casino (Casino du Monte Carlo)
The first gambling house in Europe, one of the oldest and most respectable casinos in the world has rich history and cultural traditions. The first casino building was opened in 1862, but soon almost completely burned down in a fire, leaving only the gaming room, which after restoration was turned into a lobby through which every visitor must pass. The architect of the second Casino building was Charles Garnier, the author of the Opera building in Paris. In 1878, Garnier built a magnificent palace, which housed a casino and an opera house. This is what the casino building looks like, located on the square of the same name.
The center of social life of the Principality of Monaco is Place du Casino.
The casino complex in Monte Carlo is a kind of European Las Vegas, lighting up the lights of its numerous gambling houses every evening. Over its long history, the casino has been visited by the English King Edward VII and Sir Winston Churchill, the Egyptian King and hundreds of other celebrities. And one can only guess about what human tragedies played out under the luxurious arches of this abode of excitement. Naturally, everyone who comes to Monaco wants, if not to play, then at least to take a look (and it’s better not only from the outside, but also from the inside) at such a famous place.
Entrance to the casino is conditionally free. Anyone (with the exception of children) can enter the casino and feel its atmosphere. Photo and film cameras are not allowed, so it is not possible to show pictures from the inside.
The casino consists of several halls that are immersed in luxury. The walls of all salons are hung with paintings. The Opera House, called the Salle Garnier, is the most beautiful of all the halls of the Casino. It is second only in size to the Paris Opera.
In the depths of the palace there are closed halls for the privileged public. To get to the roulette table, firstly, you need to show your passport, and secondly, buy admission ticket for 10 Euros, and thirdly, you need to look the part - there is a dress code, and you won’t be allowed in in shorts or a mini skirt. But to the "one-armed bandits" who large quantities stand at the entrance to the casino, access is open to everyone. It was interesting for me to watch how naive (or gambling) players threw their money into the machines and pulled the handle in the hope that a golden shower would now fall! But there was no rain, the weather in the casino was just as sunny (as in Monaco 300 days a year!), and during the 30 minutes of waiting I was not able to see a single lucky winner.
They say that in the history of Monte Carlo there was only one case when the casino had to return the amount lost here. Many years ago there was a foreign warship in the port of Monaco. A certain naval officer of not the last rank from this ship managed to lose the entire ship's treasury in a casino. For him it was a matter of life or death. But before putting a bullet in his forehead, he decided to make one last desperate attempt: the ship stood in the roadstead exactly opposite the casino and turned the barrels of all the ship’s guns in its direction. At the same time, the manager was given an ultimatum: either return the money or be blown up. The manager had no choice but to choose the first.
A photo to remember your visit to the casino
On Casino Square next to the gambling building there is another celebrity - the fashionable Monte Carlo hotel - "Hotel de Paris". Once upon a time, Prince Yusupov, Count Shuvalov, Princess Vorontsova-Dashkova, the great princes of the House of Romanov met here, and even today there are few places where you can find so many diamonds inside, and luxurious Rolls-Royces outside, as in this place.
View from the casino at the "Hotel de Paris".
"Hotel de Paris".
Monaco is the land of Rolls-Royces. They wait for their owners everywhere - in front of the hotel entrance, at restaurants, in front of the casino.
There are also such cars in Monaco - not very prestigious, but convenient!
The casino is the symbol of Monte Carlo. His reflection is visible everywhere, in mirrors and lampposts.
So the short walk through the Principality of Monaco has come to an end. It’s always sad to part with the places you like, but the impressions of one day spent in the Principality of Monaco will last a lifetime!
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MONACO, The Principality of Monaco, one of the smallest states in the world (area 1.95 sq. km). Located in southern Europe, on the coast Mediterranean Sea(length coastline 4.4 km.), near the border of France and Italy. On the land side it is surrounded by the territory of the French department of the Alpes-Maritimes (border length 4.1 km). Geographical coordinates: 43° 44" N, 7° 24" E
The territory of Monaco consists of the merged city-districts of Monaco, Monte Carlo, La Condamine and Fontvieille. The city of Monaco - the capital of the country (1.5 thousand inhabitants) - is picturesquely located on the leveled surface of a rocky outcrop of the Maritime Alps, built up with ancient buildings. Its main attractions are the princely palace (a 13th century Genoese fortress rebuilt in the 16th century); Oceanographic Museum (founded in 1899) with its existing institute; An exotic garden located on the almost vertical slopes of the Dog's Head rock; chapel La Misericorde (17th century); pseudo-Romanesque Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception (19th century); Anthropological Prehistoric Museum, etc. La Condamine (13 thousand inhabitants) is an area of the port, banks, shops, hotels, representative offices of companies and corporations, enterprises, hotels and beaches. It also houses the national library and stadium. Monte Carlo (13 thousand inhabitants) was officially founded in 1866. It houses a world-famous casino, hotels, branches of banks and concerns, beaches with swimming pools and baths, an opera house (1878–1879), the National Museum of Fine Arts with paintings by Renaissance masters , Philharmonic Orchestra, etc. Fontvieille is a new industrial center, officially created in 1981 on plots of land reclaimed from the sea.
Nature.
Monaco is located on an elevated sea coast formed by limestone mountains, which represent the southern extension of the Maritime Alps. Cape Monaco is rocky and protrudes far into the sea, La Condamine is a small open bay. The surface relief is hilly, rugged, rocky. Highest point– Mont-Agel (140 m.).
Climate Climate
Mediterranean: moderate warm winter(average January temperature +8°C) and dry sunny summer (average July temperature +24°C). The number of sunny days per year is about 300. Unstable weather and drizzling rains, which usually last no more than 3 days, are brought by a strong east or south wind from the sea “marin”. From the interior of France there is a gusty, dry and cold wind“mistral”, bringing a decrease in temperature. The Maritime Alps protect Monaco from the cold northern winds. In summer, sea breezes have a cooling effect on the coast. Thanks to its mild climate, Monaco is a popular resort. Average annual precipitation is 1300 mm. They fall mainly in the fall.
The conditions of dry summer and autumn-spring rains in Monaco resulted in the formation of brown soils with hard-leaved xerophytic vegetation, as well as red-colored terra rossa soils. Brown forest soils are found in the mountains.
Flora - Mediterranean type: kermes and holm oaks, boxwood, juniper, pine, black and Aleppo pine, olive, fig, bladderwort, Spanish gorse, jasmine, sarsaparilla, varieties of butcher's broom and asphodelina, lilies (grape, mother of pearl, yellow onion, poultry leaf ), Montpelier and sage cistus. Among the plants of the Western Mediterranean group, typical are the dwarf palm, large-fruited strawberry, maritime pine, Atlas cedar, cork, beech and felt-leaved oaks, as well as numerous Lamiaceae. The forests contain holm and round-leaf oak, noble laurel, wild strawberry, and tree erica. The mountain slopes are covered with evergreen maquis shrubs, in which there are strawberries, flowering cistus, myrtle, evergreen pistachios and viburnum, red juniper, broom and gorse species, blooming in autumn and winter, and, less commonly, anagyra bean.
Among the cultivated trees, the olive tree predominates, covering the slopes facing the Gulf of Genoa. Common fruit crops include figs, pomegranates, sweet and bitter almonds, pistachios and grapes. Japanese medlar and camphor laurel were imported from Japan, aloe, cacti and agaves from America, and eucalyptus from Australia. Persimmons, bananas, oranges, lemons and tangerines are grown.
There are no large animals left in Monaco. Mammals include small rodents, hedgehogs and shrews, bats, including the unique Mediterranean pipistrelle. Birds include mountain, spectacled and white-whiskered warblers, buntings, Mediterranean mockingbirds, kingfishers, red-necked nightjars, larks, blackbirds, black-spotted and black-bellied wheatears. There are reptiles - steppe gecko, chalcid, sand lizard, common and viper snakes, Aesculapian snake. There are tree frogs and green toads. The world of insects is diverse (mantises, termites, butterflies, cicadas, grasshoppers and sometimes mosquitoes). Marine mammals are few in number, not counting penguins. The mollusk fauna (oysters, mussels, lithophaga) is also poor. The waters are quite poor in fish, but off the coast they catch sardines, anchovies, flounder, mullet, mackerel, striped catfish, and lobsters.
Population.
In July 2004, the country had an estimated population of 32,270. The population density (16,477 people per 1 sq. km.) is one of the highest in the world. Population growth in 2004 was 0.44%.
The average age of the population is 45 years. 15.5% of Monegasque residents are under 15 years of age, 62.1% are between 15 and 64 years of age, and 22.4% are over 65 years of age. Average life expectancy in 2004 was 75.53 years for men and 83.5 years for women. The birth rate is 9.36 per 1000 people, the death rate is 12.74 per 1000 people, the influx of immigrants is 7.78 per 1000 people, and the infant mortality rate is 5.53 per 1000 births.
The indigenous people of Monaco, the Monegasques, make up 16% of the population. 47% of the country's population are French, 16% are Italian, 4% are English, 2% are Belgian, 1% are Swiss, 14% are others. 90% of the population are Catholics, 6% are Protestants.
The official language is French. Residents also speak Monegasque, Italian and English languages. 99% of the population is literate.
State structure.
According to the 2002 constitution, Monaco is a “hereditary and constitutional monarchy.” Legislative power in the country is divided between the head of state, who takes the legislative initiative, and the parliament (National Council), which passes laws on them.
The head of state is the prince, who represents the principality in relations with other states, puts forward bills, carries out, in agreement with the National Council, a full or partial revision of the constitution, has the rights of pardon, amnesty, awards and granting Monegasque citizenship. Prince of Monaco since May 9, 1949 - Rainier III (Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand) of the Grimaldi dynasty, born in 1923, grandson of Prince Louis II. He graduated from the University of Hastings in the UK and the University of Montpellier (France), in 1944–1945 he served in the French army with the rank of colonel. Died April 6, 2005.
Under the prince there is a Crown Council, which is designed to assist the head of state in the implementation of a number of constitutional prerogatives and advise him on issues affecting the interests of the state. He gives opinions on draft laws and decrees submitted to his consideration by the prince.
The Parliament of Monaco is a National Council consisting of 24 members elected for 5 years by universal suffrage of Monegasque citizens of both sexes who are at least 18 years of age. 16 members of the National Council are elected by a majority vote, 8 by a proportional voting system. Members of parliament pass laws and the budget of the principality; amendments to the constitution require at least 2/3 of the vote. The National Council may be dissolved by the head of state with the consent of the Government Council, but new elections must be called without delay. The national government is not responsible to the National Council.
Executive power comes from the prince. Administration is carried out by the Minister of State, who represents and is appointed by the head of state. The Minister of State is assisted by the Government Council, which he heads, consisting of advisers responsible for the management of specialized departments. The minister and council members are responsible to the prince for the administration of the principality. The responsibilities of the government include: developing bills and presenting them to the prince, ensuring compliance with laws, directing administrative and public services, issuing ministerial acts and decrees concerning the implementation of laws and princely decrees, commanding the forces of order and the police, conducting foreign policy, etc.
According to tradition, the post of Minister of State is held by a French citizen, selected by the prince from among three persons proposed by the French government. Since January 2000, Patrick Leclerc, a member of the Monegasque National Democratic Union party, has been appointed Minister of State for 5 years.
Legislative power in Monaco belongs to the prince, but he delegates it entirely to the judiciary, which acts on his behalf. The legal system is based on the French legal code. It consists of courts of first instance, magistrates and appellate courts. There is also a Supreme Court, consisting of five members and two assessors, appointed by the prince for a term of four years on the proposal of the National Council.
Administratively, the principality consists of four quarters corresponding to the cities that form it.
Monaco has a police force, but no army of its own, other than the 65-member Royal Guard. Defense matters are the responsibility of France.
Political parties.
National Democratic Union(VAT) is a conservative party formed in 1962 as a result of the merger of the National Union of Independents and the National Democratic Accord. She won every election until 2003 and completely dominated the political scene in Monaco for 40 years.
The party declares its intention to defend the unification of the citizens of Monaco around “their sovereign”, to defend the institutions of the principality as the “sole guarantors” of its independence, as well as the traditional values of the country that constitute its “specificity and identity.” The VAT opposed the establishment of a parliamentary regime and the creation of a government responsible to parliament, seeing this as a factor of political destabilization. Currently, the emphasis is on the need to ensure priority for Monegasque citizens in obtaining employment and purchasing housing. The party also promises to lower the age of civil majority to 18 years. Increase housing construction, expand material and advisory assistance to the elderly, the disabled, families, children and mothers, develop the education system and create new opportunities for young people. In the field of labor relations, the VAT advocates the regulation of temporary and part-time employment and ensuring equality of men and women in the world of work. Calls for protecting the existing medical care system, but at the same time developing modern sanitary and hospital structures, as well as improving the living and working conditions of medical workers.
In the 2003 elections, the VAT was defeated for the first time, receiving 41.5% of the vote and only 3 of the 21 seats in the National Council. The leader is Jean-Louis Campora (Chairman of the National Council 1993–2003).
"Union for Monaco"- a coalition of political associations created before the general elections of 2003. It included the National Union for the Future of Monaco, the Rally for the Monegasque Family and the Union for the Principality. The bloc's program is basically identical to the VAT program, but has a more liberal connotation. The Union defends the traditions, “specificity and national identity” of Monaco in the field of culture, the tax system, priority in the provision of employment and housing, and the preservation of such features as high employment and social achievements. At the same time, he objects to “retrograde conservatism,” which dooms the country to economic and other isolation and harms its future.
The Union for Monaco promises to maintain a high quality of life, increase housing construction, and ensure priority for Monegasque citizens in obtaining work and purchasing housing. He defends a model of the rule of law, in which the general interest is higher than personal and corporate, supports lowering the age of civil majority to 18 years and granting citizenship to the children of naturalized women. In the economic field, the bloc advocated the elimination of administrative restrictions that constrain freedom of entrepreneurial activity, the depoliticization of the Sea Bathing Society (a joint-stock company that controls, in particular, casinos and tourist facilities) and the allowance of part-time employment for civil servants. In the social sphere, slogans are put forward to expand the rights of women and ensure them equal rights with men in all areas, guarantees of universal access to qualified medical care, expanding the network of youth and cultural leisure, etc.
The Union for Monaco won the general elections in 2003, collecting 58.5% of the vote and winning 21 of the 24 seats in the National Council. Leader - Stéphane Valéry (Chairman of the National Council since 2003).
Foreign policy.
Monaco has a special relationship with France and exercises its sovereignty “in harmony” with French interests in the fields of politics, economics, security and defense. At the same time, the country has been a member of the UN since 1993. Monaco is also a member of a number of UN specialized agencies and maintains diplomatic relations with a number of countries.
Economy.
Monaco's GDP in 1999 was estimated at $870 million, which corresponded to $27 thousand per capita. Tourism plays an important role in the country's economy. In 2001, a new pier was built for ships making tourist cruises. The Principality managed to diversify its economy through the development of the service sector (49% of GDP) and small enterprises producing expensive, high-quality and environmentally friendly products. The country has no income tax and very low business income, which attracts rich people, numerous companies and banks. The state maintains a monopoly in a number of sectors, such as the sale of tobacco products, telephone communications, and postal services. The unemployment rate in 1998 was 3.1%.
Economic data is not published. It is known that in 1993, about 87% of the economically active population was employed in the service sector, 13% in industry, 0% in agriculture. The electronic, electrical, chemical, pharmaceutical industries, precision instrument making, and the production of building materials, earthenware, ceramics and majolica are developed. Trade, serving tourists and making souvenirs occupy an important place. Electricity is imported from France. Monaco is fully integrated into the French customs system, and through it is connected with the economy of the European Union. The monetary unit is the euro.
The revenue line of the budget in 1995 was $518 million, and the expenditure item was $531 million. The main sources of government revenue: taxes on banks, hotels, resorts, casinos, tourism receipts, sales of postage stamps, etc.
The Principality of Monaco is connected to France by road and helicopter service. There is a constant shuttle service between the airport in Nice (France) and the helicopter port in Fontvieille. Entry into the country from France is free. The length of railway tracks in Monaco is 1.7 km, roads – 50 km.
Society and culture.
The country has achieved a high standard of living. There are programs to help various needy categories of the population. Monaco has more than 31 thousand telephone subscribers (1995), 34 thousand radios and 25 thousand televisions (1998). There are at least 9 radio stations, including Radio Monte Carlo, one of the most powerful in the world. There are 5 television companies, including Tele-Monte Carlo.
Traditional Monegasque housing is of the Mediterranean type (two-story small stone houses with tiled roofs). National clothing - trousers, leggings, shirt, vest and jacket, neckerchief for men, black wide gathered skirt, white jacket with long sleeves, lilac or blue bodice, colored scarf and white cap for women. IN Everyday life it is practically not worn and is used only during festivals and celebrations. The favorite foods of Monegasques are vegetables and root vegetables, cheeses, steak with fried potatoes, stews with sauces, snails, and fish dishes. Residents drink a lot of wine and coffee.
The official holiday is the birthday of Prince Rainier III (May 31). Religious holidays are celebrated, as well as the traditional “King's Day” (January 6). Theatrical spring carnivals are organized.
The classicist sculptor Francois Joseph Bosio (18th–19th centuries), who made a significant contribution to the construction of sculptural ensembles in Paris, as well as the artists Louis and Francois Brea, L. Vidal-Molnay, I. Vidal and Y. Clérissy, became famous.
Monaco annually hosts international festivals - circus and television, as well as Formula 1 auto racing. Concerts are held regularly. There are a philharmonic orchestra, an opera house, numerous museums, and a theater named after. Princess Grace and others
Ancient history.
The Rock of Monaco has served as a refuge for primitive people since ancient times. Their traces were found in one of the caves in the garden of Saint-Martin. Archaeologists attribute them to the Late Paleolithic era (300 thousand years BC). Around 2000 BC. The Ligurian tribe settles in this area. The ancient authors Diodorus Siculus and Strabo described them as harsh mountaineers, accustomed to hard work and a life full of hardships. Ancient figurines and bas-reliefs were found on the territory.
Legends attribute the founding of Monaco to Hercules, whom the Phoenicians called Melqart and the Romans called Hercules. It was alleged that he landed on this coast, returning from Spain, and built the first structures. After his name, the city allegedly received the name “Portus Hercules Monoiki”, that is, “the port of the lonely (temple) of Hercules.” It is known that in ancient times, in the city that stood on the site of present-day Monaco, there really was a temple dedicated to Hercules.
The Greek navigation of Hecataeus of Miletus mentions a city called “Monoikos polis ligustik” - “Ligurian city of Monoikos”. There is an assumption that in reality this name is of Ligurian origin, since the city served as a seaport for the Ligurian Oratell tribe. Probably, the name was later brought into association with “lonely Hercules.”
From about the 10th century. BC. There was a Phoenician fortification on the territory of Monaco. It is believed that it was the Phoenicians who brought Middle Eastern palm trees to the Côte d'Azur. Later, the town was often visited by the Carthaginians, and in the 7th–6th centuries. BC. it is mentioned among the Greek colonies. One way or another, it was an important strategic point between Genoa and Massalia (modern Marseille).
In the 2nd century. BC. The area was captured by the Romans, who included it in the province of the Maritime Alps. At the port, Julius Caesar was loading onto ships, setting off for battle with Pompey. The road laid by the Romans to Marseille, “Via Julia,” led through the city, which for 500 years was one of the main road arteries of the Roman Empire.
During the reign of the Roman emperor Diocletian (3rd–4th centuries AD), a boat with the body of the executed Corsican Christian Devote washed up on the Monaco shore. A church was later built in his name, and he himself was declared the patron saint of Monaco.
After the collapse of the Roman Empire at the end of the 5th century. was part of the various “barbarian” kingdoms that arose from its ruins. From the 9th century The Ligurian coast was subject to continuous raids by Arab pirates from North Africa and became depopulated. Only in 975 were the Muslims finally expelled by the Count of Provence, Guillaume, after which the coast came under the rule of the Genoese Republic and began to be populated again. On the site of Monaco there was a small fishing village. The German emperors Frederick Barbarossa (1152–1190) and Henry VI (1190–1197) recognized the stretch of coastline up to modern Monaco as the possession of Genoa (finally in 1191).
Creation of the Monegasque State.
On June 10, 1215, the Genoese followers of the emperor (Ghibellines), led by Fulco del Casello, appreciating the strategic importance of the Monaco rock and port, began to build a fortress with four towers on the site of the current princely palace. The castle replaced a Muslim fortification that was in ruins. The transfer of Monaco to Genoa was confirmed in 1220 and 1241 by the German Emperor Frederick II (1212–1250) and in 1262 by the Count of Provence.
To attract new settlers, the founders provided them with significant land and tax incentives. Over the next 300 years, Monaco was the subject of a bitter struggle between the Ghibelline families of Doria and Spinola (supporters of the German emperors) and the Guelph families of Fieschi and Grimaldi (supporters of the popes), passing from hand to hand.
The founder of the Grimaldi family was considered Otto Canella, who was consul of Genoa in 1133; his son received the name Grimaldi. In 1296, during one of the civil wars in the Republic of Genoa, the Guelphs were expelled from Genoa and took refuge in Provence. Having gathered a small army, they, led by Francesco Grimaldi, captured the fortress of Monaco on January 2, 1297. According to the chronicle, the Guelph leader disguised himself as a Franciscan monk and was allowed into the fortress by unsuspecting guards, after which he opened the gates to armed warriors.
This time Grimaldi failed to gain a foothold in Monaco. In 1301 they lost the fortress and managed to regain it only on September 12, 1331, when Charles Grimaldi took possession of the rock. In 1341, Charles I (1330–1363) recaptured Monaco from the Spinola family. He enjoyed the support of the French kings and also acquired Menton and Roquebrune. Charles's father and Francesco's cousin, Rainier I was appointed Grand Admiral of France and commanded the French fleet in the battle against the Flemings in 1304. Charles himself led the French king Philip VI (1328–1350) with a squad of crossbowmen who took part in the famous Battle of Crecy (1346). ), and his fleet took part in the siege of Calais. However, he later died during the capture of Monaco by the Genoese Doge Simon Boccanegra. Charles's son, Rainier II (1363–1407), also in the French royal service, managed to hold only Menton (1346) and Roquebrune (1355), but in 1357 the Grimaldi lost their possessions. In 1395 they recaptured them, but in 1401 they lost them again.
The children of Rainier II - Ambroise, Antoine and Jean - regained Monaco in 1419, and then divided the possessions among themselves. So Jean I (1427–1454) became the sole lord of Monaco and Condamine. Having managed to free himself from the captivity of the Duke of Milan, he ruled his possessions until his death in 1454.
Conflicts with Genoa, Milan and Savoy forced Grimaldi, without giving up his independence, to seek protection from neighboring states. They managed to receive such patronage from Florence (1424), Savoy (1428) and Milan (1477). In addition, in 1448, Jean I ceded half of Menton and Roquebrune to the Duke of Savoy in exchange for recognition of his feudal rights to these territories.
The son of Jean I, Catalan (1454–1457) entered into an alliance with the French king and married his daughter to his relative Lambert, who became the king's chamberlain. In 1489, Lambert managed to achieve recognition of the independence of Monaco from the French king and the Duke of Savoy. The support of the latter was purchased at the price of recognition of Savoy's suzerainty over 11/12 Menton in exchange for recognition of Grimaldi's feudal rights (this feudal oath was valid until 1507).
Lambert's policies were continued by his sons Jean II and Lucien I (1505–1523). The latter repelled the Genoese siege in 1506–1507. The French king confirmed the sovereignty of Monaco in 1498 and 1507, promising his patronage to its rulers. King Louis XII's (1498–1515) patent of 1512 recognized Monaco as an independent possession whose lord could not be "in any way diminished or interfered with in his rights, jurisdiction, sovereignty, prerogatives" and enjoyed the "special protection" of the monarch of France. In 1515, this position was confirmed by the new king Francis I (1515–1547). However, in 1523 the ruler was killed by adherents of the Genoese admiral Andrea Doria, who was supported by France. Lucien's brother, Bishop Augustin, who became a seigneur, broke with King Francis I and entered into an alliance with his main enemy in Europe - the German emperor and Spanish king Charles V (1519-1556). In accordance with the Treaty of Burgos (1524), Monaco came under the protection of Spain. It became an imperial fief, whose ruler had to take a feudal oath. At the request of the Monegasque lord, this agreement was later changed: the new agreement of Tordesillas (November 1524) no longer contained any mention of the imperial fief.
Under the auspices of Spain.
The alliance with Spain placed a heavy burden on Monaco's finances. The Spanish garrison, stationed in Monaco under the agreement of 1605, was maintained exclusively at the expense of the inhabitants of this state.
After Augustin's death in 1532, due to the early age of Lucien I's children, the country was temporarily ruled by Etienne Grimaldi from Genoa. He scrupulously observed the treaty with Spain, but at the same time tried to strengthen the autonomy of Monaco. The reign of Lucien's son, Honoré I (1523–1581), was relatively calm. His children Charles II (1581–1589) and Hercules I (1589–1604) continued the same policy. They focused their attention on managing the estates that Charles V had given them in Southern Italy, especially the Marquisate of Campania. In 1604 Hercules was killed by conspirators.
Until 1616, the regency under the son of the murdered ruler Honore I was carried out by his uncle, Prince Frederic de Valdetar. In 1612, he convinced his nephew to accept a new title - "Seigneur and Prince of Monaco." Since 1619, the Monegasque monarch was called a prince. This title was recognized by the Spanish court and became hereditary.
Having taken power into his own hands, the young prince gradually reoriented his policy towards France. Negotiations, which began in 1630, lasted more than 10 years, and the prince received support from the first minister of France, Richelieu. In 1635, another Franco-Spanish war began; in 1640, an uprising against Spain broke out in Catalonia, the participants of which called on France for help. In this situation, on September 14, 1641, an agreement between the Monegasque ruler and the French king Louis XIII (1610–1643) was signed in Peronne. Monaco was recognized as a free and sovereign principality under the protectorate of France, and the prince was entrusted with command of the French military garrison.
Under the protectorate of the French king.
A few months after the conclusion of the treaty, the prince armed his followers and, relying on them, forced the Spanish garrison of the fortress to capitulate. In 1642 Honore II was solemnly received at the French court. Instead of the possessions he had lost in Naples, previously donated to the Monegasque lords by Charles V, the prince received others, French soil: the duchy of Valentinois, the viscountcy of Charles in Auvergne and the marquisate of Beau, together with the seigneury of Saint-Rémy in Provence. At court he was patronized by the first minister, Cardinal Mazarin, and the king Louis XIV(1643–1715) became godfather to his grandson, the future Prince Louis I.
According to the Treaty of the Pyrenees of 1659, the Prince of Monaco was supposed to receive back his possessions in Naples and Milan, but he abandoned them in favor of the French king, who, in turn, transferred them to the Duke of Lanti.
Honore II minted his own coin. He did a lot to decorate the city and especially the princely palace, where he collected a huge collection of paintings, furniture, valuables, etc. Monaco hosted luxurious celebrations, ballet performances, balls and magnificent religious ceremonies.
After the death of Honore II, his grandson Louis I (1662–1701) ascended the princely throne, whose name is also associated with the construction of a number of monumental buildings. He published a collection of laws that was characterized by comparative liberalism. Led by the prince, the Monegasque cavalry fought on the side of France and Holland in Flanders and Franche-Comté during the war against the British. When the problem of the Spanish succession arose, Louis XIV appointed Louis I as his ambassador to the papal court in 1698, instructing him to obtain papal support for the French candidate for the Spanish throne. While in Rome, he squandered much of the wealth collected by his grandfather. In 1701 the prince died in Rome.
His son, Prince Antoine (1701–1731), moved in the circles of the highest French aristocracy and maintained connections with the future regent, the Duke of Orleans. He had a brilliant career in the French army, participating in many battles. Antoine restored and strengthened the princely palace, where he organized magnificent festivities. The prince was fond of music, conducted his own orchestra and corresponded with prominent French composers Francois Coupren, Andre Detouche and others. Close ties of Monaco with France forced in 1707, despite the neutrality of the principality, to fear an invasion by the troops of the Duke of Savoy, and the prince began building new fortifications. The military threat was eliminated only after the conclusion of the Peace of Utrecht in 1713.
With the death of Antoine, the male line of the Grimaldi dynasty was cut short. The prince's daughter Louise-Hippolyte ruled for only a few months before power passed to her husband, Jacques-François de Matignon, proclaimed Jacques I (1731–1733). In 1733 he transferred the throne to his son Honore III (1733–1793). The new prince, like his predecessors, served in the French army, taking part in military operations in Flanders, on the Rhine and in the Netherlands, receiving the rank of marshal in 1748.
During the War of the Austrian Succession in 1746–1747, Monaco was blockaded by Austrian and Sardinian troops. They were pushed back by French forces under the command of Marshal de Belle-Ile. The subsequent reign of Honore III passed quietly. The principality's economy flourished and the standard of living of the population rose, despite the state's meager natural resources. Monaco's main source of wealth was maritime trade and the collection of duties on ships heading to Italy. The prince, who had extensive land holdings in Valentinois, Auvergne, Provence and Normandy, acquired more land in Alsace.
During the period of the Great French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars.
All the possessions of the Monegasque prince in France were lost after the French Constituent Assembly abolished feudal rights on the night of August 4, 1789. Initially, the assembly upheld the Treaty of Peronne and even intended to compensate the prince for the loss of his property, valued at 273,786 francs. However, after the overthrow of the French king in 1792, this project was abandoned. Honore III's references to the Treaty of Peronne were unsuccessful, and by the time of the prince's death in 1795, the financial well-being of the dynasty had already been undermined.
In Monaco itself, a struggle unfolded between two parties. One of them advocated maintaining the sovereignty of the principality. The other, the People's Society, demanded, first of all, the creation of a system of representative government. The second of them managed to win. In January 1793, the National Convention was elected, which soon announced the overthrow of the Grimaldi dynasty.
The entry of French troops into the county of Nice accelerated the formation of a new regime. On February 15, 1793, the French Convention decided to unite the principality with France. Monaco, renamed Fort Hercule, formed a canton within the French Republic, and then became administrative center district (later the center was moved to San Remo). All the wealth collected in the princely palace was confiscated, paintings and works of art were sold, and the palace itself was turned into a barracks, and then into a hospital and a shelter for the poor. Most members of the princely family (including Honore III) were arrested, then released, but were forced to sell almost all their property. Some of them served in the French army.
The situation changed after the abdication of the French Emperor Napoleon. The First Peace of Paris on May 30, 1814 restored the principality within the borders that existed before January 1, 1792, under a French protectorate.
Honore IV, son of Honore III, became the prince, but due to poor health he lost the throne to his brother Joseph. The son of the abdicated prince, Honoré-Gabriel rebelled against this decision and convinced his father to transfer power to him. In March 1815, Honoré IV (1815–1819) went to Monaco, but, arriving in Cannes, he was arrested by the landing Napoleonic troops and taken to Napoleon.
After the final collapse of the Empire, according to the second Treaty of Paris on November 20, 1815, the principality was placed under the protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia.
Sardinian protectorate.
The treaty between Monaco and the Sardinian king Victor Emmanuel I was signed in Stupinigi on November 8, 1817. It was much less favorable for the principality than the treaty with France that was in force before the French Revolution. The finances of the principality were in a pitiful state, the country's resources were dwindling, and the communes, parishes and hospitals owed large sums of money.
After the death of Honore IV, power passed to his son Honore V (1819–1841), who was awarded the title of baron by Napoleon in 1810, and the title of peer of France by the Restoration regime. The new prince took measures to overcome the crisis. However, his harsh policies met with popular discontent and protest demonstrations, especially in 1833 in Menton. After the death of Honore V, power passed to his brother, Florestan I (1841–1856), a great admirer of literature and theater, who was completely unprepared for government. Most issues were resolved by his wife Caroline, who came from a bourgeois family. She managed to temporarily soften the discontent caused by the decrees of Honore V. But the détente did not last long, and soon Florestan and Caroline again tightened their policies, hoping to thus return prosperity to the principality.
Meanwhile, in Menton, demands for independence were growing louder. Residents of the city sought the adoption of a liberal constitution, like the one introduced in the Kingdom of Sardinia by King Charles Albert. They rejected the constitution proposed by Florestan. After the revolution of 1848 in France, the situation worsened. Florestan and Caroline transferred power to their son Charles.
But it was already too late. Uprisings began, Prince Florestan was overthrown, arrested and imprisoned, and princely rule was abolished. However, in 1849 Florestan was restored to the throne.
On March 20, 1848, Menton and Roquebrune, which officially remained fiefs of Savoy and Sardinia, declared themselves free and independent cities “under Sardinian patronage.” On May 1, 1849, the authorities of the Kingdom of Sardinia issued a decree on their annexation to the district of Nice. The Monegasque princes Florestan and Charles III (1856–1889) never managed to return these territories.
In March 1860, in gratitude for the military assistance provided by the French Emperor Napoleon III to the unification of Italy, the Kingdom of Sardinia ceded Savoy and the County of Nice, including Menton and Roquebrune, to France. On July 18, 1860, Sardinia withdrew its troops from Monaco, thereby ending the protectorate.
According to the agreement of February 2, 1861 between Prince Charles III and Napoleon III, Monaco renounced all rights to Menton and Roquebrune in favor of France, for which it received compensation in the amount of 4 million francs. The treaty officially recognized the independence of the Principality of Monaco, but it was reduced to 1/20 of its former area. According to unpublished additional articles of the treaty, Monaco promised not to transfer any part of its territory to any power other than France.
Principality before World War II.
The principality, reduced in size and deprived of resources, was in an extremely difficult financial and economic situation. It was impossible to raise taxes further. Back in the 1850s, the authorities decided to improve matters by opening a casino, but the gambling house of the French entrepreneur Durand soon closed due to lack of transport connections and lack of competitiveness. The businessman Lefevre, who bought the company, also failed to get things going.
After several attempts to revive trade, Charles III and his mother Caroline decided to organize a company called the Sea Bathing Society. The concession to create a gambling house was sold for 1.7 million francs to banker Francois Blanc, who previously headed a gambling house in Hamburg. The term of his license was 50 years. Blanc managed to organize a casino and expand operations, the volume of which soon exceeded the most optimistic expectations. The hotels, theater and casino built by the Sea Bathing Society began to attract many tourists to the principality from the very beginning.
In 1865, Monaco signed a convention with France establishing a customs union. At the same time, the prince retained the right to conclude international treaties and agreements. The parties agreed on the construction of a railway line through Monegasque territory. Since 1868, when the railway line between Nice and Ventimiglia came into operation, the number of tourists has increased even more. In 1870, 140 thousand people visited the country, and in 1907 - already more than 1 million (at that time there were 52 hotels in the principality).
Monaco's economic progress was accompanied by an expansion of urban development. The Spelug quarter surrounding the casino was quickly built up with luxury hotels and prestigious buildings. In 1866 it received a new name after the prince - Monte Carlo. In 1869, the opera opened in Monte Carlo, which, under the leadership of the famous conductor Raoul Gainsbourg, gained worldwide fame.
During the reign of Charles III, train stations were built in Monaco and Monte Carlo, a post office was organized, the first postage stamps of the principality were issued and gold coins were minted. A separate bishopric was created in Monaco. In 1881 the civil code was introduced.
The population grew rapidly. In 1870, only 1,500 people lived in the principality; in 1888 this number increased to 10 thousand, and in 1907 - to 16 thousand.
The foreign policy activity of the principality also developed. In 1866–1905, Monaco concluded extradition treaties with Italy, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, Russia, Switzerland, Austria-Hungary, Great Britain, Denmark, as well as a convention on cooperation in the legal field with Italy, Belgium and France. The Principality signed multilateral agreements: the Paris (1883) and Berne (1886) conventions and the Madrid Agreement (1891). It appointed ambassadors and diplomatic representatives to France, Spain, Italy, Belgium, and to the papal court.
Prince Albert I (1889–1922) became famous for his scientific research in oceanography, paleontology, anthropology and botany. He founded the Institute of Oceanography in Paris with the famous Oceanographic Museum in Monaco (opened in 1910), the International Institute of Peace (1903) and the Exotic Garden, and contributed to the development of the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology in Monaco and other research institutions.
In 1911, the prince approved the constitution of the Principality of Monaco. In accordance with it, the monarch retained very broad powers, but shared legislative power with the National Council, which was elected by universal suffrage. In October 1914 the constitution was suspended.
Albert I patronized the development of art and culture: magnificent performances were staged at the Monaco Opera, and famous seasons of Russian ballet were held in Monaco. Monaco was active in diplomatic activities. According to the 1912 convention, French troops could be introduced into the territory of the principality only at the prior request of the prince. In 1914, Albert I unsuccessfully tried to persuade the German Emperor to abandon hostilities in the First World War. His son Louis served in the French army, and during the First World War he rose to the rank of general.
Officially, Monaco remained neutral in World War I, but France feared that the principality might fall under German influence, since Louis' heir was unmarried and the prince's cousin, Duke Wilhelm von Urach, was a German subject. On July 17, 1918, Monaco was forced to sign an agreement with France, which entered into force on June 23, 1919. The French Republic recognized and guaranteed the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Principality. In turn, the government of the principality was obliged to act “in accordance with the political, military, maritime and economic interests of France” and to coordinate its foreign policy with it. Only Monegasque or French citizens approved by the French government could become heirs to the throne or regents of Monaco. If the princely dynasty ended, Monaco was to form an autonomous state under the protectorate of France. The French army and navy received the right to occupy Monaco, even without the consent of the prince.
A political crisis erupted in the country in 1918 when the National Council refused to recognize the legitimacy of a daughter born to the heir to the throne, Louis, out of wedlock. The authorities issued an order on October 30, 1918, allowing the heir to adopt children in the absence of his own legitimate descendants.
Louis II (1922–1949) tried to maintain the independence of the principality in a difficult international situation and in the economic crisis of the 1930s. During the Second World War, troops of the warring powers entered the territory of the principality twice. The prince's grandson served in the French army during the war.
Modern Monaco.
The grandson of Louis II, Prince Rainier III, who took the throne in 1949, contributed to the development of the principality's economy (tourism, industry), scientific research, sports and culture. While maintaining its traditional image as a luxury tourist destination and gambling paradise (in 1973, casinos accounted for just 5% of budget revenues), the country has also become a business, industrial and cultural center. Due to the drainage of areas of the sea, the area of the state increased by 1/5 during his reign. In 1981, the city of Fontvieille was founded on the territory reclaimed from the sea to the west of the Monaco Rock. Currently there are plans to extend the land on which the Rock of Monaco is located far out to sea and significantly expand the territory of Monte Carlo. The developed areas will be built up; they are planning to build an underground railway and a station there.
In the economic field, measures have been taken to develop the hotel business, modernize the tourism infrastructure and build facilities suitable for holding international meetings and congresses. Modern industry and trade were created, which became the basis of income in the budget of the principality. The country carried out major work on the construction of port facilities, underground railway, administrative buildings, reconstruction and expansion of the hospital, urban infrastructure, tunnels and parking areas. A new stadium and water stadium, and an airport for helicopters were built.
In 1966, the Monegasque state decided to strengthen its control over such an important source of income as the Sea Bathing Society. Threatening to nationalize the casino, it bought up a majority of the company's shares.
New education laws improved compulsory schooling. New schools were built, measures were taken to develop sports and culture. The prince established prizes for composers and writers, and opened the palace to host concerts of the Monte Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra. The princely family patronized the organization of art festivals and ballet performances. The Monte Carlo television station began operating in 1954, and since 1961 the International Television Festival has been held. Scientific research developed: a Scientific Center, a laboratory for marine radioactivity, a center for underwater marine resources, etc. were opened in the principality.
Foreign policy emphasized maintaining close relations with France. French presidents and the Prince of Monaco have repeatedly exchanged official visits. In 1951, both countries signed a convention on good neighborliness and mutual assistance in the field of customs duties, taxes, postal services, television, etc. However, the tax problem caused friction in relations between states. France sought to return taxes on capital settled in Monaco to its budget. On May 18, 1963, after Monaco refused to make changes in the field of taxation and the establishment of French customs cordons on the border with the principality, a new Franco-Monaco convention was signed in Paris. It provided for the introduction of an income tax in the principality according to the principles of French taxation. However, citizens of Monaco, French people living in the country for more than 5 years, and companies in whose capital the share of Monegasque capital exceeded 25% were exempt from the tax.
Monaco maintained official relations with various countries and opened an embassy in Spain. In 1993 the country became a member of the UN.
In the late 1990s, Monaco increasingly began to be accused of becoming an international offshore center for money laundering. In 2000, a commission of the French National Assembly presented a corresponding report and recommended extending French banking control to the principality. Parliamentarians claimed that the number of fake companies registered in Monaco in 1998 was about 6 thousand, 49 banks had 340 thousand accounts, and the owners of 2/3 of them lived abroad. It was argued that the justice of the principality, dependent on the princely house, was not taking any measures to stop the current situation.
On October 24, 2002, after three years of negotiations, a new treaty was signed between Monaco and France, replacing the 1918 treaty. It confirmed the “traditional friendship” of the two countries, French guarantees of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the principality and Monaco’s obligation to exercise its sovereignty in accordance with “fundamental interests of the French Republic in the fields of politics, economics, security and defense,” as well as to coordinate its foreign policy with France. Monaco has the right to open diplomatic missions abroad or transfer the representation of its interests to France. The provisions on the possibility of changing the order of succession to the throne and the entry of French troops were formulated much more softly than in 1918. The text of the treaty stated only that the territory of Monaco was “inalienable”, that France must be informed of the change in succession to the throne and that French troops could enter the territory Monaco only with the consent of the prince or at his request (except in cases where independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are threatened, but the normal functioning of power is interrupted).
Rainier III kept the political life of the principality under strict control. In 1950, the authorities banned the activities of the Communist Party. In the elections to the National Council until 1958, the National Democratic Consent bloc, a coalition of the Radical Socialist Party and the Monegasque Democratic Party, won, and in 1958 it was ahead of the National Union of Independents. In January 1959, the National Council was dissolved and the 1911 constitution was suspended. In January 1961, the prince appointed a new parliament. And on December 17, 1962, the country received a new constitution that confirmed the broad powers of the monarch. Legislative power belonged to the prince and the elected National Council, and executive power belonged to the Government Council, consisting of a state minister and three councilors. In this case, the Minister of State (head of the Government Council) had to be a French citizen and was appointed by the prince from among three candidates recommended by the President of France. Parliament did not have the right to control the activities of the government and take legislative initiatives.
In 1963, women in Monaco received voting rights. National Council elections in 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998 were consistently won by the National Democratic Union (NDU), formed by the merger of the National Union of Independents and the National Democratic Accord. Thus, during the 1998 elections, the VAT collected more than 67% of the votes and won all 18 seats in the National Council. The opposition parties National Union for the Future of Monaco and the Rally for the Monegasque Family received 23% and 9% of the votes, respectively.
In 1981, for the first time in its history, the principality experienced a general strike of workers demanding the expansion of trade union rights, guarantees of job preservation and the fight against inflation. There are trade unions in Monaco.
The positions of ministers of state were succeeded by Jean-Émile Raymond (1963–1966), Paul Demange (1966–1969), François-Didier Greg (1969–1972), André Saint-Mieu (1972–1981), Jean Early (1981– 1985), Jean Ossay (1985–1991), Jacques Dupont (1991–1994), Paul Dijude (1994–1997) and Michel Levesque (1997–2000). In January 2000, VAT member Patrick Leclerc was appointed chief minister.
Monaco in the 21st century
In 2002, the constitution of the Principality of Monaco was revised. This was preceded by discussions in the Council of Europe and demands to introduce a parliamentary regime in the country, including the responsibility of the government to parliament. Members of the National Council unanimously rejected such changes, considering them a path leading to political destabilization. However, the powers of the legislature were expanded. According to the new constitution, the National Council received the right to legislative initiative and put forward bills, to which the government is obliged to give an official and reasoned response within 6 months. It can make amendments to government projects, approve the introduction of direct and indirect taxes, as well as off-budget expenditures, and ratify all international treaties that change existing legislation.
In February 2003, regular elections to the National Council were held in Monaco, the composition of which was expanded from 18 to 24 members. Another innovation was the introduction of elements of a proportional voting system and the reduction of the voting age from 21 to 18 years. The election campaign was stubborn. The main struggle was between the VAT, led by Jean-Louis Campora, president of the National Council since 1993, and the opposition list of three parties, the Union for Monaco, led by former VAT member Stéphane Valéry. Both groups emphasized giving Monegasque citizens priority in employment and housing, and protecting the principality's traditional values. For the first time in 40 years, the elections put an end to the political dominance of the VAT, which managed to win only 3 seats in the National Council. The Union for Monaco won, receiving 21 seats; its leader S. Valery was elected the new chairman of the National Council.
Literature:
Pechnikov B.A. The numbers on the map indicate... M., 1986
A state in Southern Europe, on the Mediterranean coast, surrounded on 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 Monegasques are about 6 thousand, the French are about 13 thousand, and the Italians are about 5 thousand.
The official language is French.
Religion - Catholicism.
Since the 15th century Monaco - an independent principality under the protectorate of Genoa, in 1524-1641. - under Spanish, then under 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 accordance with the political, military, maritime and economic interests of France” and must “coordinate with the French government all activities relating to 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 Fontvielle.
The Constitution is in force, granted by the monarch in 1962 and replacing the first Monegasque constitution of 1911. According to the form of government of Monaco, there is a constitutional hereditary monarchy (principality). The political regime is democratic. Officially not in Monaco political parties: There are various political organizations.
Legislative power belongs to the Prince and the National Council (parliament), consisting 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, nor 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 state relations and has the right to conclude and ratify treaties, issues ordinances in pursuance of such treaties and laws. The prince is assisted by advisory bodies: the Council of the Crown, which advises the head of state on issues of international treaties, dissolution of parliament, amnesty and pardons, and the Council of State, which gives opinions on draft ordinances and laws.
Executive power in practice 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 proposed by the President of France.The Prince also appoints other members of the Government Council: Adviser for Internal Affairs, Adviser for Social Policy and Public Employment, and Adviser for Financial Affairs.
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 directly apply.
The Constitution (Article 2) assigns to the Principality the status of a rule-of-law state based on respect for fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The main source of civil law is the Civil Code of 1881, which is a version of the French Civil Code of 1804. The Commercial Code of Monaco is also very close to its French counterpart.
Monaco's economic legislation is aimed at attracting foreign capital to the country by providing an extremely preferential tax regime. There are about 800 international companies and 50 banks operating in the country.
Monaco's labor law generally complies with international standards. Workers are free to organize into trade unions. The Constitution provides for the right to strike in accordance with the law. The law prohibits government employees from striking. The statutory working week is 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 some exceptions, French law also prevails. According to the Constitution (Article 19), arrest (except for arrest at the scene of a crime) is permitted only on the basis of a court warrant issued no later than 24 hours from the moment of arrest.
Judicial system. Control authorities
According to the Constitution, judicial power belongs to the Prince, who, however, fully delegates its exercise 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 Supreme Court (Tribunal Supreme), consisting of 5 members and 2 deputies, appointed by the Prince for 4 years. Candidates for judges are submitted one 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 functions of constitutional review and is the highest body of administrative jurisdiction. Judges of other courts are also appointed by the monarch and are usually French citizens.
Monaco. What do you think of at first when you hear this name - city state, gambling business, no taxes, rich yachts? No matter what you imagine, most likely you can guess that Monaco is a very beautiful and interesting place. And indeed it is. From Nice you can go to Monaco and spend the whole day there. If you want to have time to watch the changing of the guard at the princely palace, which takes place at 11:55, then you need to leave Nice early. You can get from Nice to Monaco by bus number 100. The bus travels along the shore for approximately 45 minutes. If you get off at the Cemeterie stop, you can begin your acquaintance with Monaco with the botanical garden (Jardin Exotique), where many cacti are presented and where, judging by their appearance, they feel at home. Have you ever seen cacti that look like black roses? No? Then this is the place for you! Walking along the paths of this fairy tale, you admire the opening panorama of the Principality of Monaco and the Cote d'Azur. Here, in the garden, you can visit the Observatory Cave and admire the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave was opened in 1916. Once upon a time there was a small astronomical observatory nearby - hence the name of the cave. Excavations were carried out in the cave for a long time while it was being prepared for display to the general public. In 1950, the cave was opened to the public. The cave is karst, and was formed as a result of the erosion of limestone rocks by water with carbon dioxide dissolved in it. Descending into the city, you admire the plants and flowers, small parks, and a series of cute streets. There is a helipad near the seashore from which you can go on various helicopter excursions along the coast. However, they must be ordered in advance. And again the rise, this time to the historical center of Monaco, to the princely palace. It’s interesting to see the princely palace, but, unfortunately, you can’t take pictures there. The palace was built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress. It is now the official residence of the reigning Prince of Monaco, Albert II. After the palace, you should go to the oceanographic museum with an aquarium. On the way to the museum, you once again have a view of the Porte de Fontville with luxury yachts, recently created on land reclaimed from the sea. The Oceanographic Museum is impressive with its size and exhibition. His aquarium will be interesting for both children and adults. It presents plants and animals that live in the Mediterranean and the tropics. You can even pet sharks in the outdoor pool. After the museum you can go to Port Hercule. The port is deep-water, so ocean liners enter there. Of course, you can see many large yachts there. Not far from the port is the entrance to the underground train station, from which you can return to Nice or travel to other cities along the coast. On the way to the station, stop by Fort Antoine - this is one of the attractions of Monaco. Built in the 18th century, today the fort serves as an open-air theater. We didn’t make it to the casino this time. We promise to show it the next time we visit Monaco...
National flag of Monaco.
Monaco is a principality in the south of France, one of the smallest states in the world. The area is 1.95 sq. km - 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). Monaco ranks first in the world in terms of population density. The preferential tax regime that exists in Monaco attracts many wealthy people here. However, obtaining Monegasque citizenship is very difficult, so the vast majority of the country's residents are foreigners (French, Italians, British, Belgians). The native inhabitants of Monaco, the Monegasques, are of French origin, partially 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 professes Catholicism.
Natural conditions
The Principality of Monaco is located in the south of Europe, on the high, rocky shore 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. On land, the country is surrounded by French territory (French department of Alpes-Maritimes). At a distance of 12 km from Monaco lies the French border with Italy.
Monaco is located on the southern periphery of the limestone Alps-Maritimes. The climate is Mediterranean with moderately warm winters (average temperature in January +8-10 °C) and dry, warm and sunny summers (average temperature in July and August +24 °C). There are up to 300 sunny days a year, and about 60 rainy days. The average annual precipitation is 1300 mm. They fall mainly in the fall.
The Maritime Alps protect Monaco from the cold northern winds. In summer, sea breezes have a cooling effect on the coast. Thanks to its mild climate, Monaco is a popular Mediterranean resort.
Political structure
Monaco consists of three merged administrative districts-cities - Monaco (capital, Old city), La Condamine (business center and port) and , The industrial district of Fontvieille is distinguished separately. Monaco is a principality, a constitutional hereditary monarchy. The current constitution was adopted on December 17, 1962. The head of state, the prince, exercises legislative power together with the National Council (of 18 members), elected for 5 years. A deputy of the National Council can only be a Monegasque, born in Monaco and at least 25 years old.
Since 2005, Prince Albert II Grimaldi, a representative of the oldest dynasty in Europe (its 700th anniversary was celebrated in 1997), has been on the throne. 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, other than the 65-member Royal Guard. Defense matters are the responsibility of France.
Economy
Monaco is one of the world's tourism centers and best resorts Cote d'Azur(Riviera), enjoying international fame. Up to a million tourists visit the country every year. Highly profitable industries have developed in Monaco - electronics, electrical engineering, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, precision instrumentation, production of building materials, earthenware, ceramics and majolica. Trade, serving tourists and making souvenirs occupy an important place. The country has a high level of employment and living standards. There is a state monopoly on the sale of tobacco products, the operation of 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 consist of taxes from banks, hotels, resorts, casinos, revenues from tourism, sales of postage stamps, which are highly valued by philatelists around the world, etc. The Sea Bathing Society owns a chain of hotels, entertainment venues and baths (since 1967 - under government control). Contrary to popular belief, casinos in Monte Carlo provide only about 3% of the principality's revenue. The monetary unit is the euro.
Story
In the 10th-1st centuries. BC e. On the territory of modern Monaco there was first a Phoenician and then a Greek colony. A temple dedicated to the mythological hero Melqart (the ancient Greeks - Hercules, the Romans - Hercules) was erected here. In the 1st century BC e. this territory became part of the Roman Empire, and was later 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 Genoese took possession of the territory. On the site of modern Monaco in 1215, the Genoese built a fortress. In 1419, the Genoese family of Grimaldi finally established itself in Monaco. Monaco became an independent principality (under the protectorate of Genoa). The principality originally belonged, outside its current possessions, to Menton and Roquebrune.
Since 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, Prince Honore I of Monaco assisted 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 came under the protectorate of France, maintaining internal self-government. At the end of the War of the Spanish Succession, the Peace of Utrecht of 1713 confirmed the sovereign status of the Principality of Monaco. In 1731, 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, and in 1793 its territory was annexed to France. The Treaty of Paris in 1814 restored the Principality of Monaco, and 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 Kingdom of Sardinia. In 1848, as a result of the revolution in Monaco, Prince Florestan I was overthrown, arrested and imprisoned, and 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 - declared their independence. In 1861, Prince Charles III sold his formal rights to the cities of Menton and Roquebrune to France and agreed to the establishment of 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 company “Sea Bathing Society”, which owned the gambling house, built a casino complex in Monte Carlo (1861-1910, French architect C. Garnier). After the completion of the railway between France and Monaco (1868), the casino in Monte Carlo gained worldwide fame 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 introduced, which provided for the formation of an elected National Council (parliament). Relations with France are regulated by a number of agreements. In 1951, Monaco and France signed a convention on mutual assistance in the field of customs duties, taxes, mail, and television.
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Monte Carlo. Oceanographic Museum.
In 1959, Prince Rainier III (reigned 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 Monaco's refusal to introduce some tax changes in the principality. In 1963, a convention was signed between France and Monaco on the levy of income tax on French tax principles. Only Monegasques, French people living in Monaco for at least five years, and companies with a share of Monegasque capital exceeding 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 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 television company “Tele-Monte-Carlo” operates.
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Monaco. Cityscape.
Monaco is the center of many international organizations (International Hydrographic Office, International Academy of Tourism) and a venue 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) takes place every year on the weekend closest to Ascension Day (May June). The route is laid through the city.
The International Circus Festival 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 announces the winner of the prestigious “Golden Clown” award.
Imagina takes place every year in February. One of the most significant European salons of multimedia creativity.
The Television Festival (Festival de Television de Monte-Carlo) takes place every year in February - showcasing the best examples of TV products.
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