The Principality of Monaco, usually just simplified to Monaco is a city state and lies on a narrow, rocky, coastal strip of land that is squeezed between the Maritime Alps of France and the Cote d’Azur, part of the north coast of the Mediterranean Sea. It is known worldwide for its glitz and glamour, its classy Casino at Monte Carlo and its amazing cityscape of apartments. These apartments appear to be stacked upon each other, rising up the hills away from the beautiful yacht filled harbours that line the coast, all backed by rugged rocky scenery!! Monaco is a major tourist attraction for those wishing to experience the lifestyles of the rich and famous, visit the Casino, laze on the beaches or to enjoy the historic old town of a nation ruled by the same family for over 700 years!!
This coastal strip lies on the lower slopes of Mont Agel between the French and the Italian Rivieras and is entirely an urban area. Covering only 200 hectares, much of which has been reclaimed from the sea, Monaco is the second smallest country in the world next to the Vatican City, and is also the second most densely populated, being home to approximately 33,000 people. The country stretches along the coast for roughly 4 kilometres and rises to only 161metres above sea level at its highest point, it has no natural resources besides its location on this magnificent coast, the appealing Mediterranean Sea and a beautiful mild climate!!
Monaco is a Constitutional Monarchy and Principality with H.S.H. Prince Albert II being the current Head of State. The Grimaldi family have been the rulers of Monaco since 1297, since Francois Grimaldi seized the fortress of Monaco, reclaiming it in the name of the Pope.
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