Fact 1: A City State
Monaco isn't just a city; it's a sovereign city state. Besides Vatican City, Monaco is the smallest independently governed city-state in the world. It has its own government and the head of state is the reigning monarch of the House of Grimaldi.
Fact 2: Most Millionaires
Monaco is known as the city where you’ll find the most millionaires and billionaires per capita. About one in three people in Monaco is a millionaire, as per WealthInsight.
Fact 3: 0% Unemployment Rate
Monaco enjoys virtually 0% unemployment. Their economy is so strong that everyone, native or foreigner, looking for a job can find one.
Fact 4: World-Famous Casino But Not For Citizens
Monaco's Monte Carlo Casino is world-famous and a favorite haunt for high-rollers. Ironically, citizens of Monaco are not legally permitted to gamble at the casino nor even enter the gaming rooms.
Fact 5: No Airport
Though the city state is one of the top travel destinations, Monaco doesn't have its own airport. The nearest airport is located in the city of Nice in France which is about 13 miles away from Monaco.
Fact 6: Land of Super Cars
Monaco is a land of luxury and opulence, and the residents' cars reflect that. You're more likely to see Ferraris, Lamborghinis, or Bugattis on the streets than any average sedan.
Fact 7: The Most Densely Populated Country
Monaco is the world's most densely populated country due to its small size and high population. About 38,000 people live within just one square mile.
Fact 8: French Is The Official Language But Not The Only One
While French is the official language in Monaco, you'll hear people speaking English, Italian and Monégasque - a traditional language similar to Italian also spoken in Monaco.
Fact 9: Protected By France But Not Part Of It
Monaco is protected by France in terms of defence but it isn’t part of France or the EU.
Fact 10: Presents For Newborns
When a child is born to the reigning monarch, cannons are fired. If it's a boy, 21 rounds are fired, and if it's a girl, only 20 shots are fired.
Fact 11: Formula 1 Grand Prix
Monaco is famed for its Formula 1 Grand Prix, considered one of the most prestigious motor races in the world.
Fact 12: World’s Highest Life Expectancy
People in Monaco live longer than in any other country in the world. The average life expectancy is 89.5 years!
Fact 13: Largest Wine Cellar
The Hotel de Paris in Monaco has the largest wine cellar in the world with over 600,000 bottles!
Fact 14: Zero Income Tax
There is zero income tax for residents, making it a well-known tax haven for the world's richest people.
Fact 15: Steepest Hairpin On A Formula 1 Track
Monaco’s Grand Prix circuit also has the tightest and steepest hairpin in Formula 1 world.
Fact 16: Grimaldi Curse
There is a belief in a Grimaldi Family curse that suggests while the family may be prosperous, they will never find happiness in marriage.
Fact 17: Museum Of Antique Automobiles
Prince Rainier III collected so many vintage cars that he had to open a museum to house them all.
Fact 18: More Police Than Anywhere Else
With one police officer for every 100 residents, Monaco has the highest police presence in the world – ensuring the safety of its residents and visitors.
Fact 19: National Orchestra is Larger Than Its Army
The national orchestra of Monaco is larger than its army. You can get the scale of their priorities!
Fact 20: Exotic Garden
Monaco is home to the Exotic Garden which has one of the world's largest collections of cacti and succulents.