<text><span class="style42"></span><span class="style12">MONACO</span><span class="style42">Official name:</span><span class="style13"> Principauté de Monaco (Principality of Monaco)</span><span class="style42">Member of: </span><span class="style13">UN,</span><span class="style42"> </span><span class="style13">OSCE</span><span class="style42">Area: </span><span class="style13">2.21 km2 (0.85 sq mi)</span><span class="style42">Population: </span><span class="style13">29900 (1990 est)</span><span class="style42">Capital: </span><span class="style13">Monaco 1200 (1990 est)</span><span class="style42">Other main town: </span><span class="style13">Monte-Carlo 13200 (1990 est)</span><span class="style42">Languages: </span><span class="style13">French (official), Monegasque</span><span class="style42">Religion: </span><span class="style13">Roman Catholic (90%)</span><span class="style42">GOVERNMENT</span><span class="style13">Monaco is a constitutional monarchy. Legislative power is jointly held by the Prince and the 18-member National Council, which is elected by universal adult suffrage for five years. Executive power is held by the Prince, who appoints a four-member Council of Government and a French civil servant – the Minister of State – to head it.</span><span class="style42">GEOGRAPHY</span><span class="style13">Monaco comprises a rocky peninsula and a narrow stretch of coast. Since 1958 Monaco’s area has increased by 20% through reclamation of land from the sea. </span><span class="style42">Climate: </span><span class="style13">Monaco has a Mediterranean climate.</span><span class="style42">ECONOMY</span><span class="style13">Monaco depends upon real estate, banking, insurance, light industry and tourism. </span><span class="style42">Currency: </span><span class="style13">Monaco uses French currency.</span><span class="style42">HISTORY</span><span class="style13">The Grimaldi family has ruled Monaco since 1297. Monaco was annexed by France in 1793 but restored in 1814, under the protection of the king of Sardinia. The greater part of the principality was lost – and eventually annexed by France – in 1848. Since 1861 Monaco has been under French protection. Prince Rainier III granted a liberal constitution in 1962.# By special agreement, Monaco is included within the EU/EC.</span></text>