Various populations from prehistoric times and antiquity have sought refuge on Monaco’s Rocher and in its port. Sailors have heralded from as far away as the Orient. In the sixth century B.C. a Ligurian tribe inhabited the area leaving behind their name to what would become Monaco. For seven centuries the Grimaldi family has presided over the Principality of Monaco, one of the longest ruling families in Europe. This rare dynastic longevity is proof of national unity between the Princes and the Monegasque people Religious and secular traditions live on. Sometimes they are interlinked, with popular festivities following ritual ceremonies. Religious traditions, however, are more deeply anchored in the collective memory of the Monegasque people. They are an integral and exclusive part of their social, cultural and moral heritage. Furthermore, despite the limited size of its territory, the Principality of Monaco has a most rich and varied architectural heritage.

Monaco covers an area of 2 km2, 40 hectares of which is land reclaimed from the sea over the last 20 years. This stretches over a narrow coastal strip rising vertically in certain areas and reaching a peak of 163 metres. Its width varies between 1,050 metres to just 350 metres. It runs along the seashore for a distance of 4,100 metres. The Principality is comprised on one municipality, Monaco. The climate is moderate during the winter and hot, but not excessively, during the summer. Average annual temperature is 16.31 degrees centigrade with an exceptional number of sunny days. French is the official language, but Italian and English are also widely understood and spoken. The Monegasque language is spoken by the older population and taught to the youth in school. Monaco is a state and town open to the world, living in its heartbeat. Nearly 125 nationalities are represented. Of the residents, 28% are French, 17% Italian and 6% British.

The Euro was introduced in Monaco on January 1, 1999 and since January 1, 2002 coins and bills are introduced, making the Euro the Principality’s legal tender.