Reiseführer für Monaco: Interessante Fakten

To introduce yourself as a resident of Monaco welcomes an association like no other place in the world. If you say you’re from New York, for example, or Paris, or even Hong Kong, people will not instantly assume you’re wealthier than most. But to utter “I live in Monaco” is a statement like no other because, indeed, Monaco is a place like no other.

In Monaco, the second-smallest country in the world, real estate prices are now as much as €53,000 per m2 — €5 million can buy you a small apartment of roughly 1000 square feet / 100m2 — making it the most expensive real estate on the planet. And if the sky-high real estate costs weren’t enough to convince you, one quick stroll down any one of its windy streets means pedestrians will be walking past a bevy of custom Lamborghinis, McLarens, and Ferraris (all driving the 31 miles per hour typical speed limit throughout Monaco).

Much of what makes Monaco such a desirable locale is well known: the legendary hotels, the Cote d’Azur climate, and –of course– its unique tax benefits for the ultrarich. But what it’s really known for is its wealth. It is so wealthy that it doesn’t even measure poverty rates. There are no homeless or poor people. In fact, to live comfortably in Monaco, you’ll either need a hefty trust fund or an income of at least €250,000 per adult.

Monte Carlo, Monaco’s glitziest and most famous district, is filled with five-star uber-luxury hotels, exotic supercars, high-end designer boutiques, and the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo.

With this Monaco and Monte-Carlo travel guide, Iconic Riviera will give you a sneak-peek of the opulent lifestyle the Principality offers, as told by a resident of Monaco. This is just one of several Monaco guides on Iconic Riviera.

Monaco: The Essentials

Größe: Mit nur 200 Hektar ist es der zweitkleinste Staat der Welt (nur der Vatikan ist kleiner). Seine Fläche beträgt lediglich zwei Quadratkilometer. Es ist etwa so groß wie der Central Park in New York City. Es ist zehnmal so groß wie das Louvre-Museum, dreimal so groß wie die National Mall in Washington D.C., ein Drittel so groß wie ein durchschnittliches Pariser Arrondissement oder gerade einmal ein Viertel der Gärten des Schlosses von Versailles.

Currency: The currency is the same as the rest of the European Union, the Euro €. Like the rest of Europe, Monaco also has robust social programs, including housing subsidies for the Monegasque citizens, free education, and affordable healthcare.

Language: French is the official language, but most people understand and speak English, many as native speakers — and many also speak Italian and Russian. It’s helpful to know French (especially if you need to visit the hospital, where many receptionists refuse to speak English), but you can get along without it.

Citizenship

Because of the lucrative subsidies and benefits that you get when you become a citizen, it’s extremely rare to be granted citizenship, even after living in Monaco for many decades. Monégasques were born Monégasques. It’s the blood line that matters. Of course, there are exceptions, for example, you can ask for Monégasque citizenship after 10 years of being married to a Monégasque (but you almost certainly won’t receive it, and you’ll need to give up your other citizenships if you do). Or if you’re a celebrity or you’ve done something sehr special for the principality, the Prince might consider offering it to you as a special favor.

That’s why most of the people who live in Monaco are citizens of other countries while also being residents of Monaco…

Who Lives in Monaco

Um in Monaco wohnen zu können, müssen Sie eine Wohnung mieten (die kleinste Wohnung kostet ab ca. 5.000 € pro Monat) und ein monegassisches Bankkonto von mindestens 500.000 € (pro Einwohner) nachweisen. Die meisten komfortablen Wohnungen kosten ab ca. 10.000 € pro Monat, manche Wohnungen kosten bis zu 300.000 € pro Monat. Für den Kauf müssen Sie mit ca. 50.000 € pro Quadratmeter rechnen.

More ultra-high-net-worth individuals have chosen to make Monaco their home, by population density, than anywhere else on Earth, with one in 39 homeowners being classed as a UHNWI (“ultra high net worth” — meaning they have a minimum of $30 million in liquid money in a bank account).

The high cost of living is balanced out by the fact that residents save money by not paying any tax on their personal income. American and French citizens can’t benefit from this (unless they renounce their citizenship and have an alternate passport), as both countries tax their citizens even while residing in Monaco.

Die Bevölkerung von Monaco beträgt etwa 38.000 Einwohner und wächst weiter (hier sind die neuesten statistischen Berichte). Einwohner sind aus 140 anderen Ländern hierher gezogen. Innerhalb Monacos sind etwa ein Viertel der Bevölkerung Franzosen (hauptsächlich französische Familien, die vor Oktober 1957 in Monaco ihren Wohnsitz nahmen; neue französische Einwohner müssen französische Einkommenssteuer zahlen), knapp ein Viertel sind Italiener und fast 8 % sind Briten.

Despite there being a local Russian-language magazine and Russian being the predominant language you hear on the streets of Monaco, the census says that only 12.5% of the population are Russian passport holders. However, since most wealthy Russians swapped their Russian passport for that of Cyprus (or other countries) before moving to Monaco, the actual percentage of Russian-born residents is much higher.

The average life expectancy for the people of Monaco is 89.5 – the longest life expectancy in the world.

Nur 22 % der Bevölkerung sind Monegassen (Monaco-Bürger), die restlichen 78 % sind Einwohner Monacos. Das Durchschnittsalter der Monegassen beträgt 44,4 Jahre, und fast 14 % der Staatsangehörigen sind über 75 Jahre alt. Im Jahr 2021 lebten im Fürstentum 9573 Monegassen, von denen 8980 in Monaco und 593 im Ausland lebten.

Hier sind die Daten der letzten Monaco census:

Lack of Female Inclusivity in the Workplace

Despite its efforts to modernize, Monaco is still behind the times on the gender equality front. Monaco is still a deeply patriarchal place, and the laws reflect that — including an outdated, ages-old rule dictates that it is the Prince’s son (not his daughter) who must take the throne.

In Monaco, women make 20% less income than men do, for the same work. Regarding the 531 government roles filled in 2022, 158 went to women and 373 went to men. 

Entsprechend IMSEE, only 28% of Monaco’s corporate governors are female, only 29% of senior roles at limited liability companies are held by women, and at public limited companies, only 1 in 5 (22%) people in charge is female. Women represent only 19% of those employed in the financial and insurance industries, and 21% in information and communication jobs.  

Monaco’s Neighborhoods

Before we go any further in this travel guide, we will explain the difference between Monaco and Monte-Carlo. Many seem to confuse one with the other. Consequently, several hotels that are not in Monte-Carlo still use the words ‘Monte Carlo’ in their name, so be careful to check a map before booking, or you may end up walking 30 minutes to Monte-Carlo from your ‘Monte Carlo’ hotel!

Monaco is the country or city-state. Whereas, Monte-Carlo is one of the neighborhoods within. There are nine other neighborhoods within the city-state. The most well-known is Monte Carlo, where the casino is located. Also famous is Monaco-Ville with its other name Le Rocher (The Rock) which is the oldest area and houses the Palace and Monaco’s jail. La Condamine is a popular area known for the main port (Port Hercule), which has a large event space used for the Großer Preis von Monaco und die Monaco Yacht Show. Larvotto is where the beach and many fantastic restaurants are located. Then there is Fontvieille (where you’ll land if you arrive by helicopter), which is the newest residential area partially reclaimed from the sea — and where the local police and firefighters live. The other areas are mostly just residential and not attractive to tourists.

Getting Around in Monaco

Monaco is at the foot of the Alps mountain range und ist sehr steil. Sich in Monaco fortzubewegen, kann aufgrund des fehlenden Uber-Services frustrierend sein (ja, ich weiß – das ist für viele Touristen und Einheimische frustrierend). Glücklicherweise gibt es viele Parkhäuser, die deutlich gekennzeichnet sind. Aber Vorsicht – mit einem großen Fahrzeug passen Sie möglicherweise nicht in einige davon.

Locals know where all the (somewhat hidden) elevators are, so they can walk places quickly, but if you don’t, then you’ll likely be getting some good uphill exercise in order to get to your destination by foot. Here’s a guide to getting around in Monaco (and where the elevators are!)

How Monaco is Governed

The Monaco government is what’s called a ‘Unitary Parliamentary Constitutional Monarchy’. It is an independent City-State (Monaco is not part of France). A hereditary constitutional monarchy sets the Head of the State, and the Sovereign Prince is the head of the government. The Consultative Constitutional Assemblies assist in governing. H.S.H. Prince Albert II reigns as the current monarch.

Monaco ist voll stimmberechtigtes Mitglied der Vereinten Nationen und Mitglied von dreizehn UN-Organisationen wie der UNESCO und der WHO. Der französisch-monegassische Vertrag von 1861 erkannte Monaco offiziell als souveränen Staat an.

Trotz Monacos Unabhängigkeit und eigenständiger Außenpolitik liegt die Verteidigung in der Verantwortung Frankreichs. Monaco unterhält jedoch zwei kleine Militäreinheiten.

Monaco ist überwiegend römisch-katholisch. Die Katholische Kirche ist auch Staatsreligion. Die Verfassung garantiert jedoch Religionsfreiheit. Das Motto lautet „Deo Juvante“. Auf Deutsch bedeutet es „Mit Gottes Hilfe“.

Safety and the Monaco Police

Monaco has the largest police force and police presence in the world, on both a per-capita and per-area basis. With nation-wide video surveillance, three police stations, and one police officer per 73 residents, Monaco has safety standards so strict that it is known as the safest square mile in the world. Compare that to NYC, one of the USA’s most policed and safest cities, which has one officer per 233 residents.

The 519 police officers are carefully selected from the French police force and must go through an additional two-year intensive training program to serve in Monaco. It’s a very desirable position as they get a high salary and a free seaside apartment in Fontvieille, Monaco.

The Monaco police don’t mess around: the rules are extremely strict and the court system in Monaco almost always pronounces maximum sentences. So behave yourself!

Monaco verfügt über ein System zur 24-Stunden-Videoüberwachung, das die gesamte Fläche des Fürstentums abdeckt, einschließlich der meisten Eingangsbereiche der Wohnhäuser, ein Übertragungssystem, das den besten Armeen der Welt würdig wäre, und die Möglichkeit, innerhalb weniger Minuten alle Zugänge zum und vom Fürstentum zu sperren. Und wir dürfen die Überwachungsteams im Casino und in allen Spielhallen und Hotels nicht vergessen.

This works well for residents and tourists, as you won’t need to worry about your diamond bracelet or designer bag being stolen, or your child going missing. If your child wanders off, the police will be able to track him/her with facial-recognition video tracking and find your child in a matter of minutes.

Schauen Sie sich unsere guide to Monaco’s jail!

Documentary: An Insider Look at Monaco

Ein Jahr lang folgten die Kameras für diese Dokumentation dem Fürsten in seinem Alltag als Staatsoberhaupt und seiner Familie, hinter die Kulissen der Fürstenpaläste und im Ausland. Sie sehen sein persönliches Büro in einem der Türme des Palastes, die privatesten Gemächer, in denen er sich stets mit der Familie trifft, Sportveranstaltungen, prestigeträchtige Wohltätigkeitsgalas, politische Verpflichtungen und seine ganz persönliche Leidenschaft, ob in Monaco oder im Ausland. Der Herrscher von Monaco teilt zum ersten Mal sein öffentliches und privates Leben.

A Visual Overview of Monaco

SBM has created an interactive virtual tour of Monaco. It’s a fun way to virtually ‘walk’ around Monaco and tour inside some of the landmark buildings, hotels and casinos.

More Travel Guides to Monaco and Monte-Carlo

Like art? To find the art in the Principality, check out this travel guide to Monaco’s art scene.

The Principality has many beautiful parks and gardens perfect with picturesque and Instagram-worthy views. See this guide to Monaco’s parks for more.

And, are you curious how billionaires live a life of luxury in Monte Carlo? Take a look at this billionaire-life travel guide.

For the best shopping experiences, see this guide to Monaco’s shopping centers.

Wondering about the royal family? Check out our guide to the history of Monaco.

We’ve also created a complete guide to the Monte Carlo Casino Und the Opera House.

This is a really useful map of Monaco. Sie können die Karte filtern, um die nächstgelegenen öffentlichen Toiletten, Fahrradstationen, Wasserspender, Hundeparks, Gelspender und vieles mehr anzuzeigen! Im Abschnitt „Parken“ können Sie die Verfügbarkeit von Parkplätzen in Echtzeit nach Parkhaus prüfen.

And check Iconic Riviera regularly as we add more travel guides every week!

Important Monaco Contacts