Interesting Facts

Monaco is an independent state that has been ruled by the royal Grimaldi family for over 700 years (1297-1997). In 1999, a grand ceremony attributed 50 of these years to Prince Rainier III.
In 1215, the first stone for the castle (which is still part of the Royal Palace today) was placed high on a massive, jutting rock. The Ligurians, Monaco's first settlers, had used the rock as protection from the primitive invaders who roamed surrounding countryside.
Monaco's motto is "Deo Juvante," meaning "With God's Help."
What's that thing about small packages? The entire country of Monaco sits on just 482 acres, or 1.95 square kilometers (0.75 of a square mile). With some 32,000 residents, it has the distinction of being the second most densely populated country in the world.
Monte Carlo is home to the Circuit de Monaco, a name lent to the streets used during the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix, which is held one weekend each year. The course, famous for its tight turns and narrow passages, tests the mettle of even the most skilled drivers. In fact, Brazilian racer Nelson Piquet likened it to "Flying a helicopter in your living room."
Monaco cemented its status as a playground for the world's rich and famous under the leadership of Rainier Louis Henri Maxence Bertrand de Grimaldi, or Prince Rainier III, who ruled the principality from 1949 until his death in April of 2005.
Capital matters? Though Monte Carlo garners much of the publicity (and tourist dollars) in Monaco, many people often mistake it for the capital of the principality. In point of fact, Monaco-Ville, which is south of Monte Carlo, is actually the seat of Monaco's government.
Have bank, will spend? There's one bank teller for every 450 residents in Monaco.
Right up there with Joe D. and Marilyn? Perhaps one of the best examples of a fairy tale marriage during the 20th century, Monaco's Prince Rainier tied the knot with silver screen icon Grace Kelly in April of 1956. The couple had three children � Caroline, Albert and Stephanie � and remained happily married until September of 1982, when Princess Grace tragically died in a car wreck.
Over 125 distinct nationalities are represented among Monaco's inhabitants. The largest groups of "locals" are French and Italian.