Country Profile: Monaco

Monaco, a small principality located on the French Riviera, is renowned for its stunning coastal scenery and luxurious lifestyle. Governed as a constitutional monarchy, it has a population of approximately 31,813 residents, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world. The economy is predominantly driven by tourism, banking, and a reputation as a tax haven, creating a high-income environment for its citizens. Monaco's climate features mild winters and hot summers, contributing to its status as a favored tourist destination.

Geography

Monaco is situated in Western Europe along the Mediterranean coast, bordering France and near the Italian border. Covering an area of just 2 square kilometers, it is the second-smallest independent state globally, after the Vatican. The terrain is hilly and rocky, with a coastline stretching 4.1 kilometers, and offers a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

2 sq km - total area
4.1 km - coastline length
6 km - total land boundaries with France

People and Society

Monaco has a population of around 31,813 people, with a diverse ethnic composition including Monegasque, French, and Italian nationals. The majority of the population speaks French, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion. The country boasts a high life expectancy of 89.8 years, and a median age of 56.9 years, reflecting its aging demographic.

100% - urban population
0.71% - population growth rate (2024 est.)
6.5 births/1,000 - birth rate (2024 est.)
89.8 years - life expectancy at birth (2024 est.)

Economy

Monaco's economy is classified as a high-income economy, heavily reliant on tourism and banking. The country does not have significant agricultural production and is known for luxurious real estate pricing. In 2023, Monaco's GDP was estimated at $9.995 billion, with a real GDP growth rate of 5% following a strong recovery post-COVID-19. The service sector dominates the economy, representing 88.5% of its GDP.

$9.995 billion - GDP (2023 est.)
5% - real GDP growth (2023 est.)
88.5% - GDP from services (2023 est.)

Government

Monaco operates under a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II serving as the head of state since 2005. The National Council, a unicameral legislature composed of 24 members, is responsible for legislative duties, while the executive power is held by the Minister of State, currently Christophe Mirmand. Monaco has no administrative divisions and follows a civil law system influenced by French legal tradition.

18 years - voting age for suffrage
24 - seats in the National Council
1419 - year of permanent rule by the House of Grimaldi

Military and Security

Monaco does not maintain regular military forces but relies on the Prince’s Company of Carabiniers and police services for internal security. France is responsible for the defense of Monaco's independence and sovereignty per treaty.

No regular military forces - security maintained by local police and carabiniers
French nationals - primarily staff the Compagnie des Carabiniers

Energy

Monaco enjoys 100% electrification, ensuring that all residents have access to electricity as of 2022.

100% - electricity access (2022 est.)

Environment

Monaco is a signatory to a variety of international environmental agreements aimed at addressing climate change, pollution, and biodiversity. The country's geography results in minimal agricultural land use, with 100% of its land classified as urban.

100% - urban land use (2022 est.)
46,000 tons - municipal solid waste generated annually (2012 est.)

Transportation

Monaco has limited transportation infrastructure due to its size but includes a network of roads, a heliport, and a single railway station served by the French SNCF. The country has one key port that supports its maritime activities.

1 - total port
3 - heliports (2025)

Communications

Monaco boasts a high rate of internet and mobile connectivity, with 99% of the population being internet users. Telecommunications infrastructure supports a robust fixed and mobile network, highlighting the country's commitment to modern communications.

43,000 - fixed line subscriptions (2023 est.)
41,000 - mobile cellular subscriptions (2023 est.)
99% - internet user percentage of the population (2023 est.)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	31,813	2024 estimate
Area	2 sq km
GDP	$9.995 billion	2023 estimate
Real GDP growth rate	5%	2023 estimate
Life expectancy at birth	89.8 years	2024 estimate
Birth rate	6.5 births/1,000 population	2024 estimate
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate