Having been in Nice last year for about a week, we decided
to take a trip to Monaco for the day.
The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera. France borders the country on three sides while the other side borders the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco has an area of 2 square kilometres and a population of about 37,800; it is the second smallest and the most densely populated country in the world. Monaco's most popular district is Monte Carlo. Although small, Monaco is very old and quite well known, especially because of its status as a playground for the rich and famous.
Monaco is a principality governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. Although Prince Albert II is a constitutional monarch, he wields immense political power. The House of Grimaldi have ruled Monaco, since the thirteenth century. The official language is French, but English are widely spoken and understood. Despite Monaco's independence and separate foreign policy, its defense is the responsibility of France. However, Monaco does maintain two small military units.
Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with the opening of the country's first casino, Monte Carlo, and a railway connection to Paris.Since then, Monaco's mild climate, splendid scenery, and upscale gambling facilities have contributed to the principality's status as a premier tourist destination and recreation center for the rich and famous. The state has no income tax, low business taxes, and is well known for being a tax haven.
Monaco has the world's highest average salary at $190,000, and an unemployment rate of 2% with over 48,000 workers who commute from France and Italy each day. According to the CIA World Factbook, Monaco has the world's lowest poverty rate and the highest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world. For the fourth year in a row, Monaco in 2012 had the world's most expensive real estate market, at $7,400 per square foot.
You know you are in the high rent district when you see the real estate
offices. There was one listing for a
four bedroom bungalow with a sea view for only 16,000,000€. Also we passed a broker's office that
specializes in selling executive jets.
The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera. France borders the country on three sides while the other side borders the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco has an area of 2 square kilometres and a population of about 37,800; it is the second smallest and the most densely populated country in the world. Monaco's most popular district is Monte Carlo. Although small, Monaco is very old and quite well known, especially because of its status as a playground for the rich and famous.
Monaco is a principality governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. Although Prince Albert II is a constitutional monarch, he wields immense political power. The House of Grimaldi have ruled Monaco, since the thirteenth century. The official language is French, but English are widely spoken and understood. Despite Monaco's independence and separate foreign policy, its defense is the responsibility of France. However, Monaco does maintain two small military units.
Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with the opening of the country's first casino, Monte Carlo, and a railway connection to Paris.Since then, Monaco's mild climate, splendid scenery, and upscale gambling facilities have contributed to the principality's status as a premier tourist destination and recreation center for the rich and famous. The state has no income tax, low business taxes, and is well known for being a tax haven.
Monaco has the world's highest average salary at $190,000, and an unemployment rate of 2% with over 48,000 workers who commute from France and Italy each day. According to the CIA World Factbook, Monaco has the world's lowest poverty rate and the highest number of millionaires and billionaires per capita in the world. For the fourth year in a row, Monaco in 2012 had the world's most expensive real estate market, at $7,400 per square foot.
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| Monaco harbour |
We have been to the casino, so we went to royal palace instead. It is a grand old building that is still occupied by the Prince of Monaco and his family. Tourists are able to visit some of the older sections of the palace, including the throne room. Marg thought that the furnishings were gaudy and over the top. It reminded her of Graceland, Elvis Presley’s house in the Memphis, because the colours were depressing. She was disappointed that it didn't display the style of the late Princess Grace Kelly.
The small village on top of the hill that adjoins the palace
is filled with shops and restaurants. I
don’t know if anyone lives there.
We went back to Nice for supper and ate at a restaurant
called Cafe de Nice. It was a relaxing
restaurant with good food. Marg had a
fish melody and I had duck. We had a local
wine from the Nice area that was OK but we’ve been spoiled by Scenic
Cruises. It may take several more meals
to come back to earth.
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