Introduction
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Location and Geography
Monaco is located on the southeastern coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea near the border with Italy. It is the second smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican with almost 1.95 kilometers of urbanized territory (Brown et al., 2006). The country’s name comes from the ancient population associated with the region the “Monoikos” who are close descendants of the ancient Greeks and Ligurians. Monaco is located on an ancient trail between Italy and Spain, and its creation and construction are attributed to the hero, Hercules (Klieger, 2012).
In addition to Monaco’s ancient Greek enchanting history, the entire country is built upon its beauty--its main industry being tourism which began with the opening of the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino in 1868. The second largest industry is banking and other financial activities with many foreign companies receiving special tax and investment incentives specific only to Monaco (Arnold, 2001). Monaco does not impose an income tax for its residents, and a large financial industry has developed as a result.
Monaco is located on the southeastern coast of France on the Mediterranean Sea near the border with Italy. It is the second smallest independent state in the world after the Vatican with almost 1.95 kilometers of urbanized territory (Brown et al., 2006). The country’s name comes from the ancient population associated with the region the “Monoikos” who are close descendants of the ancient Greeks and Ligurians. Monaco is located on an ancient trail between Italy and Spain, and its creation and construction are attributed to the hero, Hercules (Klieger, 2012).
In addition to Monaco’s ancient Greek enchanting history, the entire country is built upon its beauty--its main industry being tourism which began with the opening of the world-renowned Monte Carlo Casino in 1868. The second largest industry is banking and other financial activities with many foreign companies receiving special tax and investment incentives specific only to Monaco (Arnold, 2001). Monaco does not impose an income tax for its residents, and a large financial industry has developed as a result.
Brief Historical Overview
Since its founding in the 15th century, Monaco has been in the hands of the Grimaldi Family. Monaco has built a strong relationship with neighboring France, with parts of the Grimaldi Family supporting and fighting in French battles. Currently, it is an independent territory from France, but much influence still comes from this neighboring power. Monaco is a constitutional monarchy where the current prince, Prince Albert II, is a descendant of the Grimaldi lineage. Prince Albert II currently is focusing on environmental policy and the impact of Monaco on the environment.
“The current population is around 30,000 inhabitants. 22 percent are native Monegasque, 35 percent French, 18 percent Italian, and another 25 percent consisting of other nationalities. The religion of the country is Roman Catholic, practiced by 95 percent of the population” (Arnold, 2001).
Languages Spoken
French is the national language of Monaco, spoken by 58 percent of the population (Brown et al. 2006). All public and private education, meaning primary through secondary education, is in French, with programs supporting French learners in place. This is due to Monaco’s complex yet strong ties to France. Monaco relies on France for military protection and adheres partly to its legislative measures. Monaco is not a part of the European Union, although the euro is used in the principality.
Other languages spoken include the native language of Monegasque which is derived from both Italian and French. Currently, 22 percent of the population claims direct descent and speaks this language (Brown et al., 2006). The regional language was almost lost prior to 1970s legislation where the government enacted laws to ensure formal instruction of Monegasque in primary through secondary schooling. This policy is still in place today.
English is also widely spoken in Monaco. It is taught in the country from age three onward (Gouvernement, 2018). The only university in Monaco specializing in business education, the International University of Monaco, provides instruction only in English. It draws international students from about eighty different countries. English is spoken in most places as a result of Monaco's booming tourism industry. Hotels and the Monte Carlo Casino, rely on it as a common language to communicate with their international guests. Additionally, since Monaco was founded as a tax haven, English is used commonly in the business and trade industry that flourishes there.
Other languages of the 30,000 inhabitants, 17 percent speak the Ligurian dialect of Italian, and 15 percent the Monegasque (Occitan) dialect of Provencal. English is widely used. Arabic and Italian are also in use (Brown et al., 2006).
--Anne Domenic, Winter 2018
French is the national language of Monaco, spoken by 58 percent of the population (Brown et al. 2006). All public and private education, meaning primary through secondary education, is in French, with programs supporting French learners in place. This is due to Monaco’s complex yet strong ties to France. Monaco relies on France for military protection and adheres partly to its legislative measures. Monaco is not a part of the European Union, although the euro is used in the principality.
Other languages spoken include the native language of Monegasque which is derived from both Italian and French. Currently, 22 percent of the population claims direct descent and speaks this language (Brown et al., 2006). The regional language was almost lost prior to 1970s legislation where the government enacted laws to ensure formal instruction of Monegasque in primary through secondary schooling. This policy is still in place today.
English is also widely spoken in Monaco. It is taught in the country from age three onward (Gouvernement, 2018). The only university in Monaco specializing in business education, the International University of Monaco, provides instruction only in English. It draws international students from about eighty different countries. English is spoken in most places as a result of Monaco's booming tourism industry. Hotels and the Monte Carlo Casino, rely on it as a common language to communicate with their international guests. Additionally, since Monaco was founded as a tax haven, English is used commonly in the business and trade industry that flourishes there.
Other languages of the 30,000 inhabitants, 17 percent speak the Ligurian dialect of Italian, and 15 percent the Monegasque (Occitan) dialect of Provencal. English is widely used. Arabic and Italian are also in use (Brown et al., 2006).
--Anne Domenic, Winter 2018
Since Monegasque is derived from both Italian and French, here are some phrases showing slight resemblances:
In Monegasque, In Italian, In French,
In Monegasque, In Italian, In French,
- Bon giurnu / Bungiurnu (Hello) ... 1. Buon giorno 1. Bonjour
- A se revede / Ciau (Goodbye) ... 2. Ciao 2. Au revoir
- Üncantau (Pleased to meet you) ... 3. Piacere di conoscerti 3. ravi de vous rencontrer
- Per pieijè (Please) ... 4. Por favore 4. s'l vous plaî