The Principality of Monaco is known throughout the world as a micro-state with one of the highest living standards on Earth. Indeed, Monaco lives with truly aristocratic interests: casinos, beaches, high society events and the most important Formula 1 stage in the world of sports, surrounded by fragrant nature.
The dwarf state of Monaco is located in the south of Europe off the coast of the Ligurian Sea within walking distance from the French Cote d'Azur. In the vicinity of Monaco, there are such famous resorts as Nice, Antibes and Cannes. Monaco is a de jure independent state, but in fact it is under the full protectorate of France.
Monaco belongs to the so-called associated states and in fact is the possession of France, being in strong economic dependence on it. Electricity and food are supplied from France to Monaco.
The neighboring state ensures the military security of Monaco, and the common European currency is used throughout the principality. The Franco-Italian border is less than an hour's drive from Monaco, and the distance to Genoa, whose possession the principality was before 1297, is about 180 kilometers. The capital of Monaco is the eponymous city of Monaco, but in addition to it, on an area of 2, 02 square kilometers, there are several other small communes, including the famous Monte Carlo.
Features of the Principality of Monaco
The autochthonous population of the principality is the Monegasque people, which make up one fifth of all the inhabitants of this state. Monegasques are the titular people of Monaco in almost the literal sense of the word. Monegasques are exempt from all types of taxes, and only they can settle in the old part of the city. The Monegasques also have the exclusive right to elect the Principality's National Council. The old town is called Monaco Ville and is located on a hill with an enchanting view of the sea and the surrounding area. Again, foreigners are prohibited from settling in Monaco Ville.
Monegasques speak a dialect of the Ligurian language and differ significantly from the French culturally and ethnically. On racial grounds, Monegasques are closest to Italians living in the Genoa region.
How to get to Monaco
Monaco does not have a representative office in the Russian Federation, therefore, all documents must be completed by contacting French visa centers. Residents of central Russia can draw up documents at the French visa offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg. On the territory of the Volga Federal District, the branch operates in Nizhny Novgorod, and in the Urals, you can apply for a visa in Yekaterinburg.
It is worth noting that Monaco is a member of the European Union and to visit this micro-state you need to have a Schengen visa. The nearest airport to Monaco is located in Nice, France, and the total distance to it does not exceed 19 kilometers. Despite the fact that Paris is more than 900 kilometers from Monaco, travel time by high-speed train will be only about a few hours. Aeroflot and Air France planes fly to Nice from Moscow. The flight will take no more than four hours.
