Geographically, Monaco is superbly situated between sea and mountains in the far South-East of France. Spread over 202 hectares (including 34 recently reclaimed from the sea) and just 12 km from the Italian border, it enjoys a particularly pleasant climate (more than 300 days of sunshine per year).
Monaco’s accessibility and mild climate make it naturally favourable to tourism, probably its best known activity besides gaming. Nevertheless, thanks to the Principality’s energy and modernity, recent developments in business tourism and expansion of its diverse economy have strengthened its position on the international level.
Average temperatures
Spring 17.9°C - 64.22°F Autumn 14.3°C - 57.74°F
Summer 23.1°C - 73.58°F Winter 11.5°C - 52.70°F
Total population: 31,109 people
(according to the 2008 census)
15,109 male and 15,914 female.
Official Language: French.
Italian and English are also commonly spoken and understood.
The traditional Monegasque language is a very colourful dialect used by the old nationals, which is newly studied and developped in the Principality’s classrooms.
Currency: the Euro. On January 1, 2002, the Monegasque State, pursuant to the Monetary
Convention with France approved by the European Union, adopted the Euro as its legal tender in its fiduciary form. The Convention also stipulates that the Principality shall continue minting its own coin, now valid throughout Euroland.
Prince’s Motto:“Déo Juvante” (with the help of God).
Religion: Catholicism is the official State religion, although the Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. The Protestant, Anglican, Greek Orthodox and Jewish religions are represented within the Principality.
Postal Service: Postal rates are identical to those of France. As a Sovereign State, Monaco issues its own postage stamps and only these are valid within the Principality.
Office des Émissions de Timbres-Poste
23, avenue Albert-II - Tel. 93 15 41 41
www.oetp-monaco.com
Telephone:
- To make a call from another country: dial the international code followed by +377 and the eight-digit number of your correspondent.
- Mobile phones from all countries: +377 (0)6…
- To telephone abroad from Monaco: dial 00 + national code + town code + the number of your
Access to the Principality
By air:
Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport (tel. 0820 423 333), only 22 km from Monaco, provides links with the world’s principal cities. www.nice.aeroport.fr
Travel between Monaco and Nice-Côte d’Azur International Airport?
- by helicopter: flight time of 6 minutes (see page C54).
- by taxi: 30 mn of travel time (see page C54).
- by coach: shuttle service Airport-Monaco-Menton by expressway, 30 mn of travel time.
By road:
The Principality is linked to France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium and even Great Britain by a European motorway network (from Italy: exit “Monaco-Roquebrune”; from France: exit “Monaco - Cap-d’Ail”).
By Railway:
All international trains stop at Monaco/Monte-Carlo, including high-speed trains (TGVs) to and from Paris (journey time: 6 hours).
Reservations: Tel. 08 92 35 35 35. www.sncf.fr
By sea:
- Port Hercule (23 hectares) at the heart of town, boasts 700 places including 300 visitor places, subject to availability on the Quai des États-Unis.
- The Port of Fontvielle (5.5 hectares), located between the Rock and Fontvielle, has a capacity of 275 places, including 16 visitor places, according to availability.
Harbour Master’s Office: 97 77 30 00
www.ports-monaco.com
