Monaco - MC - MCO - MON - Europe
Last updated: April 23, 2025
Monaco Images
The Prince's Palace in Monaco is the official residence of the principality’s ruler. The palace was built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress and became a home of the ruling Grimaldi family in 1297.
A view of Monte Carlo with the Port of Monaco in the foreground. The ship on the right belongs to the prince of Monaco.
The entrance to the Musée Océanographie (Oceanographic Museum) in Monaco-Ville. Inaugurated in 1910 by its founder, Prince Albert I, the museum offers a collection of marine fauna. The basement houses a world-famous aquarium, with over 4,000 species of fish.
The Prince's Palace in Monaco is the official residence of the principality’s ruler. The palace was built in 1191 as a Genoese fortress and became a home of the ruling Grimaldi family in 1297.
A view of Monte Carlo with the Port of Monaco in the foreground. The ship on the right belongs to the prince of Monaco.
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Monaco Factbook Data
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy: US does not have an embassy in Monaco; the US Ambassador to France is accredited to Monaco; the US Consul General in Marseille (France), under the authority of the US Ambassador to France, handles diplomatic and consular matters concerning Monaco; +(33)(1) 43-12-22-22, enter zero "0" after the automated greeting; US Embassy Paris, 2 Avenue Gabriel, 75008 Paris, France
Age structure
0-14 years: 9.1% (male 1,485/female 1,408)
15-64 years: 53.8% (male 8,620/female 8,490)
65 years and over: 37.1% (2024 est.) (male 5,261/female 6,549)
15-64 years: 53.8% (male 8,620/female 8,490)
65 years and over: 37.1% (2024 est.) (male 5,261/female 6,549)
This is the population pyramid for Monaco. A population pyramid illustrates the age and sex structure of a country's population and may provide insights about political and social stability, as well as economic development. The population is distributed along the horizontal axis, with males shown on the left and females on the right. The male and female populations are broken down into 5-year age groups represented as horizontal bars along the vertical axis, with the youngest age groups at the bottom and the oldest at the top. The shape of the population pyramid gradually evolves over time based on fertility, mortality, and international migration trends.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
For additional information, please see the entry for Population pyramid on the Definitions and Notes page.
Geographic coordinates
43 44 N, 7 24 E
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.04 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.8 male(s)/female
total population: 0.93 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Natural hazards
none
Area - comparative
about three times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Background
The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present-day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling GRIMALDI family first seized control in 1297 but was not able to permanently secure its holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, coastal Mediterranean scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist and recreation center.
Environment - current issues
no serious issues; actively monitors pollution levels in air and water
Environment - international agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Heavy Metals, Air Pollution-Sulphur 94, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Antarctic-Environmental Protection, Antarctic Treaty, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping-London Convention, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Administrative divisions
none; there are no first-order administrative divisions as defined by the US Government, but there are 4 quarters (quartiers, singular - quartier); Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo; note - Moneghetti, a part of La Condamine, is sometimes called the 5th quarter of Monaco
Agricultural products
none
Military and security forces
no regular military forces; Prince’s Company of Carabiniers (Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince, Police Department (Direction de la Sûreté Publique), Fire and Emergency Service (Corps des Sapeurs-pompiers de Monaco) (2025)
note: the primary responsibility for the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince is guarding the palace; the Police maintain public order
note: the primary responsibility for the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince is guarding the palace; the Police maintain public order
Capital
name: Monaco
geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., the name derives from two Greek words monos (single, alone) and oikos (house) to convey the sense of a people "living apart" or in a "single habitation"
geographic coordinates: 43 44 N, 7 25 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., the name derives from two Greek words monos (single, alone) and oikos (house) to convey the sense of a people "living apart" or in a "single habitation"
Climate
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
Coastline
4.1 km
Constitution
history: previous 1911 (suspended 1959); latest adopted 17 December 1962
amendment process: proposed by joint agreement of the chief of state (the prince) and the National Council; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of National Council members
amendment process: proposed by joint agreement of the chief of state (the prince) and the National Council; passage requires two-thirds majority vote of National Council members
Exchange rates
euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
0.893 (2019 est.)
note: while not an EU member state, Monaco, due to its preexisting monetary and banking agreements with France, has a 1998 monetary agreement with the EU to produce limited euro coinage—but not banknotes—that began enforcement in January 2002 and superseded by a new EU agreement in 2012
Exchange rates:
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
0.893 (2019 est.)
note: while not an EU member state, Monaco, due to its preexisting monetary and banking agreements with France, has a 1998 monetary agreement with the EU to produce limited euro coinage—but not banknotes—that began enforcement in January 2002 and superseded by a new EU agreement in 2012
Executive branch
chief of state: Prince ALBERT II (since 6 April 2005)
head of government: Acting Minister of State Isabelle BERRO-AMADEI (since 10 January 2025)
cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government
head of government: Acting Minister of State Isabelle BERRO-AMADEI (since 10 January 2025)
cabinet: Council of Government under the authority of the monarch
elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; minister of state appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French Government
Flag description
two equal horizontal bands of red (top) and white; the colors are those of the ruling House of Grimaldi and have been in use since 1339, making the flag one of the world's oldest national banners
note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red
note: similar to the flag of Indonesia which is longer and the flag of Poland which is white (top) and red
Independence
1419 (beginning of permanent rule by the House of GRIMALDI)
Industries
banking, insurance, tourism, construction, small-scale industrial and consumer products
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court (consists of 5 permanent members and 2 substitutes)
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court members appointed by the monarch upon the proposals of the National Council, State Council, Crown Council, Court of Appeal, and Trial Court
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; Civil Court of First Instance
judge selection and term of office: Supreme Court members appointed by the monarch upon the proposals of the National Council, State Council, Crown Council, Court of Appeal, and Trial Court
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; Civil Court of First Instance
Land boundaries
total: 6 km
border countries (1): France 6 km
border countries (1): France 6 km
Land use
agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.)
arable land: 0% (2018 est.)
permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.)
permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)
forest: 0% (2022 est.)
other: 100% (2022 est.)
arable land: 0% (2018 est.)
permanent crops: 1% (2018 est.)
permanent pasture: 0% (2018 est.)
forest: 0% (2022 est.)
other: 100% (2022 est.)
Legal system
civil law system influenced by French legal tradition
Legislative branch
legislature name: National Council (Conseil national)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 24 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/5/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Monegasque National Union - l’Union (24)
percentage of women in chamber: 45.8%
expected date of next election: February 2028
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 24 (all directly elected)
electoral system: proportional representation
scope of elections: full renewal
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 2/5/2023
parties elected and seats per party: Monegasque National Union - l’Union (24)
percentage of women in chamber: 45.8%
expected date of next election: February 2028
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm
exclusive economic zone: 12 nm
International organization participation
CD, CE, FAO, IAEA, ICAO, ICC (national committees), ICRM, IFRCS, IHO, IMO, IMSO, Interpol, IOC, IPU, ITSO, ITU, OAS (observer), OIF, OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, Union Latina, UNWTO, UPU, WHO, WIPO, WMO
National holiday
National Day (Saint Rainier's Day), 19 November (1857)
Nationality
noun: Monegasque(s) or Monacan(s)
adjective: Monegasque or Monacan
adjective: Monegasque or Monacan
Natural resources
none
Geography - note
second-smallest independent state in the world (after the Holy See); smallest country with a coastline; almost entirely urban
Economic overview
high-income European economy; non-EU euro user; considered a tax haven; tourism and banking are largest sectors; negatively impacted by COVID-19; major oceanographic museum; among most expensive real estate; major state-owned enterprises
Political parties
Monegasque National Union (includes Horizon Monaco, Primo!, Union Monegasque)
Horizon Monaco
Priorite Monaco or Primo!
Union Monegasque
Horizon Monaco
Priorite Monaco or Primo!
Union Monegasque
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Telecommunication systems
general assessment: modern automatic telephone system: the country's sole fixed-line operator offers a full range of services to residential and business customers; competitive mobile telephony market; 4G LTE widely available (2020)
domestic: fixed-line a little over 117 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity is 99 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 377; landing points for the EIG and Italy-Monaco submarine cables connecting Monaco to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into the French communications system (2019)
domestic: fixed-line a little over 117 per 100 and mobile-cellular teledensity is 99 per 100 persons (2021)
international: country code - 377; landing points for the EIG and Italy-Monaco submarine cables connecting Monaco to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia; no satellite earth stations; connected by cable into the French communications system (2019)
Terrain
hilly, rugged, rocky
Government type
constitutional monarchy
Military - note
by treaty, France is responsible for defending the independence and sovereignty of Monaco
Country name
conventional long form: Principality of Monaco
conventional short form: Monaco
local long form: Principauté de Monaco
local short form: Monaco
etymology: founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., the name's origin is unclear; it could derive from the Greek term monoikos (solitary), the Ligurian word monegu (rock), or the Basque word muno (mountain)
conventional short form: Monaco
local long form: Principauté de Monaco
local short form: Monaco
etymology: founded as a Greek colony in the 6th century B.C., the name's origin is unclear; it could derive from the Greek term monoikos (solitary), the Ligurian word monegu (rock), or the Basque word muno (mountain)
Location
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
Map references
Europe
Irrigated land
0 sq km (2022)
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Maguy MACCARIO DOYLE (since 3 December 2013)
chancery: 888 17th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 234-1530
FAX: [1] (202) 244-7656
email address and website:
info@monacodc.org
https://monacodc.org/index.html
consulate(s) general: New York
chancery: 888 17th Street NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20006
telephone: [1] (202) 234-1530
FAX: [1] (202) 244-7656
email address and website:
info@monacodc.org
https://monacodc.org/index.html
consulate(s) general: New York
Internet users
percent of population: 98% (2022 est.)
Internet country code
.mc
GDP (official exchange rate)
$9.995 billion (2023 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
Urbanization
urban population: 100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 0.5% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Broadcast media
TV Monte-Carlo operates a TV network; cable TV available; Radio Monte-Carlo has extensive radio networks in France and Italy with French-language broadcasts to France beginning in the 1960s and Italian-language broadcasts to Italy beginning in the 1970s; other radio stations include Riviera Radio and Radio Monaco
Drinking water source
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: NA
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: NA
total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 100% of population
rural: NA
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: NA
total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
National anthem
name: "A Marcia de Muneghu" (The March of Monaco)
lyrics/music: Louis NOTARI/Charles ALBRECHT
note: music adopted 1867, lyrics adopted 1931; although French is commonly spoken, only the Monegasque lyrics are official; the French version is known as "Hymne Monegasque" (Monegasque Anthem); the words are generally only sung on official occasions
lyrics/music: Louis NOTARI/Charles ALBRECHT
note: music adopted 1867, lyrics adopted 1931; although French is commonly spoken, only the Monegasque lyrics are official; the French version is known as "Hymne Monegasque" (Monegasque Anthem); the words are generally only sung on official occasions
This is an audio of the National Anthem for Monaco. The national anthem is generally a patriotic musical composition - usually in the form of a song or hymn of praise - that evokes and eulogizes the history, traditions, or struggles of a nation or its people. National anthems can be officially recognized as a national song by a country's constitution or by an enacted law, or simply by tradition. Although most anthems contain lyrics, some do not.
Major urban areas - population
39,000 MONACO (capital) (2018)
International law organization participation
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Physician density
8.61 physicians/1,000 population (2020)
Hospital bed density
13.8 beds/1,000 population (2012)
National symbol(s)
red and white lozenges (diamond shapes); national colors: red, white
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Monaco; in the case of a child born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen and father unknown
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
citizenship by descent only: the father must be a citizen of Monaco; in the case of a child born out of wedlock, the mother must be a citizen and father unknown
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 10 years
Population distribution
the second most densely populated country in the world (after Macau); its entire population living on 2 square km
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 100% (2022 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
3A
Sanitation facility access
improved:
urban: 100% of population
rural: NA
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: NA
total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
urban: 100% of population
rural: NA
total: 100% of population
unimproved:
urban: 0% of population
rural: NA
total: 0% of population (2020 est.)
Ethnic groups
Monegasque 32.1%, French 19.9%, Italian 15.3%, British 5%, Belgian 2.3%, Swiss 2%, German 1.9%, Russian 1.8%, American 1.1%, Dutch 1.1%, Moroccan 1%, other 16.6% (2016 est.)
note: data represent population by country of birth
note: data represent population by country of birth
Religions
Roman Catholic 90% (official), other 10%
Languages
French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
major-language sample(s):
The World Factbook, une source indispensable d'informations de base. (French)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.
French audio sample
Elevation
highest point: Chemin des Revoires on Mont Agel 162 m
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
Contraceptive prevalence rate
NA
Railways
note: Monaco has a single railway station but does not operate its own train service; the French operator SNCF operates rail services in Monaco
Current health expenditure
3.7% of GDP (2021)
Military service age and obligation
the Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince is staffed by French nationals (2024)
Literacy
total population: NA
male: NA
female: NA
male: NA
female: NA
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 95.2
youth dependency ratio: 25
elderly dependency ratio: 70.2
potential support ratio: 1.4 (2021)
youth dependency ratio: 25
elderly dependency ratio: 70.2
potential support ratio: 1.4 (2021)
Imports - partners
Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Germany, China (2021)
Imports - commodities
jewelry, cars and vehicle parts, recreational boats, plastic products, artwork (2021)
Exports - partners
Italy, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Spain
(2021)Exports - commodities
jewelry, perfumes, watches, packaged medicines, cars (2021)
top five export commodities based on value in dollars
top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 10 million cubic meters (2020 est.)
industrial: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)
agricultural: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)
industrial: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)
agricultural: 0 cubic meters (2017 est.)
Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 46,000 tons (2012 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,484 tons (2012 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5.4% (2012 est.)
municipal solid waste recycled annually: 2,484 tons (2012 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 5.4% (2012 est.)
Air pollutants
particulate matter emissions: 9.21 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
methane emissions: 0.05 megatons (2020 est.)
methane emissions: 0.05 megatons (2020 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
0.76 (2024 est.)
Ports
total ports: 1 (2024)
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Monaco
large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 0
key ports: Monaco
Labor force
52,000 (2014 est.)
note: includes all foreign workers
note: includes all foreign workers
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 26.6% (2016 est.)
male: 25.7%
female: 27.9%
male: 25.7%
female: 27.9%
Net migration rate
11.7 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 56.9 years (2024 est.)
male: 55 years
female: 58.4 years
male: 55 years
female: 58.4 years
Total fertility rate
1.54 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
total: 31,813 (2024 est.)
male: 15,366
female: 16,447
male: 15,366
female: 16,447
Area
total : 2 sq km
land: 2 sq km
water: 0 sq km
land: 2 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$7.672 billion (2015 est.)
note: data are in 2015 dollars
note: data are in 2015 dollars
Infant mortality rate
total: 1.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
male: 2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 1.4 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 2 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 1.4 deaths/1,000 live births
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 41,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 107 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 107 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
$115,700 (2015 est.)
$109,200 (2014 est.)
$109,200 (2014 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 22,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 56 (2023 est.)
Death rate
11.1 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
6.5 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Merchant marine
total: 1
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
NA
Imports
$1.371 billion (2017 est.)
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France
Exports
$964.6 million (2017 est.)
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France
note: full customs integration with France, which collects and rebates Monegasque trade duties; also participates in EU market system through customs union with France
Heliports
3 (2025)
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 43,000 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 111 (2023 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 111 (2023 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 89.8 years (2024 est.)
male: 86 years
female: 93.7 years
male: 86 years
female: 93.7 years
Real GDP growth rate
5.04% (2023 est.)
11.05% (2022 est.)
21.87% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
11.05% (2022 est.)
21.87% (2021 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
-3.16% (2014 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
industry: 11.5% (2023 est.)
services: 88.5% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
services: 88.5% (2023 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Revenue from forest resources
0% of GDP (2018 est.)
Education expenditures
1.2% of GDP (2019 est.)
Population growth rate
0.71% (2024 est.)