Country Profile: Monaco

Monaco, a small principality located on the Mediterranean coast near France and Italy, is renowned for its stunning scenery and mild climate. With a population of around 32,000, it is the second-most densely populated country in the world. The economy is primarily driven by tourism and banking, benefiting from its status as a tax haven. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, Monaco is led by Prince Albert II and characterized by a unique blend of local and French legal traditions.

Geography

Monaco is situated in Western Europe, bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the south and France to the north. The country covers an area of merely 2 square kilometers, making it the second-smallest independent state globally, after the Vatican. The terrain is hilly and rugged, with no significant natural resources, emphasizing its urban landscape.

4.1 km: Length of coastline.
162 m: Highest point at Chemin des Revoires.
0%: Percentage of agricultural land (2022 estimate).
100%: Urban population as of 2023.

People and Society

As of 2025, Monaco has an estimated population of 32,047, with a balanced gender distribution. The nationality is primarily Monegasque, alongside a mix of French, Italian, British, and other ethnic groups. The country boasts a high life expectancy of 89.8 years, and the population is characterized by an aging demographic, with 37.1% aged 65 or older.

90%: Percentage of the population identifying as Roman Catholic.
57.5 years: Median age (2025 estimate).
0.76%: Population growth rate (2025 estimate).
6.46: Births per 1,000 population (2025 estimate).

Economy

Monaco possesses a high-income economy, heavily reliant on tourism and banking, and is recognized as a tax haven. The real GDP in purchasing power parity was estimated at $8.924 billion for 2024, with a GDP per capita of approximately $270,100. The economy has shown resilience with a growth rate of 5% in 2023, recovering from COVID-19 impacts.

88.5%: Services sector contribution to GDP (2023 estimate).
$10.434 billion: GDP at official exchange rates estimated for 2024.
11.5%: Industry sector contribution to GDP (2023 estimate).
46,000 tons: Municipal solid waste generated annually (2024 estimate).

Government

Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II serving as the head of state. The legislative body, the National Council, consists of 24 directly elected members. The most recent election took place on February 5, 2023. The legal system reflects French influence, and citizenship is primarily passed through patrilineal descent, with no dual citizenship recognized.

18 years: Minimum voting age.
24: Number of members in the National Council.
45.8%: Percentage of women in the National Council.
5 years: Term length for elected officials.

Military and Security

Monaco does not maintain a regular military force, as defense responsibilities lie with France under a treaty. Instead, security is managed by the Prince’s Company of Carabiniers and the local police. Public order and emergency services are handled by the Police Department and the Fire and Emergency Service.

3: Heliports as of 2025.
1: Merchant marine vessel.
Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince: Guarding the palace and maintaining public order.

Energy

Monaco has achieved 100% electrification, ensuring that its entire population has access to electricity as of 2022. The principality does not have significant energy production resources due to its small land area and urban environment.

Environment

Monaco is a party to several international environmental agreements, focusing on air pollution and biodiversity. It has a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, with no forested areas and minimal agricultural land.

0%: Forest coverage (2022 estimate).
100%: Urban land use (2022 estimate).
9.2: Micrograms of particulate matter per cubic meter (2019 estimate).

Transportation

Monaco features limited transportation infrastructure due to its size, with a single railway station operated by the French national railway. The principality has one key port and offers well-connected heliport services.

1: Total port as of 2024.
3: Number of heliports as of 2025.
1: Railway station with services operated by SNCF.

Communications

Monaco has a high degree of connectivity, with 99% of its population using the internet as of 2023. The country has robust telecommunication services, with fixed and mobile subscriptions surpassing the number of inhabitants.

43,000: Fixed telephone subscriptions (2023 estimate).
41,500: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2024 estimate).
99%: Internet penetration rate (2023 estimate).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	32,047 (2025 est.)
Area	2 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$8.924 billion (2024 est.)
GDP per capita	$270,100 (2024 est.)
Birth rate	6.46 births/1,000 population	(2025 est.)
Life expectancy	89.8 years (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	Not specified
Electrification access	100%	(2022 est.)
Urban population	100%	(2023)
Emergency service readiness	Active police and fire services