Monaco

Area: 1.95 sq km (0.75 sq miles).

Population: 32,020 (2000).

Population Density: 16,435 per sq km.

Capital: Monaco-Ville. Population: 1034 (2000).

GEOGRAPHY: Monaco is second only to the Vatican as the smallest independent state in Europe. Set on the Mediterranean coast of France just a few miles from the Italian border, the principality is a constitutional monarchy and relies largely on foreign currency for an economic base. Its principal industry is tourism. The country is a narrow ribbon of coastline backed by the Alpes-Maritimes foothills, creating a natural amphitheatre overlooking the sea, with the population centred in four districts. Monaco-Ville is set on a rocky promontory dominating the coast. The Palace is the home of the Grimaldi family, the oldest ruling house in Europe. Monaco-Ville also boasts a fine Romanesque cathedral among its other attractions. La Condamine is the area around the Port, while Monte-Carlo is the main centre for business and entertainment. Fontvieille has been set aside as an area for new light industrial and residential development.

Government: Constitutional monarchy. Head of State: Prince Albert II since 2005. Head of Government: Minister of State Patrick Leclercq since 2000.

Language: French. Monégasque (a mixture of French Provençal and Italian Ligurian), English and Italian are also spoken. Native Monégasques make up only a minority of Monaco’s population.

Religion: 91 per cent Roman Catholic (Monaco has a Catholic Bishop), with Anglican minorities.

Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October).

Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. Round two-pin plugs are in use.