Monaco and Monte Carlo Kingdom

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco is a small sovereign state located in Western Europe. The territory lies on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea and is completely enclosed by France. Monaco is often regarded as a tax haven, and many of its inhabitants are wealthy and from foreign countries (including France), although they are not a majority. Monaco is a Constitutional Monarchy and Principality with Prince Albert II as head of state. The Grimaldi family has ruled over Monaco since 1292 and the state\'s sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861. Despite being independent, MonacoÕs defense is still the responsibility of France.Monaco is the worldÕs second most densely populated country, surpassed only by the Macau Special Administrative Region in southeast China. Monaco is also the smallest French-speaking country. Monte Carlo is the wealthiest of Monaco\'s various administrative areas, sometimes erroneously believed to be the country\'s capital, even though there formally is none. Monte Carlo is known for its casinos, gambling, glamour, and for sightings of famous people. The permanent population is about 3000. Founded in 1866, Monte Carlo has a name of Italian origin meaning \"Mount Charles\", named in compliment to the prince then reigning, Charles III of Monaco. The specific mountain is the escarpment at the foot of the Maritime Alps on which the town stands.Monte Carlo is home to most of the Circuit de Monaco, on which the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix takes place.Monte Carlo is one of Europe\'s leading tourist resorts, although many of the key tourist destinations are located in other parts of Monaco, including such attractions as Monaco Cathedral, the Napoleon Museum, the Oceanographic Museum and aquarium, and the Prince\'s Palace, all of which are located in Monaco-Ville. Photo by Rafael Ben-Ari/Chameleons Eye