1 Monaco Image 1: Flag of Monaco [7] 1. Introduction The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family first seized temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but they were not able to permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center. [1] 2. Basic information 2.1 General [2] [3] Original name: Principaute de Monaco Area: 2 sq km Population: 30 539 (2011) Relief: Mont Agel (140 m) – Mediterranean sea (0 m) Geobioms: subtropical biota Name: Monaco Capital: Monaco Location: 70 w.l. , 440 s. l. Landuse: 0% arable land, 0% permanent crops, 100% other (urban area) (2005) Climate: Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers 2.2 Political status [2] [3] Established: 1419 (beginning of permanent rule by Government type: constitutional monarchy the House of Grimaldi) Regions: none, four quarters – Fontvieille, La Time: GMT +1 Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo Integration: UN, OBSE HDI: 0,946 GDP: 30,000 ($) 3. Map skills Four quarters – Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo Image 2: Map of Monaco [8] Image 3: Map of Monaco [8] 2 4. Population and Settlement 4.1 Demographics [2] Monaco's population is unusual in that the native Monegasques are a minority in their own country comprising 21.6% of the population. The largest group is French nationals at 28.4%. [2] Ethnic groups Percentage French 28.4% Monegasque 21.6% Italian 18.7% British 7.5% Belgian 2.8% German 2.5% Swiss 2.5% US 1.2% Tab.: Ethnic Groups in Monaco [2] 4.2 Religion [4] Monaco has a total population of 30,539. Out of this total population 90% of the people in Monaco are adherents of the Roman Catholic faith. In fact, Roman Catholicism happens to be the state religion of Monaco. Monaco religion is characterized by the presence of religious freedom for all. Roman Catholic faith in Monaco has an important role to play in all festivals that are observed in Monaco. Besides, Monaco religion also has the feature of the absence of missionaries. Conversion is discouraged by the state authorities, and in Monaco there have been no cases of forced religious conversions. However, there is the presence in Monaco of a few organizations of religious nature that are registered under the state. The cultural life in Monaco is largely influenced by Monaco religion. As such, the Church in Monaco is [2] found to play a very important role in all aspects of Image 4: Saint Nicholas Cathedral life. Traditional ceremonies and rituals are found to be observed in the church during special occasions like Feast Days. Some of the festivals that are observed in Monaco include Easter, Feast Days of Saint Roman, Saint John and Saint Blaise. Besides, every year in January the people in Monaco hold a ritual. This ritual is marked by torchlight processions and other religious ceremonies. This day is believed to mark the occasion of Saint Devote's arrival to Monaco. The religious belief of Monaco citizens with regard to afterlife and death is based on the teachings of Roman Catholicism. [4] 3 4.3 Language [2] The official language of Monaco is French. English is used by American and British residents. The traditional national language is Monégasque, now spoken by only a minority of residents. It resembles Ligurian, which is spoken in Genoa. In the old part of Monaco, street signs are printed in both French and Monégasque. Italian is also spoken by the principality's sizable community from Italy. [2] 4.4 Settlement 5. Economy [5] [1] Monaco, a small country nestled between Alps mountainside and Mediterranean Sea, is a major tourist destination. The geographical location, the massive influx of tourists and no burden of income tax are the factors behind shaping up Monaco economy. The strong economy of Monaco prompts its people to maintain a high standard of living. [5] From the late 19th century Monaco economy began to develop tremendously with the opening of casinos. The magnificent charm of casinos, hotel industry and the beauty of natural surroundings all these have made tourism to develop very strongly here which is a major source of revenue generating trade for Monaco. Apart from this the complete lack of income tax has prompted many companies of foreign countries to invest here and enjoy the benefits. The mushrooming of foreign companies has provided jobs for everybody so the rate of unemployment is 0% in Monaco. However Monaco does not publish its economic figures so the rough estimation of this data can be given as follows: GDP(Purchasing Power Parity): $976.3 million GDP(Per Capita): $30,000 Inflation Rate: 1.9% Revenues: $863 million Exports: $716.3 million Imports: $916.1 million There is almost nil commercial agriculture in Monaco. Monaco is well known for its marine activities, which of course contribute to its economy. Another major activity that generates revenue for Monaco is real estate as the prices for property are sky high in Monaco and being a hub of glamour it attracts celebrities as buyers. In a nutshell a tiny country like Monaco has developed quite a strong economic backbone without having any kind of natural resources. [5] [1] 6. Tourism [2] [6] [9] [10] [11] The beautiful location of Monaco, at the very center of Southern Europe, has made it popular among the tourists of the whole world. The principality of Monaco is located beside the southern Mediterranean Sea coast of France, and shares its border with Italy. Monaco is an independent and sovereign state and it is also the second smallest state in the world. The principality of Monaco is located in a region that features a Mediterranean climatic condition. The climate of this region is very mild which includes wet winter season and hot and dry summer season. Not only because of its position but also its climate condition which has make Monaco the popular tourism destination in 4 Europe. Monaco tourism offers many popular travel destinations to the visitors. Some of the most popular Monaco tourist destinations are: Avenue Saint-Martin Palais du Prince Harbor Monaco Casino Casino de Paris Oceanographic Museum and Aquarium Oceanographic Museum of Monaco was established in the year 1910. Oceanographic Museum is a museum of marine sciences. Founded by Prince Albert I, this museum is a monument which includes unique architectural characteristics. The Oceanographic Museum in Monaco is a grand structure, with its magnificent front structure, rising 279 feet above the sea level. This museum of marine sciences took eleven years to build and it is made up of 100,000 tons of stone bring from La Turbie. The Image 5: Oceanographic Museum of Monaco [12] museum is a home to noteworthy collections of varied species of sea fauna. [9] Jardin Exotique The Exotic Garden of Monaco was introduced to the public in the year 1933. Since then Exotic Garden of Monaco has been a unique travel destination to the visitors of the world. The Exotic Garden of Monaco is an outdoor garden located in an impressive location. The Exotic Garden in Monaco is a home to varied number of succulent plants. Succulent plants have acquired different ways to adjust with the dry climatic conditions. Image 6: The Exotic Garden [12] Japanese Garden The Japanese Garden in Monaco is a charming garden which has been designed by Yasuo Beppu, who is a reputed landscape architect of. The Japanese Garden of Monaco was constructed at the request of Prince Rainier who wanted to fulfill the wish of Princess Grace. Princess Grace had cherished this desire throughout her life. The Japanese Garden is basically a genuine art work which balances stone, water and vegetation in the most wonderful way. [10] Image 7: Japanese Garden [12] 5 7. Key studies Formula One Since 1955, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually in the streets of Monaco. It is widely considered to be one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world. The erection of the Circuit de Monaco takes six weeks to complete, and the removal after the race another three weeks. The circuit has many elevation changes and tight corners, along with a tunnel. This together with being incredibly narrow and tight makes it perhaps the most demanding Formula One track. Only two Image 8: Grand Prix in Monaco [13] drivers have ever crashed into the harbor, the most famous being Alberto Ascari in the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix, just four days before losing his life at Monza. The other was Paul Hawkins, during the 1965 Monaco Grand Prix. [2] [6] Monte Carlo Rally The Monte Carlo Rally has been held since 1911, having originally been held at the behest of Prince Albert I and is, like the principality's Grand Prix, organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco. It has long been considered to be one of the toughest and most prestigious events in rallying and from 1973 to 2008 was the opening round of the World Rally Championship. From 2009 until 2011, the rally served as the opening round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge, having most recently been run on the 19–22 January 2011 in celebration of the event's centenary.2012 will mark the return of the Monte Carlo Rally to the WRC calendar with the event taking place from the 20–22 January 2012. 8. Pictures Image 9: Sunset in Monte Carlo [2] Image 10: Map of Monaco [1] 6 Image 11: Monte Carlo [1] Image 12: Prince´s Palace in Monaco [1] 9. Videos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Zt3tvghhXg – How to live like a local in Monaco http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLPNeuQV_vQ – Video about Monaco, (English)2 parts http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9BaDmkqato – Monte-Carlo Casino (English) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DT7Gk6FJQI4 – Casino 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxpFV1XCNyU – Grand prix (2011 Monaco) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3X7PYHWUQ_c – Grand prix 10. Tasks Who is the actual king in Monaco? Which other sports you can do in Monaco? Who are the Grimaldis? Which majority of people lives in Monaco, if not Monasque? 11. Dictionary casino 7 References: [1] https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mn.html [2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monaco [3] http://www.zemepis.com/Monako.php [4] http://www.mapsofworld.com/monaco/people-culture-festivals/religion.html [5] http://www.mapsofworld.com/monaco/economy/ [6] http://www.mapsofworld.com/monaco/tourism/ [7] http://www.ipacz.cz/kontakty/ipa-ve-svete/ [8] http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/mc.htm [9] http://www.mapsofworld.com/monaco/tourism/oceanographic-museum.html [10] http://www.mapsofworld.com/monaco/tourism/japanese-garden.html [11] http://www.mapsofworld.com/monaco/tourism/exotic-garden.html [12] http://www.monacoauction.com/page/attractions [13] http://www.formula1.com/races/in_detail/monaco_792/circuit_history.html