The Principality of Monaco is known worldwide for many things: its wealth, its location on the French Riviera, its history, and in more recent times, its commitment to sustainability and protecting the environment. There are so many fascinating things to know about Monaco. Here is our list of the top 10 Monaco fun facts.
Monaco fun facts
1 – A princely history
Beginning with François Grimaldi’s reign (1297-1301), the Genoese leader of the Guelphs who seized the Rock of Monaco, there were more than 25 rulers until French occupation and annexation, which ended in 1814. Eight sovereigns followed, including the current ruler, Prince Albert II, the son of Prince Rainier III (who famously married American film star Grace Kelly in 1956).
2 – Smaller than New York’s Central Park
As of 2019, Monaco’s population was 38,964, all living in an area of just 202 hectares (2.1 km2), making it the world’s second-smallest sovereign state (after the Vatican) and the world’s most densely populated sovereign state.
3 – More elbow room
A little known Monaco fun fact is that the city state has gained an additional 40.5 hectares since the early 19th century, expanding by about 20 percent, such is the demand for real estate. The principality has reclaimed land from the sea in the 1880s, 1950s, 60s, 70s, and in 2002. Now the natural coastline is being expanded again by a further 6 hectares in a $2.5 billion land reclamation project due to be completed in 2025.
4 – There’s wealth — and then there’s a small fortune
Monaco had 12,000 millionaires at last count, an astonishing number to be sure. Beyond that, however, another interesting thing to know about Monaco is that the principality hosts six billionaires. Businessman Stefano Pessina tops the list with an estimated fortune of $11.2 billion.
5 – Hitting the jackpot
Compared to other gambling meccas (Las Vegas, Macao), gamblers at the Monte-Carlo casino are not among the world’s biggest winners. But a win is a win. One lucky player won a mega slots jackpot of €958,950 in 2018 — the largest single haul in a decade. (Another Monaco fun fact: Citizens of Monaco are not allowed to gamble in the casinos).
6 – Street toys
Supercars are a common sight in Monaco, where Lamborghinis, Ferraris, and Bugattis cruise the famed street circuit of the F1 Grand Prix. The Ferrari F2001, which Michael Schumacher drove to victory in the 2001 Monaco Grand Prix, sold at auction in 2017 for $7.5 million. It is the second-most expensive FI car to be sold at auction.
7 – Super cruising
The design plan for a $1 billion floating replica of Monaco has been on the table for a few years. The 155-metre superyacht features made-to-scale designs of the principality’s landmarks. Meanwhile, another yachting Monaco fun fact; the largest yacht ever to go on display at the famed Monaco Yacht Show is Lürssen’s 111-metre motor yacht TIS, in 2019.
8 – Safety first
Monaco ranks near the top of the list of the world’s most high-security cities, per capita and per area. With one police officer for every 100 residents, it is known as the “safest square mile” in Europe.
9 – The true height of luxury living
The five-storey, 35,000-square-foot penthouse at the iconic OdéonTower can be yours for the princely sum of US $400 million. The world’s most expensive condominium offers 360-degree views, and a rooftop balcony connected by a water slide to a circular infinity pool and a sundeck below.
10 – Luxury Monaco real estate
Our last Monaco fun fact. The Principality of Monaco is a highly sought after destination with the world’s wealthiest, and, as such, investors will find an exquisite selection of Monaco luxury real estate for sale and rent. For a typical home in Monaco expect to pay around €48,800 per square metre ($5,000 per square foot), more than double what you would pay in London or Paris. If you want to find your dream Monaco property, contact the team at La Costa Properties Monaco today.
