Is Monaco Part of France?

Monaco is​​ a small country on the French Riviera in Eastern Europe. It is famous for its luxurious lifestyles, casinos, Formula 1 Grand Prix, etc.  In this article, we will learn about “Is Monaco Part of France“, “why is this question asked“, and more.

Monaco – Part of France?

No, Monaco is not the part of France. Monaco is officially called the Principality of Monaco. It is an independent country and city-state. France borders it on three sides, but it is an independent country with its government, laws, and ruling family (the Grimaldi family). Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world both in terms of area and population.

Why is this question asked?

Below are a few reasons why people might ask whether Monaco is a part of France:

• Close Proximity

  Due to its small size and its location within French territory, some people may wonder if Monaco is simply a part of France.

• Shared Currency

  Monaco uses the same currency as France, which is the Euro. This can sometimes confuse people who aren’t familiar with the area because they might think Monaco is part of France since they both use the same money.

• Historical Ties

  Monaco and France have a long history together, including times when Monaco was protected by France. Because of this history, some people might wonder if Monaco eventually became part of France instead of remaining independent.

• Language

  In Monaco, the main language spoken is French, just like in France. This connection in language might make some people think Monaco is part of France, especially if they don’t know much about Monaco’s independence.

• Legal and Administrative Arrangements

  It is its own country, but it has some agreements with France about things like defense, customs, and money. Because of these agreements, some people might wonder how much freedom Monaco really has to make its own decisions.

How did Monaco become an Independent Country?

Below is a brief overview of how Monaco became an independent country:

• The Grimaldi family seized control of Monaco and established themselves as rulers. The Grimaldi dynasty has continued to rule Monaco ever since, making it one of the oldest ruling families in Europe.
• Monaco’s sovereignty was recognized and protected by various treaties and agreements with neighboring powers, particularly France. In 1861, the Franco-Monégasque Treaty formally recognized Monaco’s independence.

• Monaco was officially recognized as an independent nation in the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 (post-World War 1). This treaty solidified Monaco’s status as a sovereign state under international law.
• Monaco became a member of the United Nations and the Council of Europe strengthening its status as a sovereign independent country.

Where is Monaco?

Monaco is situated along the French Riviera on the Mediterranean Sea. France surrounds Monaco on three sides and is 18 km east of Nice, France. Monaco is also very close to the borders of Italy, just 8 km, and has a coastline of 4.1 km.

Interesting Facts

• Monaco is the second smallest country in the world, covering an area of just 2.02 square kilometers (0.78 square miles).
• Around 36,400 residents populate Monaco, making it one of the most densely populated countries globally.
• Its favorable tax policies make Monaco a popular destination for the wealthy, with no income tax for individuals.
• The Prince’s Palace of Monaco is the official residence of the ruling Prince of Monaco and is open to the public for tours.
• Even though Monaco is really small, it’s been getting bigger by adding more land from the Mediterranean Sea.
• Monaco has the most millionaires and billionaires per square mile in the world
• Monaco’s flag looks a lot like Indonesia’s, but the red color in Monaco’s flag is just a little bit lighter.

Related Links

• Key Facts of Monaco
• Key Facts of France