Monaco, a microstate on the French Riviera, is a wealthy city-state with a small population. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, it is known for its luxurious lifestyle, tourism, and banking sector. Monaco is a tax haven with no personal income tax and is famous for its high number of millionaires. The principality is not part of the EU but uses the euro as its currency and participates in certain EU policies. Monaco is also renowned for hosting the Monaco Grand Prix and being a hub for marine conservation research.
Monaco remained under Roman control until the collapse of the Western Roman Empire in 476.
Monaco was damaged by the Saracens in the 8th century and rebuilt by the monks of Saint-Pons in Nice, who held it territorially starting from 1075.
In 1191, Holy Roman Emperor Henry VI granted suzerainty over Monaco to the city of Genoa.
In 1215, Monaco was taken by the Genoese. The Grimaldi family laid the first stone of the stronghold that eventually became the Prince's Palace. Fulco des Cassello, their leader, successfully obtained control of the area.
On January 8, 1297, François Grimaldi, disguised as a Franciscan monk, successfully infiltrated the stronghold of Monaco.
In 1301, the Grimaldi family lost control of Monaco.
At his death in 1309, François Grimaldi was succeeded by his cousin, Rainier I.
According to the United States CIA Factbook, 1419 is recorded as the year of Monaco's independence.
Jean I died in 1454 and was succeeded by his son, Catalan.
In 1489, Charles I reconquers the Rock and buys back property of the Spinolas, allies of the Ghibellines, as well as the domains of Menton and Roquebrune. This acquisition leads to Charles I becoming the first Lord of Monaco.
In 1507, the King of France, Charles VIII, and the Duke of Savoy officially recognize the sovereignty of Monaco. This recognition solidifies Monaco's status as an independent entity.
In 1512, Louis XII, the King of France, officially acknowledged the independence of Monaco.
Disputes with French authorities led to Monaco being placed under the protection of Spain in 1524, resulting in financial burdens for the Principality.
In 1525, Augustin I, in conflict with French authorities, placed Monaco under the protection of the Spanish ruler, Charles-Quint.
In 1612, Honoré II began to refer to himself as the 'Prince' of Monaco, solidifying the princely title within the Grimaldi family. This change in title signified a higher level of authority and status for Monaco.
In 1633, Honoré II, Prince of Monaco, secured recognition of Monaco's independent sovereignty from Spain and later from Louis XIII of France.
After a decade of negotiations and with the help of Richelieu, Honoré II and Louis XIII signed the Treaty of Péronne, acknowledging the sovereign rights of Monaco.
In 1641, the French Kingdom granted the Prince of Monaco and his descendants an equality of rank with the highest French nobles, establishing a protective friendship with the Principality of Monaco.
In 1662, Prince Honoré II of Monaco passed away. He was known for continually making improvements to the Prince's Palace during his reign.
In 1731, Louise Hippolyte reigned for 10 months in Monaco. Her husband, Jacques de Goyon, Sire of, took the Regency during this period.
On November 7, 1733, Jacques I relinquished his position in favor of his 13-year-old son, Honoré III. This marked a transition of power within the monarchy of Monaco.
In 1776, Monaco was a sovereign and independent country under the military protection of King Louis XVI of France when the United States declared independence from Great Britain.
The suppression of feudal rights by the French Constituent Assembly in 1789 seized all of the Prince's monetary possessions, placing the royal family in a grave financial predicament.
On February 15, 1793, Monaco was annexed by France and renamed Fort Hercule. This event had significant implications for the sovereignty and governance of Monaco.
Monaco gained independence from the French Empire on July 12, 1806.
The first Treaty of Paris signed on May 30, 1814, restored Monaco and its Princes to their rights as they were before January 1, 1793.
In 1815, after the Congress of Vienna, Monaco was established as a protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia. This marked a shift in Monaco's governance until it was ceded to France in 1860.
The Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince was established by Prince Honoré IV in 1817 to protect the principality and the princely family. It consists of 116 officers and men, with officers mostly having served in the French Army.
The plan for casino gambling was formulated during the rule of Florestan I in 1846.
The second Treaty of Paris in 1848 places Monaco under the protectorate of the King of Sardinia, leading to challenging times for the local population due to the less advantageous terms of the treaty.
In 1856, Menton and Roquebrune declare themselves independent and seek protection under the Sardes, breaking away from previous affiliations.
Le Grand Casino de Monte Carlo was inaugurated in 1858, attracting tourist traffic due to the newly built French railway system.
In 1860, Italian was replaced by French as the official language in Monaco due to the annexation of the surrounding County of Nice to France following the Treaty of Turin.
Monaco became a constitutional monarchy in 1861.
Monaco gained independence from the French Empire on January 8, 1861.
Monaco adopted its first constitution on January 8, 1861, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
On February 2, 1861, Charles III becomes the ruler of Monaco, taking the throne and assuming leadership of the principality.
The Constitution of Monaco was promulgated on February 18, 1861, establishing a constitutional monarchy.
The Constitution of Monaco was established on February 20, 1861, solidifying the principality's governance.
Monaco gained independence from the Kingdom of Sardinia on February 23, 1861.
Monaco celebrates its sovereignty and independence on February 23, 1861.
Monaco gained independence from the Kingdom of Sardinia on 17th March 1861.
On March 20, 1861, Monaco gained independence from French control. This event marked the sovereignty of Monaco as a separate principality.
On July 1, 1861, Monaco adopted its first constitution, establishing a framework for governance and the rights of its citizens.
In 1862, the first casino in Monaco was opened in La Condamine, but it was not successful. Subsequent relocations led to the establishment of the casino in Monte Carlo's area known as 'Les Spelugues'.
The famous Monte Carlo Casino was opened in 1863 by Societé des Bains de Mer. This casino played a significant role in boosting Monaco's economy due to its ideal location and appeal to European visitors.
In 1864, Charles III of Monaco established the Hôtel de Paris adjacent to the casino. This elite palace hotel offers luxurious accommodations and is a prominent landmark in Monte Carlo.
Louis Borg was appointed as the consul to the United States by the Prince of Monaco on May 19, 1865. It took nearly a year for Borg to present his official credentials to the United States Government, as he had to obtain special authority from Emperor Napoleon III to also hold the post of Monégasque consul.
In May 1866, Louis Borg was fully accredited by the United States as consul for Monaco. He had obtained the necessary dispensation from Emperor Napoleon III to hold the post of Monégasque consul, in addition to his role as the Chancellor of the French Consulate in New York.
In the late 19th century, Monaco established a railway connection to Paris, further boosting its economic development. This transportation link facilitated easier access for visitors and trade.
By 1869, the casino was generating significant revenue, allowing Monaco to stop collecting taxes from its citizens, a move that attracted wealthy residents from across Europe.
In 1874, the United States appointed its first consular representative, Emile de Loth, as Consular Agent in Monaco. This appointment came during a period of increased tourism in Monaco, driven by the construction of railways and the establishment of the casino in Monte Carlo.
The Casino and the Salle Garnier were built in Monaco in 1878-1879 by architects Charles Garnier and Jules Dutrou. The architecture style of Belle Époque with decorative elements like turrets, balconies, and multi-colored ceramics was used to create a fantasy of pleasure and luxury.
The Opéra de Monte-Carlo, built by architect Charles Garnier as a replica of the Paris Opera House, was inaugurated on January 25, 1879. The first performance featured Sarah Bernhardt dressed as a nymph.
In 1881, Monaco officially adopted the colors red and white for its national flag.
On March 15, 1887, the Diocese of Monaco was established.
In 1889, Albert I, known for his scientific research in oceanography and paleontology, assumed the role of Prince of Monaco. He later established the Oceanographic Museum, a renowned center for oceanography.
The Automobile Club of Monaco was founded in 1891.
In 1906, the Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology was established.
On March 29, 1910, the Oceanographic Institute was founded.
On January 5, 1911, the Oceanographic Museum, a part of the Oceanographic Institute, was inaugurated.
Prince Albert I of Monaco was received at the White House by U.S. President Woodrow Wilson on October 20, 1913.
Part of the Treaty of Versailles in July 1918 provided for limited French protection over Monaco, aligning the Principality's international policy with French political, military, and economic interests.
In 1922, the first Automobile Rally took place in Monte-Carlo.
In 1923, Prince Rainier III, the future ruler of Monaco, was born.
AS Monaco FC is one of the major football clubs in Monaco, competing in Ligue 1. The club has a successful history in French football, winning Ligue 1 eight times and reaching the UEFA Champions League Final in 2004.
St Paul's Church, an Anglican church located in Avenue de Grande Bretagne in Monte Carlo, was dedicated in 1925. It has a formal membership of 135 Anglican residents in Monaco and serves a larger number of Anglicans temporarily in the country, including tourists.
AS Monaco Basket, founded in 1928, plays in the EuroLeague and LNB Pro A, winning multiple championships.
The Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually in the streets of Monaco since 1929. It is considered one of the most prestigious automobile races globally, with a challenging circuit that includes tight corners and elevation changes.
In 1933, the Exotic Garden in Monaco was inaugurated, showcasing a diverse collection of rare and exotic plant species.
In 1934, Léon-Honoré Labande published 'Histoire de la principauté de Monaco', a historical book about the principality of Monaco.
In 1936, Monaco started issuing its own stamps through the Office des Timbres-Poste, gaining more autonomy in postal services.
On February 15, 1939, a treaty of extradition was signed between the United States and the Principality of Monaco. This treaty aimed at facilitating the extradition of individuals between the two countries.
On 11 November 1942, the Italian Army invaded and occupied Monaco, leading to a period of occupation and control over the principality.
In September 1943, following Mussolini's fall in Italy, the German Army occupied Monaco and initiated the deportation of the Jewish population, including notable figures like René Blum, leading to tragic consequences.
Monaco was liberated on 3 September 1944 after the German troops retreated, marking the end of the occupation and the restoration of sovereignty.
The Red Cross of Monaco was established in 1948.
The Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco was founded in 1948 and is housed in a converted building in Monte Carlo, serving as a synagogue, a community Hebrew school, and a kosher food shop for the Jewish community in Monaco.
On 9th May 1949, Prince Rainier III succeeded his father, Prince Louis II, becoming the ruler of Monaco.
An agreement on passport visas for United States and Monégasque citizens entered into force on March 31, 1952. This agreement streamlined the visa application process for citizens of both countries.
Prince Rainier III of Monaco marries American actress Grace Kelly in a lavish ceremony, captivating the world with their fairytale romance.
On April 19, 1956, Prince Rainier III married the American Actress Grace Kelly, which garnered global attention and established strong ties between the United States and Monaco.
Princess Caroline, the eldest child of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, is born, bringing joy to the royal family and the people of Monaco.
In 1959, Prince Rainier III suspended part of Monaco's constitution and dissolved the National Council due to a budget disagreement.
His Royal Highness, Prince Albert II of Monaco, is born, marking the continuation of the Grimaldi dynasty and the future of the principality.
Monaco hosts its inaugural International Television Festival, showcasing the best of television programming and fostering cultural exchange in the industry.
Monaco adopts a new constitution, shaping the governance and legal framework of the principality to meet the evolving needs of its people and institutions.
Monaco and France sign a significant fiscal and customs agreement, strengthening their economic ties and cooperation for mutual benefit.
In 1966, Monaco was divided into reserved sectors and wards for town planning purposes. The number and boundaries of these sectors and wards have been modified over time.
In 1967, the operations of the casino in Monaco were taken over by the principality. This marked a significant change in the management of the iconic establishment.
Princess Stephanie of Monaco is born, completing the royal family of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace with her unique charm and personality.
In 1972, the construction of Fontvieille was completed, with 2.94 acres reclaimed from the sea.
The National Museum in Monaco was opened to the public in 1974.
In 1981, the diocese that has been in existence since the mid-19th century was elevated to a non-metropolitan archbishopric known as the Archdiocese of Monaco, remaining exempt and directly subject to the Holy See. The patron saint of the archdiocese is Saint Devota.
Princess Grace of Monaco tragically passed away in a car accident on September 14, 1982.
On May 28, 1993, Monaco was admitted as a member state into the United Nations.
The International School of Monaco was founded in 1994, providing education to students in the principality.
In June 1996, Monaco was assigned its own telephone country code, which is '377'.
The Audiovisual Institute of Monaco was founded in 1997 with the aim of preserving audiovisual archives and showcasing Monaco's representation in cinema.
In 1998, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) issued a report on the consequences of financial systems of known tax havens. Monaco did not appear in the list of these territories until 2004.
In 1999, a celebration was held to commemorate the 700th Anniversary of the Grimaldi Reign.
In 2000, FATF stated that Monaco's anti-money laundering system is comprehensive, but there were difficulties in international investigations on serious crimes related to tax matters. Monaco's FIU, SICCFIN, faced resource shortages, and Monaco authorities promised to provide additional resources.
In 2001, Monaco began minting euro coins with its own designs, allowed by an arrangement with the Council of the European Union. The first euro coins from Monaco bear the year 2001.
In 2002, a new treaty between France and Monaco clarified the principality's independence in the absence of heirs, ensuring its status as an independent nation while maintaining France's responsibility for its military defence.
Since 2003, Georges Marsan has been serving as the mayor of Monaco, overseeing the city affairs through the Communal Council. The Communal Council, consisting of 14 elected members, manages the municipality's administration.
On October 5, 2004, Monaco's Crown Prince Albert represented the Principality at the ceremony marking Monaco's accession to the Council of Europe. He delivered a speech in the Assembly Chamber.
On April 6, 2005, Prince Rainier III passed away.
After Prince Rainier's death in 2006, Monaco changed the design of its euro coins to feature the effigy of Prince Albert, marking a significant shift in the coin's appearance.
The Monaco stage of the Global Champions Tour, an International Show-jumping event, took place between 25 and 27 June in 2009.
Monaco inaugurated the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup, a series of ocean races exclusively for solar-powered boats, from 10 to 12 July in 2014.
On September 8, 2009, the United States and the Principality of Monaco signed a Tax Information Exchange Agreement. The agreement allows for the exchange of information related to tax matters between the two nations.
An agreement was signed between the U.S. Department of The Treasury and the Principality of Monaco, represented by Neal S. Wolin and Franck Biancheri respectively, on March 11, 2010.
On 1st and 2nd July 2011, Prince Albert II of Monaco married Miss Charlene Wittstock.
In 2012, Monaco had the world's most expensive real estate market, with prices reaching $58,300 per square metre.
In 2013, three additional wards were created in Monaco - Saint Michel, La Colle, and Les Révoires. However, most of Saint Michel became part of Monte Carlo again, while La Colle and Les Révoires were merged to form the Jardin Exotique ward.
On December 10th, 2014, Prince Jacques Honoré Rainier and Princess Gabriella Thérèse Marie were born.
In July 2015, celebrations were held to mark the 10-year reign of HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.
Forbes valued the world's most expensive apartment, a penthouse at the Odeon Tower in Monaco, at $335 million in 2016.
The Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, known as the Parish of St Joseph, was formed in 2017 and holds its meetings in the Reformed Church's Rue Louis Notari building.
On 27th February 2018, Monaco and Monte Carlo experienced a rare snowfall. This event is noteworthy as snowfalls are extremely rare in the region, occurring once or twice every ten years.
As of April 2019, Monaco's national rugby team is ranked 101st in the World Rugby Rankings.
On February 29, 2020, Monaco reported its first case of COVID-19, with the infected individual being initially treated at Princess Grace Hospital Centre and later transferred to Nice University Hospital in France.
On 1 September 2020, Prince Albert II of Monaco appointed a French citizen, Pierre Dartout, as the Prime Minister of Monaco. This appointment marked a significant political decision in the governance of the principality.
On 3 September 2020, Monaco launched its first satellite, OSM-1 CICERO, into space from French Guiana aboard a Vega rocket. The satellite was constructed in Monaco by Orbital Solutions Monaco.
Prince Albert of Monaco visited the Sassi di Matera on April 22, 2022, exploring the ancient districts.
Monaco, officially known as the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate located on the French Riviera in Western Europe.
As of 1 July 2023, Monaco's population was estimated to be 36,297 according to the United Nations.
Auger-Aliassime did not have to play his Round 2 match in Monaco against Alcaraz, who was sidelined due to a forearm injury.
Monaco's football team secured a 2-0 victory over Brest, propelling them to the second position in the league standings.