History of Monaco in Timeline
Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate located on the French Riviera in Western Europe. Bordered by France and the Mediterranean Sea, it's the second smallest and most densely populated sovereign state after Vatican City. Monaco has a population of over 38,000 within a 2.08 km2 area. While French is the official language, Italian and Monégasque are also commonly spoken. Its coastline is the world's shortest for a non-landlocked nation, measuring only 3.83 km. Less than 10,000 residents are Monégasque nationals.
2 hours ago : Pope Léon XIV visits Monaco: Prince Albert II discusses faith and identity.
Pope Léon XIV's visit to Monaco is occurring. Prince Albert II highlights the importance of faith and discusses his identity before the visit. Many found it surprising.
1910: Monégasque Revolution
In 1910, the Monégasque Revolution forced the adoption of the 1911 Constitution of Monaco, which limited the powers of the ruling princes.
1911: Constitution subdivides Monaco
According to the constitution of 1911, the principality was subdivided into three municipalities.
1911: Adoption of the Constitution of Monaco
In 1911, the Constitution of Monaco was adopted, slightly reducing the autocratic rule of the Grimaldi family.
1911: Monaco becomes a constitutional monarchy
Since 1911, Monaco has been governed under a constitutional monarchy, with the Sovereign Prince as head of state.
1911: Monte Carlo Rally held in Monaco
Since 1911, the ending portions of the Monte Carlo Rally have been held in Monaco. The rally has been on the World Rally Championship calendar for most years and was on the International Rally Championship calendar.
1917: Municipalities merged into one
In 1917, the municipalities of Monaco were merged into one, becoming Wards or Quartiers.
July 1918: New Franco-Monégasque Treaty signed
In July 1918, a new Franco-Monégasque Treaty was signed, providing for limited French protection over Monaco and aligning Monégasque international policy with French interests.
1918: French Treaty supporting Monaco's independence
The French Treaty of 1918 supported Monaco's independence from France.
1919: Franco-Monégasque Treaty endorsed by the Treaty of Versailles
In 1919, the Franco-Monégasque Treaty was endorsed by the Treaty of Versailles, solidifying French influence over Monégasque international policy and resolving the Monaco succession crisis.
1925: Dedication of St Paul's Church
St Paul's Church, an Anglican church in Monte Carlo, was dedicated in 1925.
1929: Monaco Grand Prix Founded
In 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix was founded. It takes place on the Circuit de Monaco in Monte Carlo.
September 1943: German Wehrmacht occupies Monaco
In September 1943, after Mussolini's fall from power, the German Wehrmacht occupied Italy and Monaco, initiating the Nazi deportation of the Jewish population.
August 1944: Germans execute Resistance leaders
In August 1944, the Germans executed René Borghini, Joseph-Henri Lajoux, and Esther Poggio, who were Resistance leaders in Monaco.
1946: Opening of the Grotte de l'Observatoire to the public
The Grotte de l'Observatoire, located in Monaco's Jurassic limestone bedrock, has been open to the public since 1946.
1948: Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco founded
In 1948, the Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco was founded. It is a converted house containing a synagogue, a community Hebrew school, and a kosher food shop, located in Monte Carlo.
1949: Rainier III succeeds to the throne
In 1949, Rainier III succeeded to the throne on the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II.
1950: Monaco Grand Prix on Formula One Calendar
In 1950, the Monaco Grand Prix became part of the Formula One calendar in its inaugural season.
April 1956: Prince Rainier marries Grace Kelly
On April 19, 1956, Prince Rainier married the American actress Grace Kelly, an event that brought international attention to Monaco.
1958: Reformed church building dates from 1958
The building of the Reformed church, which meets in a building located in Rue Louis Notari, dates from 1958 to 1959.
1959: Monaco Participates in Eurovision Song Contest
In 1959, Monaco began participating in the Eurovision Song Contest.
1959: Reformed church building dates from 1959
The building of the Reformed church, which meets in a building located in Rue Louis Notari, dates from 1958 to 1959.
1962: Amendment to the constitution
In 1962, an amendment to the constitution abolished capital punishment, provided for women's suffrage, and established a Supreme Court of Monaco.
1962: Taxation tension between France and Monaco
In the early 1960s, including 1962 specifically, some tension arose between France and Monaco over taxation policies.
1962: Adoption of the 1962 Constitution of Monaco
Under the 1962 Constitution of Monaco, the prince shares his veto power with the unicameral National Council.
1963: Special agreement with France
In 1963, Monaco made a special agreement with France in which French customs laws apply in Monaco and its territorial waters.
1963: Crisis with France over tax haven status
In 1963, a crisis developed when Charles de Gaulle blockaded Monaco, angered by its status as a tax haven for wealthy French citizens.
1966: Monaco part of Giro d'Italia
In 1966, Monaco was part of the Giro d'Italia.
1966: Sovereign ordinance divides principality into reserved sectors and wards
In 1966, a sovereign ordinance divided the principality into reserved sectors and wards for town planning purposes, aiming to preserve the current character of these areas.
1967: Minouche Barelli Represents Monaco
In 1967, French-born singer Minouche Barelli represented Monaco in the Eurovision Song Contest.
1979: Monaco Participates in Eurovision Song Contest
In 1979, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.
1981: Archdiocese of Monaco
In 1981, the diocese was raised to a non-metropolitan archbishopric as the Archdiocese of Monaco and remains exempt.
1993: Monaco becomes a UN voting member
In 1993, Monaco became a full voting member of the United Nations, marking a significant step in its international recognition.
1993: Monaco becomes a member of the United Nations
In 1993, the Principality of Monaco became a member of the United Nations, gaining full voting rights.
1994: Founded International School of Monaco
In 1994, the International School of Monaco was founded.
1997: Audiovisual Institute of Monaco founded
In 1997, the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco was established. Its purpose is to preserve audiovisual archives and showcase Monaco's representation in cinema.
1998: Council of Europe issues reports naming tax havens
Between 1998 and 2000, the Council of Europe evaluated twenty-two territories, including Monaco, on a first round for reports naming tax havens.
1998: OECD report on tax havens
In 1998, the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration issued a report on the financial systems of known tax havens.
1999: Opening of the current Monaco-Monte Carlo station
The current Monaco-Monte Carlo train station, built partly underground, was opened in 1999.
2000: Report by French politicians on money laundering
Also in 2000, French politicians reported relaxed policies in Monaco regarding money laundering and political pressure on the judiciary.
2000: Foreign residents of Monaco
As of 2000, nearly two-thirds of the residents of Monaco were foreigners.
2000: Council of Europe issues reports naming tax havens
Between 1998 and 2000, the Council of Europe evaluated twenty-two territories, including Monaco, on a first round for reports naming tax havens.
2000: FATF statement on anti-money laundering system in Monaco
In 2000, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) stated that Monaco's anti-money laundering system was comprehensive but noted difficulties in international investigations and a lack of resources for SICCFIN.
2001: Monaco refuses to perform the second round of evaluation
Between 2001 and 2003, Monaco was the only territory that refused to perform the second round of evaluation, while the 21 other territories had planned to implement the third and final round.
2001: Last issue of decimal coins of the Monégasque franc
In 2001, the last issue of Monaco's first decimal coins of the Monégasque franc occurred.
2001: Minting of euro coins started
In preparation for using the euro, the minting of the new euro coins started as early as 2001.
2002: Minouche Barelli Acquired Monegasque Citizenship
In 2002, French-born Minouche Barelli, who represented Monaco in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967, acquired Monegasque citizenship, 35 years after her participation.
2002: Introduction of the euro
In 2002, Monaco adopted the euro as its currency and acquired the right to mint euro coins with Monegasque designs.
2002: Monaco uses the euro
In 2002, Monaco began using the euro and was granted the right to use its own designs on the national side of the euro coins.
2002: New treaty between France and Monaco
In 2002, a new treaty between France and Monaco specified that the principality would remain an independent nation even without Grimaldi heirs.
2002: Constitutional amendment regarding the Minister of State
Until 2002, the Minister of State was a French citizen. Since a constitutional amendment in 2002, the Minister of State can be French or Monégasque.
2003: Monaco refuses to perform the second round of evaluation
Between 2001 and 2003, Monaco was the only territory that refused to perform the second round of evaluation, while the 21 other territories had planned to implement the third and final round.
2003: Georges Marsan becomes mayor
Georges Marsan has been mayor of Monaco since 2003, directing the principality's city affairs through the Communal Council.
2004: OECD report denouncing Monegasque situation
In 2004, Monaco appeared in the OECD's list of tax havens and was denounced for lack of co-operation regarding financial information disclosure.
2004: Monaco joins the Council of Europe
In 2004, Monaco joined the Council of Europe, marking its integration into the broader European political landscape.
2004: Monaco Participates in Eurovision Song Contest
In 2004, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.
March 2005: Rainier III relinquishes duties to Albert
On March 31, 2005, Rainier III, due to illness, relinquished his duties to his son Albert.
July 2005: Prince Albert II formally assumes the princely crown
On July 12, 2005, Prince Albert II formally assumed the princely crown following a period of official mourning for his father.
November 2005: Prince Albert II holds an elaborate reception
On November 18, 2005, Prince Albert II held an elaborate reception at the Prince's Palace, drawing heads of state to mark his accession to the throne.
2005: Other territories plan third and final round
Between 2005 and 2007, the 21 other territories had planned to implement the third and final round.
2005: Death of Rainier III and accession of Albert II
In 2005, Rainier III died after a 56-year reign, and his son Albert II succeeded him as Sovereign Prince of Monaco.
2005: IMF and FATF reports on Monaco
In its Progress Report of 2005, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) identified Monaco as a tax haven, while its FATF report took a positive view of Monaco's measures against money-laundering.
2006: Monaco Participates in Eurovision Song Contest
In 2006, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.
2006: Design of coins changed
In 2006, after Prince Rainier's death, the design of Monaco's euro coins was changed to feature the effigy of Prince Albert.
2007: Other territories plan third and final round
Between 2005 and 2007, the 21 other territories had planned to implement the third and final round.
2007: Formal membership of St Paul's Church
In 2007, St Paul's Church had a formal membership of 135 Anglican residents in Monaco and served a larger number of Anglicans temporarily in the country.
2008: Monaco considers and calls off an expansion
In 2008, Monaco had previously considered a land reclamation expansion, but called it off.
2008: Population of Monaco at 35,000
In 2008, the population of Monaco was 35,000.
2009: Monaco placed on "white list"
In 2009, Monaco secured a place on the "white list" after signing twelve information exchange treaties with other jurisdictions.
2009: Prince Albert II ends new land reclamation plans
In his 2009 New Year Speech, Prince Albert II announced the end of plans for a new ward due to the economic climate.
2010: Prince Albert II restarts land reclamation program
In mid-2010, Prince Albert II firmly restarted the land reclamation program.
2012: Religious Freedom Report
According to Monaco's 2012 International Religious Freedom Report, Roman Catholics are Monaco's largest religious group, followed by Protestant Christians. The report also mentions one Greek Orthodox church and two Protestant churches, an Anglican church and a Reformed church.
2012: World's most expensive real estate market
For the fourth year in a row, Monaco in 2012 had the world's most expensive real estate market, at $58,300 per square metre.
2012: Bronze Medal at Winter Youth Olympics
In 2012, Monaco won a bronze medal in bobsleigh at the Winter Youth Olympics.
2013: Saint Michel becomes part of Monte Carlo again
In 2013, most of Saint Michel rejoined Monte Carlo. La Colle and Les Révoires were merged and became part of the Jardin Exotique ward.
2013: Population of Monaco at 36,000
In 2013, the population of Monaco reached 36,000.
2013: Division of principality into reserved sectors and seven wards
In 2013, the principality was divided again, creating two reserved sectors and seven wards.
2013: Dissolution of three additional wards
In 2013, three additional wards in Monaco were dissolved.
2013: Monegasque general election results
In the 2013 Monegasque general election, the Horizon Monaco and Union Monegasque parties got 50.34% and 38.99% of the votes respectively, but got 20 and 3 seats each.
2014: Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup Inaugurated
In 2014, Monaco inaugurated the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup, which is a series of ocean races exclusively for solar-powered boats.
2014: Planned settlement of new ward by land reclamation
In 2014, there was a planned settlement of a new ward by land reclamation, though it was delayed.
August 2015: Albert II apologizes for Monaco's role in WWII deportations
On August 27, 2015, Albert II apologized for Monaco's role during World War II in facilitating the deportation of Jews and resistance fighters.
2015: Monaco approves land reclamation expansion
In 2015, Monaco unanimously approved a land reclamation expansion intended for housing, a park area and a marina with an investment of about 1 billion euros.
2015: Monaco's total population
In 2015, Monaco's total population was 38,400.
2015: Immigrant population estimated at 60%
In 2015, the immigrant population in Monaco was estimated at 60%.
2016: Odeon Tower penthouse valued at $335 million
According to Forbes in 2016, the world's most expensive apartment, a penthouse at the Odeon Tower in Monaco, was valued at $335 million.
2017: Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church
The Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (Parish of St Joseph) dates from 2017 and meets in the Reformed Church's Rue Louis Notari building.
February 2018: Snowfall in Monaco and Monte Carlo
On 27 February 2018, both Monaco and Monte Carlo experienced snowfall, a rare occurrence in the region.
2018: Real estate prices reach €100,000 per square metre
In 2018, Monaco's real estate prices reached €100,000 ($116,374) per square metre, highlighting its status as one of the most expensive places in the world.
2019: Millionaires in Monaco
According to 2019 studies, 31% of Monaco's population is reported to be millionaires equalling up to 12,248 individuals.
February 2020: Monaco announces first COVID-19 case
On February 29, 2020, Monaco announced its first case of COVID-19, involving a man admitted to the Princess Grace Hospital Centre and then transferred to Nice University Hospital in France.
September 2020: Launch of the first Monégasque satellite, OSM-1 CICERO
On September 3, 2020, the first Monégasque satellite, OSM-1 CICERO, was launched into space from French Guiana aboard a Vega rocket. It was built in Monaco by Orbital Solutions Monaco.
2020: Average price of real estate goes down
In 2020, the average price of real estate went down in Monaco, to an average price of $53,378 per square metre.
2022: International tourist arrivals
In 2022 there were about 300,000 international tourist arrivals.
July 2023: Estimated population
As of July 1, 2023, the United Nations estimated Monaco's population to be 36,297.
2023: Monegasque general election
Following the 2023 Monegasque general election, all 24 seats are held by the pro-monarchist Monegasque National Union.
June 2024: FATF adds Monaco to "grey list"
In June 2024, the FATF added Monaco to its "grey list", indicating increased monitoring is needed due to issues with money laundering and terrorist financing.
June 2024: Monaco placed under increased monitoring by the Financial Action Task Force
In June 2024, the Financial Action Task Force placed Monaco under increased monitoring to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, due to its status as a global hub of money laundering.
December 2024: Opening of Le Portier neighbourhood
In December 2024, Le Portier, a new 6-hectare neighborhood built by land reclaimed from the sea, was opened and attached to the ward of Larvotto.
2024: Nationalities in Monaco
As of 2024, Monégasques make up 24.1% of Monaco residents, followed by French (21.8%), Italian (19.5%), British (7.6%), Swiss (3.1%), Russian (3.1%), Belgian (2.7%), and German nationals (2.5%).
2024: Visa-free travel from 86 countries
By 2024, Monaco allows Visa-free travel from 86 countries around the world.
2024: Freedom House ranking of Monaco
In 2024, Freedom House ranked Monaco 60th of 207 countries, noting concerns about the unelected head of state and head of government.
2024: Inauguration of Le Portier
In 2024, Monaco's total area grew to 2.08 km with the inauguration of Le Portier, and new plans were approved to extend Fontvieille by 0.08 km.
2024: Opening of Le Portier and addition of esplanade at Larvatto beach
In 2024, a small residential expansion, Le Portier, was opened, and a new esplanade was added at Larvotto beach, which also had some maintenance.
July 2025: Christophe Mirmand holds the office of Minister of State
Since July 2025, the office of Minister of State is held by Christophe Mirmand.
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