The second-smallest independent nation in the world, Monaco is an
enticing destination for the tourists and a haven for the wealthy,
the former drawn by its climate and the beauty of its setting and
the latter by its advantageous tax regime and gambling activities.
The most densely populated country in the world, Monaco has been
a constitutional monarchy since 1911. The ruling royal family of Grimaldi
acquired control in the late 13th century. Subsequently it became
a principality in 1338.
Travel overview
Surrounded on three sides by France, the tiny independent principality
of Monaco is a playground for tourists.
For a motor-racing enthusiast the country is a paradise, known for
its fabulous casinos and Formula 1 Grand Prix. The country’s
pristine beaches and cultured night life offers tourists exciting
opportunities to unwind. Tourist attractions in the principality include
Musee Oceanographique, one of the finest aquariums in Europe, exhibiting
sea life and living corals.
Monte Carlo's claim to fame lies in its casino.
Capital: Rabat
Location: Northern Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and
the Mediterranean Sea, between Algeria and Western Sahara
Climate: Mediterranean, becoming more extreme in the interior
Total Area: 446,550 sq km
Total Population: 33,757,175
Population Growth Rate: 1.528%
Sex Ratio: 0.994 male(s)/female
Literacy: 52.3%
Ethnic Groups: Arab-Berber, Jewish
Irrigated land: 14,450 sq km
Languages: Arabic, Berber dialects, French often the language of business,
government, and diplomacy
Time Zone: UTC 0
Currency: Moroccan dirham (MAD)
Neighbouring countries: Algeria, Western Sahara, Spain
Type of govt.: constitutional monarchy
Head of Govt.: Prime Minister Driss Jettou
Major Political Parties: Action Party or PA , Alliance of Liberties
or ADL , Annahj Addimocrati or Annahj , Avant Garde Social Democratic
Party or PADS , Citizen Forces or FC , Citizen's Initiatives for Development
, Constitutional Union or UC , Democratic and Independence Party or
PDI , Democratic and Social Movement or MDS , Democratic Forces Front
or FFD, Democratic Socialist Party or PSD , Democratic Union or UD
, Environment and Development Party or PED , Front of Democratic Forces
or FFD , Istiqlal Party (Independence Party) or PI , Justice and Development
Party or PJD , Moroccan Liberal Party or PML , National Democratic
Party or PND , National Ittihadi Congress Party or CNI , National
Popular Movement or MNP , National Rally of Independents or RNI ,
National Union of Popular Forces or UNFP , Parti Al Ahd or Al Ahd
, Party of Progress and Socialism or PPS ,Party of Renewal and Equity
or PRE , Party of the Unified Socialist Left or GSU , Popular Movement
or MP , Popular Movement Union or UMP , Reform and Development Party
or PRD , Social Center Party or PSC ,Socialist Union of Popular Forces
or USFP
Participation in International Organizations: ABEDA, AMF, AMU, EBRD,
ACCT, AfDB, AFESD, FAO, G-77, ICRM, IAEA, IBRD, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS,
ICAO, ICC, IDA, IDB, IHO, ILO, IOC, IOM, IPU, IMF, IMO, Interpol,
ISO, ITU, ITUC, MONUC, NAM, LAS, MIGA, MINUSTAH, OIC, PCA, UN, UNCTAD,
OIF, OPCW, UNESCO, UNHCR, UNWTO, UPU, WCL, WCO, UNIDO, UNITAR, UNOCI,
WMO, WTO, WHO, WIPO,
Major Agricultural Products: barley, wine, vegetables, wheat, citrus,
olives, livestock
Natural Resources & Minerals: phosphates, lead, zinc, iron ore,
manganese, fish, salt .
Industry & Transport: food processing, phosphate rock mining and
processing, leather goods, construction, textiles, tourism
Airports: 60
Railways: 1,907 km
Roadways: 57,493 km
Major Trade Partners: France, Spain, UK, Italy, India, Saudi Arabia,
Russia, China, Germany
Exports: $11.72 billion
Imports: $21.22 billion |
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