History of Monaco in Timeline

Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate located on the French Riviera in Western Europe, bordering France. It is known as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places globally, with a population of nearly 39,000, including around 9,883 Monégasque nationals. French is the official language, but Monégasque, English, and Italian are also widely spoken.

1910: Monégasque Revolution

In 1910, the Monégasque Revolution occurred, forcing the adoption of a constitution in Monaco.

1911: Constitution of Monaco Subdivisions

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: Constitutional Monarchy Established

Monaco has been governed under a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as head of state.

1911: First Monte Carlo Rally

Since 1911, part of the Monte Carlo Rally has been held in the principality, originally held at the behest of Prince Albert I.

1917: Municipalities Merged

In 1917, the municipalities of Monaco were merged into one and accorded the status of Wards or Quartiers thereafter.

July 1918: New Franco-Monégasque Treaty Signed

In July 1918, a new Franco-Monégasque Treaty was signed, providing for limited French protection over Monaco.

1918: French Treaty supported Monaco's independence from France

In 1918, the French Treaty supported Monaco's independence from France.

1919: Treaty of Versailles Endorsement

In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles endorsed the Franco-Monégasque Treaty, aligning Monégasque international policy with French interests.

1925: Dedication of St Paul's Church

In 1925, St Paul's Church, an Anglican church, was dedicated in the Avenue de Grande Bretagne in Monte Carlo.

1928: AS Monaco Basket was founded

In 1928, AS Monaco Basket, a multi-sport club, was founded. They compete in the top-tier European basketball league, the EuroLeague, and the French top flight, the LNB Pro A.

1929: First Monaco Grand Prix

Since 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually in the streets of Monaco and is widely considered one of the most prestigious automobile races in the world.

1932: Monaco Not in the Olympic Games

Monaco did not participate in the 1932 Olympic games.

September 1943: German Occupation

In September 1943, after Mussolini's fall, the German Wehrmacht occupied Italy and Monaco, leading to the Nazi deportation of the Jewish population.

August 1944: Execution of Resistance Leaders

In August 1944, the Germans executed René Borghini, Joseph-Henri Lajoux and Esther Poggio, who were leaders of the Resistance.

1946: Grotte de l'Observatoire Opens to the Public

In 1946, the Grotte de l'Observatoire was opened to the public.

1948: Establishment of Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco

In 1948, the Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco was founded, 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 upon the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II.

1953: AS Monaco FC Competed at Top Level

AS Monaco FC has competed at the top level for all but six seasons since 1953.

April 1956: Prince Rainier Marries Grace Kelly

On 19 April 1956, Prince Rainier married the American actress Grace Kelly, an event that drew international attention to Monaco.

1956: Monaco Not in the Olympic Games

Monaco did not participate in the 1956 Olympic games.

1958: Construction of Reformed Church Building

The building of the Reformed church located in Rue Louis Notari dates from 1958 to 1959.

1959: Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest

In 1959, Monaco began its regular participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

1959: Construction of Reformed Church Building

The building of the Reformed church located in Rue Louis Notari dates from 1958 to 1959.

1962: French citizens must still pay taxes to France unless they resided in the country before 1962

In 1962, French citizens were required to continue paying taxes to France even if residing full-time in Monaco, unless they had lived in Monaco for at least 5 years before 1962.

1962: Constitutional Amendment

In 1962, an amendment to the constitution abolished capital punishment, provided for women's suffrage and established a Supreme Court of Monaco.

1963: Blockade by Charles de Gaulle

In 1963, Charles de Gaulle blockaded Monaco, angered by its status as a tax haven for wealthy French citizens.

1963: Special agreement with France regarding customs laws

In 1963, Monaco made a special agreement with France in which French customs laws apply in Monaco and its territorial waters.

1966: Division into Reserved Sectors and Wards

In 1966, Monaco was divided into reserved sectors and wards for town planning purposes.

1967: Minouche Barelli represented Monaco in the Eurovision Song Contest

In 1967, French-born Minouche Barelli represented Monaco in the Eurovision Song Contest.

1971: Monaco won the Eurovision Song Contest

In 1971, Monaco won the Eurovision Song Contest.

1973: Monte Carlo Rally Part of World Rally Championship

From 1973 to 2008, the Monte Carlo Rally was the opening round of the World Rally Championship (WRC).

1979: Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest

In 1979, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.

1980: Monaco Not in the Olympic Games

Monaco did not participate in the 1980 Olympic games.

1981: Archdiocese of Monaco Established

In 1981, the diocese, which had existed since the mid-19th century, was raised to a non-metropolitan archbishopric as the Archdiocese of Monaco.

1984: Monte Carlo Open was held at the Monte Carlo Golf Club

In 1984, the Monte Carlo Open golf tournament was held at the Monte Carlo Golf Club at Mont Agel in France.

1992: Monte Carlo Open was held at the Monte Carlo Golf Club

In 1992, the Monte Carlo Open golf tournament was held at the Monte Carlo Golf Club at Mont Agel in France.

1993: Monaco Joins the United Nations

In 1993, Monaco became a full voting member of the United Nations, marking its recognition as a sovereign state.

1993: Headquarters of the International Association of Athletics Federations located in Monaco

Since 1993, the headquarters of the International Association of Athletics Federations, the world governing body of athletics, is located in Monaco.

1994: OS Monaco played in Division 1 Féminine

In 1994, OS Monaco, the women's football team, played in the Division 1 Féminine but was quickly relegated.

1994: International School of Monaco founded

In 1994, the International School of Monaco was founded.

1997: Jacques Villeneuve Formula One World Champion

1997 Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has raced for the ROKiT Venturi Racing Team previously.

1997: Audiovisual Institute of Monaco was founded

In 1997, the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco was founded with the aim of preserving audiovisual archives and showcasing Monaco's representation in cinema.

1998: Council of Europe Report on Tax Havens

Between 1998 and 2000, the Council of Europe evaluated Monaco in a first round of reports naming tax havens.

1998: OECD Report on Tax Havens

In 1998, the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, part of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), issued a first report on the consequences of the financial systems of known tax havens.

1998: UEFA Super Cup Hosted at Stade Louis II

The Stade Louis II played host to the annual UEFA Super Cup from 1998 to 2012 between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

1999: Current Monaco-Monte Carlo station opened

In 1999, the current Monaco-Monte Carlo train station was opened. It is built partly underground and connects Monaco by rail to French cities.

2000: Report by French Politicians

Also in 2000, a report by French politicians Arnaud Montebourg and Vincent Peillon stated that Monaco had relaxed policies with respect to money laundering, and that the Government of Monaco had been placing political pressure on the judiciary.

2000: Nearly two-thirds of Monaco's residents were foreigners

As of 2000, nearly two-thirds of the residents of Monaco were foreigners.

2000: Council of Europe Report on Tax Havens

Between 1998 and 2000, the Council of Europe evaluated Monaco in a first round of reports naming tax havens.

2000: FATF Statement on Money Laundering

In 2000, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) stated that Monaco's anti-money laundering system was comprehensive, but difficulties were encountered in international investigations, and the FIU of Monaco (SICCFIN) lacked adequate resources.

2001: Council of Europe Report on Tax Havens

Between 2001 and 2003, Monaco refused to perform the second round of the Council of Europe's reports naming tax havens.

2001: Minting of Euro Coins Started

In 2001, the minting of the new euro coins started in Monaco in preparation for their introduction.

2001: End of Monegasque Franc Coins

Monaco's first decimal coins of the Monégasque franc issued in 1837 continued until 2001.

2002: Minouche Barelli acquired Monegasque citizenship

In 2002, French-born Minouche Barelli acquired Monegasque citizenship, 35 years after representing Monaco in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967.

2002: Introduction of Euro Coins

In 2002, Monaco adopted the euro as its currency and acquired the right to mint euro coins with Monegasque designs.

2002: New Treaty Between France and Monaco

In 2002, a new treaty between France and Monaco specified that the principality would remain independent even without Grimaldi heirs.

2002: Constitutional Amendment Regarding Prime Minister

Until 2002, the Prime Minister was a French citizen. Since a constitutional amendment in 2002, the Prime Minister can be French or Monégasque.

2003: Council of Europe Report on Tax Havens

Between 2001 and 2003, Monaco refused to perform the second round of the Council of Europe's reports naming tax havens.

2003: Georges Marsan Becomes Mayor

Georges Marsan has been the mayor of Monaco since 2003.

2004: AS Monaco FC Reached UEFA Champions League Final

AS Monaco FC reached the 2004 UEFA Champions League Final, but lost 3–0 to Portuguese team FC Porto.

2004: Monaco Joins Council of Europe

In 2004, Monaco joined the Council of Europe, expanding its international affiliations.

2004: Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest

In 2004, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.

2004: OECD Denouncement of Monaco

In 2004, the OECD denounced Monaco in a report, along with Andorra, Liechtenstein, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands, citing a lack of co-operation regarding financial information disclosure and availability.

March 2005: Rainier III Relinquishes Duties

On 31 March 2005, Rainier III, due to illness, relinquished his duties to his son Albert.

July 2005: Prince Albert II Formally Assumed the Crown

On 12 July 2005, Prince Albert II formally assumed the princely crown.

November 2005: Celebration of Prince Albert II's Accession

On 18 November 2005, a celebration was held for Prince Albert II's accession to the throne at the Prince's Palace.

2005: Council of Europe Report on Tax Havens

Between 2005 and 2007, 21 other territories were planned to implement the third and final round of the Council of Europe's reports naming tax havens.

2005: IMF and FATF Reports

In 2005, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) identified Monaco as a tax haven, while the FATF report took a positive view of Monaco's measures against money-laundering.

2005: End of Rainier III's Reign

Rainier III ruled until 2005.

2006: Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest

In 2006, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.

2006: Design Change on Euro Coins

In 2006, the design of the Monégasque coins was changed after Prince Rainier's death to feature the effigy of Prince Albert.

2007: Council of Europe Report on Tax Havens

Between 2005 and 2007, 21 other territories were planned to implement the third and final round of the Council of Europe's reports naming tax havens.

2007: St Paul's Church Membership

In 2007, St Paul's Church had a formal membership of 135 Anglican residents but was also serving a considerably larger number of Anglicans temporarily in the country.

2008: Monte Carlo Rally Part of World Rally Championship

From 1973 to 2008, the Monte Carlo Rally was the opening round of the World Rally Championship (WRC).

2008: Population of Monaco reached 35,000

In 2008, the population of Monaco was approximately 35,000.

2008: Previous Expansion Consideration

Monaco had previously considered an expansion in 2008 but called it off.

2009: Monte Carlo Rally Part of Intercontinental Rally Challenge

From 2009 until 2011, the Monte Carlo Rally served as the opening round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

2009: Monaco Added to OECD 'White List'

In 2009, Monaco secured a place on the "white list" after signing twelve information exchange treaties with other jurisdictions.

2009: Monaco staged part of the Global Champions Tour

In 2009, between June 25 and 27, Monaco staged a portion of the Global Champions Tour, an international show-jumping event.

2009: End of Plans by Prince Albert II

Prince Albert II announced in his 2009 New Year Speech that he had ended plans due to the economic climate at the time.

2009: Start of the 2009 Tour de France in Monaco

The 2009 Tour de France, the world's premier cycle race, started from Monaco with a 15 km closed-circuit individual time trial on the first day.

2010: Restart of the Programme by Prince Albert II

In mid-2010, Prince Albert II firmly restarted the programme.

2011: Monte Carlo Rally Part of Intercontinental Rally Challenge

From 2009 until 2011, the Monte Carlo Rally served as the opening round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.

2012: Religious Groups in Monaco

According to the Monaco 2012 International Religious Freedom Report, Roman Catholics are Monaco's largest religious group, followed by Protestant Christians.

2012: World's Most Expensive Real Estate Market

In 2012, Monaco had the world's most expensive real estate market, with prices at $58,300 per square metre.

2012: Greek Orthodox Church in Monaco

Monaco's 2012 International Religious Freedom Report states that there is one Greek Orthodox church in Monaco. The Russian Orthodox Parish of the Holy Royal Martyrs meets in the Reformed Church's Rue Louis Notari building.

2012: Return of Monte Carlo Rally to WRC Calendar

The Monte Carlo Rally returned to the WRC calendar in 2012 and has been held annually since.

2012: UEFA Super Cup Hosted at Stade Louis II

The Stade Louis II played host to the annual UEFA Super Cup from 1998 to 2012 between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

2013: Saint Michel Becomes Part of Monte Carlo and Other Redistricting

In 2013, most of Saint Michel became part of Monte Carlo again, and La Colle and Les Révoires were merged as part of a redistricting process.

2013: Population of Monaco reached 36,000

In 2013, the population of Monaco reached approximately 36,000, with about 20% being native Monegasque.

2013: Additional Wards Dissolved

In 2013, three additional wards were created, but then again were dissolved.

2013: Latest Division of Sectors and Wards

The latest division of sectors and wards dates from 2013, creating two reserved sectors and seven wards.

July 2014: Monaco inaugurated the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup

In July 2014 Monaco inaugurated the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup, a series of ocean races exclusively for solar-powered boats.

2014: Ward Planned by Land Reclamation

An additional ward was planned by new land reclamation to be settled beginning in 2014.

2014: ROKiT Venturi Racing Name

From 2014 to 2022, Maserati MSG Racing was named ROKiT Venturi Racing, is the only motor racing team based in the principality, headquartered in Fontvieille.

August 2015: Albert II Apologises for Monaco's Role in World War II

On 27 August 2015, Albert II apologised for Monaco's role during World War II in facilitating the deportation of Jews and resistance fighters.

2015: Land Reclamation Expansion Approved

In 2015, Monaco unanimously approved a modest land reclamation expansion for housing and a park area.

2015: Monaco Population

In 2015, Monaco's total population was 38,400.

2015: Anse du Portier Development Announced

In 2015, a new development called Anse du Portier was announced.

2015: The immigrant population in Monaco was estimated at 60%

In 2015, the immigrant population in Monaco was estimated at 60%, with an immigration rate of about 4 people per 1,000.

2015: Formula E Started Racing Biennially

Starting in 2015 Formula E started racing biennially with the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco on the Monaco ePrix and used a shorter configuration of the full Formula 1 circuit, keeping it around Port Hercules until 2021.

2016: AS Monaco FC Ligue 1 Victory

AS Monaco FC won Ligue 1 in the 2016–17 season.

2016: World's Most Expensive Apartment

In 2016, the world's most expensive apartment, a penthouse at the Odeon Tower in Monaco, was valued at $335 million according to Forbes.

2017: Establishment of Monaco Parish of 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, which is an extremely rare event, generally occurring only once or twice every ten years.

2018: Real Estate Prices Reach Milestone

In 2018, real estate prices in Monaco reached €100,000 ($116,374) per square metre.

April 2019: Monaco's national rugby team was 101st in the World Rugby Rankings

As of April 2019, Monaco's national rugby team was ranked 101st in the World Rugby Rankings.

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: First Case of COVID-19 Announced

On 29 February 2020, Monaco announced its first case of COVID-19.

September 2020: Launch of First Monégasque Satellite

On 3 September 2020, the first Monégasque satellite, OSM-1 CICERO, was launched into space.

2020: Decline in Average Real Estate Price

In 2020, the average real estate price in Monaco decreased to $53,378 per square metre, but it remained one of the most expensive places to buy property.

2021: Formula E kept configuration until 2021

2022: Maserati MSG Racing Name

From 2014 to 2022, Maserati MSG Racing was named ROKiT Venturi Racing, is the only motor racing team based in the principality, headquartered in Fontvieille.

July 2023: Monaco Population

As of 1 July 2023, the United Nations estimated Monaco's population to be 36,297.

2023: Monegasque General Election Results

Following the 2023 Monegasque general election, all 24 seats are held by the pro-monarchist Monegasque National Union.

2023: Residential Expansion Nearing Completion

In 2023, a small residential expansion formerly called Le Portier was nearing completion, and additionally a new esplanade was added at Larvatto beach which also had some maintenance.

June 2024: FATF Adds Monaco to 'Grey List'

In June 2024, the FATF added Monaco to its "grey list", which includes countries needing "increased monitoring" due to statewide issues of money laundering and terrorist financing.

June 2024: Increased Monitoring to Combat Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

In June 2024, the Financial Action Task Force placed Monaco under increased monitoring to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

September 2024: Appointment of Didier Guillaume as Prime Minister

On 2 September 2024, Prince Albert II appointed a French citizen, Didier Guillaume, to the office of Prime Minister.

December 2024: Opening of Le Portier District

In December 2024, a new 6-hectare district, Le Portier, has been built by land reclaimed from the sea and was opened.

2024: Monaco Population Demographics

As of 2024, Monégasques make up 24.1% of 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%).