Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe, on the Mediterranean Sea. It is a semi-enclave bordered by France to the north, east and west. The principality is home to 38,682 residents, of whom 9,486 are Monégasque nationals; it is widely recognised as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places in the world. The official language of the principality is French. In addition, Monégasque, English and Italian are spoken and understood by many residents.
Rainier I, victor of the naval battle at Zierikzee and first sovereign Grimaldi ruler of Monaco
The Mayor of Monaco announcing concessions, ending the absolute monarchy of Prince Albert I in 1910
The marriage of actress Grace Kelly to Prince Rainier III brought media attention to the principality.
View of Monaco in 2016
A city-state is an independent sovereign city which serves as the center of political, economic, and cultural life over its contiguous territory. They have existed in many parts of the world since the dawn of history, including cities such as Rome, Carthage, Athens and Sparta and the Italian city-states during the Middle Ages and Renaissance, such as Florence, Venice, Genoa and Milan.
The Republic of Ragusa, a maritime city-state, was based in the walled city of Dubrovnik
Tangier
Monaco, known for its casino, royalty and scenic harbour
Singapore, modern city-state and island country