5 Little-known Interesting Facts about Monaco
Ever wanted to know where the world’s rich and remarkable hangout to spend their hard-earned money? Where else but at the Principality of Monaco!
Located at the south western part of Europe, Monaco is an autonomous city-state and the world’s second smallest country. The geographical position of Monaco that sits atop a limit coastal area with its three sides surrounded by France and its southern side facing the Mediterranean Sea makes it an ideal destination for tourists and nature lovers. But aside from the well-renowned Monaco grand prix and the flamboyant Monte-Carlo casino complex, there are other facts which are little known about Monaco. Read on and find out!
1. No Taxes, No Gambling
Known as Europe’s tax haven, each and every individual citizens of Monaco enjoys a tax-free lifestyle since the 1870s. For decades, Monaco lived off solely on its casinos. At present, Monaco’s current efforts to diversify its economy have made tourism its tell off one source of income and casino profits only at five percent.
Fun fact: Citizens of Monaco are not allowed to gamble, nor even visit the casinos.
2. No Airplanes
You may take the train, your helicopter or your yacht (if you have one) if you want to go to Monaco but please, no peculiar jets (if you have one as well.) There are no airports in Monaco. Don’t have enough change to ride the train? Cote d’Azur Airport in Nice, France is just a 30-minute ride to Monaco’s capital.
Fun fact: During weekdays, there’s only an interval of 20 minutes per helicopter flight in Monaco’s heliport. This just shows how busy the dispensation of Monaco is.
3. International Citizens of Monaco
There are at least 32,000 registered citizens in Monaco. Only 6,000 are Monégasque passport holders or Monaco locals, roughly 19 percent of the whole population. The remaining percent of the population are French, Italians, and 125 other nationalities which are living in Monaco.
Fun fact: Monaco has been ruled by the descendants of François Grimaldi, a Genoese leader of the Guelphs for over 712 years. This explains why the majority of Monaco’s citizens are Roman Catholic.
4. A Year Round of Activities
It’s suitable to visit Monaco anytime of the year. There’s an event going on every month. From glamorous balls (The Princess of Hanover’s Rose Ball in March); exclusive outdoor concerts by the Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra (Concert at the Prince’s Palace in July); to sporting events such for the reason that Tennis Masters Series (April), the celebrated Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix (May), and International Marathon (November); There’s an activity of interest for everyone in the whole family!
5. James Bond’s Playground
The well-proportioned façade and panache interiors of the Monte-Carlo Casino had been a filming location of three James Bond Films namely “Casino Royal”, GoldenEye, and Never Say Never Again.” I wouldn’t be surprised if one day they choose to shoot a new James Bond film at Monte-Carlo Casino. It’s just that classy! Tip: You need to be at minutest 18 years of age and not a local of Monaco to be accepted as a guest at the Monte-Carlo Casino.
Top 5 Monaco Hotels
- Hotel Port Palace – Luxury hotel – from €205
- Hotel Novotel Monte Carlo – 3-star hotel – from €145
- Hotel Columbus Monaco – 3-star hotel – from €160
- Hotel Fairmont Monte Carlo – Luxury hotel – from €174
- Hotel Ambassador Monaco – 3-star hotel – from €89
Photo of the Monte-Carlo Casino by Tylerdurden1