About Monaco (Principality of)
French - the sole official language.
English, Italian, and Monegasque (a local dialect blending French and Italian) are also spoken; due to Monaco's international population, English and Italian are widely used alongside French.
French is the sole official language of Monaco.
| Geography |
Location: Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
Map references: Europe
Area:
total: 2.02-2.084 sq km; about three times the size of the National Mall in Washington, DC
Geography - note: the second most densely populated country in the world (after Macau); the entire population lives on 2 sq km; second-smallest independent state in the world (after the Holy See); smallest country with a coastline; almost entirely urban
| People |
Population: 32,047-38,857 (varies by source; 2023-2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 89.8 years
male: 86 years
female: 93.7 years (2024 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 1.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Nationality:
noun/adjective: Monegasque(s)/Monacan(s)
Ethnic groups: Monegasque 32.1%, French 19.9%, Italian 15.3%, British 5%, Belgian 2.3%, Swiss 2%, German 1.9%, Russian 1.8%, other 16.6% (2016 est.; by country of birth)
Religions: predominantly Roman Catholic, with religious tolerance for other faiths including Judaism and Islam
Languages: French (official), English, Italian, Monegasque
| Government |
Country name:
conventional long form: Principality of Monaco
conventional short form: Monaco
Data code: MN
Government type: parliamentary constitutional monarchy
National capital: Monaco (government offices located in the Monaco-Ville quarter)
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 could not 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; the principality's mild climate, coastal Mediterranean scenery, and gambling facilities have since made it world-famous as a tourist and recreation center
| Economy |
Economy - overview: high-income economy reliant on tourism and banking; a major financial center and well known as a tax haven; known for the Monte Carlo Casino and the annual Formula One Grand Prix
GDP (purchasing power parity): $7.672-8.924 billion (2015-2024 est.)
GDP - per capita: $270,100 (nominal, 2024 est.); among the highest in the world
| Military |
Military - note: no regular military forces; Prince's Company of Carabiniers (Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince) primarily guards the palace; Police Department maintains public order; by treaty, France is responsible for defending Monaco's independence and sovereignty (2025)