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Favorite thing: In the sixteenth century, Monaco came under a succession of protectorates by European powers which recognized its independence. The powers that helped protect Monaco during this period in its history included Spain (1525 to 1641), France (1641 to 1814), and Sardinia (1814 to 1860).

Monaco has been under the control of the House of Grimaldi since 1297. Its present ruler is Prince Albert Alexandre Louis Pierre de Grimaldi, the 27th ruling prince. His father was Prince Rainier, who recently died in 2005, and his mother was the actress Grace Kelly, who died tragically in an automobile accident in 1982.

Since 1962, Monaco has had a hereditary and constitutional monarchy. Although it is an independent nation, Monaco has special links with France.

Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, and has the world's highest concentration of inhabitants per square yard. Its 30,539 citizens pay no taxes, and enjoy the world's highest per capita income.

Nowadays, Monaco is known for its millionaires and luxurious lifestyles. However, it is also an important financial and industrial center.

Favorite thing: Just wanted to inform people that if you purchase stamps in Monaco you have to post them in Monaco as well....otherwise you will be disappointed. This tip actually applies to most countries, you can only use the country stamps in that particular country.

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Favorite thing: the Prince Palace was built on the place of the fortress, constructed by genoeses in 1215 on the top of the rock . It is the residence of ruling family of Monaco - Grimaldi. Daily during more then last 100 years the ceremony of guard change is helding here on the ?Place de Palais? ? area in front of palace filled with the battery of guns made during an epoch of the Lui XIV. The guard change starts at 11.55 . Carabinieres in full smart regimentals change each other in front of the main gate to the Palace. I saw this ceremony in summer time, when Carabinieres were wearing white clothes , in winter time, I know they are in black uniform. Sometimes orchestra of 26 musicians participates in the ceremony.

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Favorite thing: Beautiful architecture, ports and green area's in Monaco
The archtecture on the Place du Casino for example is wonderful and so typical for this area
Café de Paris has a marvelous front wall - with enormous sculptures. The Casino aswell, next to the Café.
On the contrary the Palace itself is relativily simple but historical.

Fondest memory: Visiting the gardens - like the japanese and exotic gardens

Favorite thing: This tragic moment in its history and these difficult years were, however, decisive for the future of the Principality. Prince Charles III of the Grimaldi devoted his whole life to the reconstruction of his country, and under his able rule, Monaco became a modern country, open to the most progressive influences and ideas of the period. His son Prince Albert I, an eminent scientist and seaman, consolidated the task of reconstruction. Relations with France were amicably established and Monaco, thanks to the personal talents of its sovereign, became a key point in cultural life in the Mediterranean. Now, its prestige as a tourist resort is added to its fame as an international centre for cultural occasions of all kinds. Prince Louis II, son of Prince Albert I, had a difficult time during the Second World War, and these years also helped to form his successor, the present Prince Rainier III who faithfully continued the social work and the promotion of new enterprises which have made the Principality into the prosperous, optimistic, and peaceful spot we know today. With the help of his wife, Princess Grace, the reigning monarch of Monaco has succeeded in projecting an open, dynamic, image of this country.

Fondest memory: Princes of this white seagull playing on the sea shore, the sovereigns of Monaco and their people have brought about a real story-book situation of a better world with their faith and affection, for the name of Monaco is never used today in connection with an argument or any type of violence. Like a lingering perfume, the name of Monaco is whispered in moments of pleasure and love and ideal journeys to the land of happiness.
The Principality of Monaco is a land in which the flowers of peace grow freely, and neither wars nor the passing of centuries have succeeded in taking this privileged state from the hands or the heart of the Grimaldi family.

Favorite thing: In 1506 the Monegasques withstood a four month long siege by a Genoan army ten times their size. Luciano Grimaldi, Lord of Monaco, showed his bravery on this occasion. But although the Grimaldi had been obliged to become soldiers, they had not lost their traditional intelligence in the sphere of politics and human relations. When subjected in 1509 to French sovereignty, they were able enough to approach the Spanish sphere of influence. The Treaties of Burgos and Tordesillas (1524) recognized the full autonomy of this small state. Augustin Grimaldi, bishop of Grasse, was placed at the head of the government. Thus a tiny state was born which had as its protector the most powerful monarch in Christendom - the Emperor Charles V. This same Emperor stayed in the castle for three days in the year 1529 on the occasion of one of his journeys to Italy. But the Grimaldi's did not wish to remain for ever under Spanish tutelage in a prolonged and lazy infancy. Honore II - who was the first to bear the title of Prince -, showing subtle awareness, signed a secret treaty with Richelieu in 1641.

Fondest memory: After this, the Princes of Monaco enjoyed the protection of France and even lived at the court of this friendly country. These were the good years of the last of the Louis and no one could foresee the coming of the Revolution when all Europe was astounded by the happenings in Paris. Honore III, Prince of Monaco, was dethroned and imprisoned in Paris. The Principality seemed to be floundering in the lands of its new masters. Then the Treaty of Vienna placed Monaco under the protection of Sardinia; Menton and Roquebrune being separated from it, thus reducing the already small area of the country. Monaco remained under Sardinian protection until 1860 when, being weak and dismembered, it was placed once more under the protection of France.

Favorite thing: In the year 43 B.C. Caesar concentrated his fleet in the port of Monaco and waited in vain for the arrival of Pompey who was taking refuge in Illyria. After this date, for many centuries, the name of Monaco did not often appear in literary texts, but in the 12th century, Frederick Barbarossa, Emperor of Germany, conceded Genoa the sovereignty of the whole Ligurian coast, from Porto Venere to Monaco. These were the years the struggle between Guelfs (partisans of the Pope) and Ghibellines (the supporters of the Emperor). And it was at that time too when an old Ligurian family named Grimaldi began to achieve eminence in the history of Genoa: able businessmen as behoves worthy representatives of the valiant Mediterranean races, the Grimaldi were also astute politicians, and several consuls and Genoese ambassadors bore that name.

Fondest memory: The Grimaldi belonged to the Guelf faction, and faithful to their party were obliged to accept the bitter road to exile when in 1295 the Ghibellines gained control in Genoa. Rainier Grimaldi died in the defense of his lost cause having become captain of a brave fleet of ships that gave chase to all Genoese ships on the Ligurian coastline. Another of this relations, Francesco Grimaldi, succeeded in capturing the rock of Monaco. This is a picturesque page from history, as Francesco Grimaldi disguised himself as a friar in order to get into the fortress. And so with a ruse worthy of Ulysses himself, he succeeded in surprising the Genoese garrison, thus acquiring the nickname with which he has gone down in history - "Malizia". As from this time, the Grimaldi gradually acquired a stronger hold over the rock, which they had to defend, sometimes heroically, from the ambitions of Genoa and Savoy.

Favorite thing: Visitors come from all over the world for the Grand Prix de Monaco in May and the Monte-Carlo Rally in January. Many of the greatest singers perform in the opera season. There is a fireworks festival (July-August), and an international circus festival at the end of January as well as world-class ballet and concerts.