Monaco101

Monaco

First off, Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world, after Vatican City of course. It is surrounded on three sides by France, and on the other the Mediterranean sea. Monaco is also very close to Nice and the Italian border. It has a Mediterranean climate, meaning sunny and mild. its usual temperature in the summer is around 80F, while in January the temperature is more of around 47F. Monaco's highest point is in Le Rocher at 141 meters (450 ft.). It has long beaches and steep cliffs that rise up to 63 meters above sea level.

Monaco got its name from the nearby Greek city of Marseille in the sixth century. Monaco's name simply means "single house". According to an ancient myth, Hercules passed through the Monaco area. A temple was constructed there by Phoceans, the temple of Hercules Monoikos. Monaco was officially founded in 1215 as a colony of Genoa. In more recent events, in 1993 Monaco became an official member of the UN, or United Nations, with full voting rights. It also joined the council of Europe in 2004.

In July 2006, Monaco's population was estimated at 32,543, with an estimated average growth rate for 2007 of 0.386%. French is the official language; English, Italian, and Monegasque (a blend of French and Italian) also are spoken. The literacy rate is 99%. Roman Catholicism is the official religion, with freedom of other religions guaranteed by the constitution.

The government