One topic that has always interested me is the smallest country in the world. Everyone knows the biggest; Russia. But I couldn’t find anyone who knew the smallest. I’m not sure if Monaco is the smallest, but it’s pretty tiny. So, while I searched, I wrote this article on the most interesting (and smallest) country I found.

Even though Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world, it still sports luxury hotels, casinos, gardens, and hosts the Monaco Grand Prix, all in an area of 0.75 square miles. One of its most famous attractions is the Monte Carlo Gambling Casino.

The country is a principality, and is ruled by Prince Albert II.

Only one seventh of the population is actually true Monaco citizens, called Monsgasques. The rest are French, American, Belgians, British and Italians. Most people speak French, but Monegasques speak in, ironically, Monegasque, which is a mix of both French and Italian.

One thing that brings in wealthy people from different countries is Monaco’s lack of income tax. But since 1963, most of the French people in the country pay France’s rate for taxes.

Ever since 1980, Monaco’s industrial production has grown noticeably. Some of their main products are things such as plastics and cosmetics. The economy is helped by the country’s major tourism. Over 600,000 tourists visit Monaco yearly.

The principality is divided into four quarters, or sections. They are: Monte Carlo Fontvieille, La Condamine, and Monaco. It has no official capital, but its most populated quarter is Monte Carlo, which sits on the Riviera, and overlooks the Mediterranean.

Other information:

Minister of state: Jean-Paul Proust

Percentage of water: 0.0 sq. mi.

Currency: Euro

Colleges/Universities: International University of Monaco

Schools: 10