|RNature and climate:|N A small enclave on the French Mediterranean coast. 20% of the area has been added by land reclamation since World War II.
Mediterranean climate with an average temperature of 10°C in January and 23°C in July.
Percipitation 800 mm.
|RPeople:|N French 47%, Monegasque 16%, Italian 16%.
|REconomy:|N Tourism, pharmaceuticals, food processing and manufacturing of precision instrument are the main industries.
The famous Monte Carlo casino and the gambling only accounts for 4% of the country's revenues.
|RHistory:|N Used as a trade centre by Phoenicians and Greeks from 1000 BC, Monaco became a colony of Genua in the 13th century. From 1297 under the Grimaldi dynasty, Monaco became an independent country in 1368.
1793 to 1814 a French protectorate and 1814 to 1861 a protectorate of the kingdom of Sardinia. In 1861 once again an independent country.
Monaco have a customs and monetary union with France.
According to an agreement in 1919 Monaco will be absorbed into France if the dynasty fail to produce a male heir. But the family is allowed to adopt an heir if they so choose!
