Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix 2012 - About Monaco
About Monaco (Principauté de Monaco)
The principality of Monaco lies between the Alps and the Mediterranean sea, bounded by the French Riviera to the west and the Italian Riviera to the East. Monaco is the second smallest nation in the world (after the Vatican City) and the most densely populated in the world.
Roughly the size of central park, an average person can walk across the width of the country in 56 minutes.
History
Monaco has been ruled by the house of Grimaldi since 1927, sovereignty was declared in 1861 after centuries of being passed between France and Genoa and has served as a key strategic point since the Roman era. During World War II Monaco was occupied by the Italians and the Germans (Not the worst posting for a soldier).
Arguably Monaco’s most popular ruler was Prince Ranier III (a decendent of James IV of Scotland) who ruled Monaco from 1923 to 2005 (making him one of the longest ruling monarchs of the 20th Century). In 1956 Ranier was thrust into the spotlight because of his fairytale marriage to the actress Grace Kelly. Sadly, in 1982 the world’s attention was again on Monaco when Kelly died in a car accident.
Ranier III was succeeded in 2005 by his son Albert II who has the honour of awarding the Monaco Grand Prix winners trophy each year.
Language
French is the only official language in Monaco but most of the residents speak English, if you do find someone who only speaks French (and your secondary school French fails you) then there is usually someone on hand to help out.
Currency
Euros – Monaco is an enclave of France. Monte Carlo can be very expensive (especially during race weekend) but if you are prepared to travel from the main circuit are there are a plethora of bars and bistro’s that are very reasonable.
Travel