History of Monaco in Timeline

Monaco is a sovereign city-state and microstate located on the French Riviera in Western Europe, bordering France. Home to approximately 39,000 residents, it is recognized as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places globally. French is the official language, with Monégasque, English, and Italian also widely spoken.

1910: Monégasque Revolution

In 1910, the Monégasque Revolution forced the adoption of the 1911 Constitution of Monaco, limiting the powers of the ruling prince.

1911: Subdivision into Municipalities

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, marking a shift from absolute rule to a constitutional monarchy.

1911: Monte Carlo Rally Held

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

1911: Constitutional Monarchy Established

Since 1911, Monaco has been governed under a constitutional monarchy.

1917: Municipalities Merged

In 1917, the municipalities 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 and aligning its international policy with French interests.

1918: French Treaty supported Monaco's independence

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

1919: Treaty of Versailles Endorses Franco-Monégasque Treaty

In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles endorsed the Franco-Monégasque Treaty, further solidifying French influence over Monaco's international policy.

1925: Dedication of St Paul's Church

St Paul's Church, an Anglican church in Monte Carlo, was dedicated in 1925.

1928: AS Monaco Basket founded

In 1928, multi-sport club AS Monaco founded AS Monaco Basket.

1929: Inaugural Monaco Grand Prix

Since 1929, the Monaco Grand Prix has been held annually in the streets of Monaco.

1932: Monaco at the Olympics

In 1932 Monaco did not participate in the Olympic Games.

September 1943: German Wehrmacht Occupies Monaco

In September 1943, after Mussolini's fall from power, the German Wehrmacht occupied 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 movement in Monaco.

1946: Opening of Grotte de l'Observatoire to the Public

The Grotte de l'Observatoire, located in Jurassic limestone, 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 in Monte Carlo.

1949: Rainier III Ascends to the Throne

In 1949, Rainier III succeeded to the throne of Monaco upon the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II.

1953: AS Monaco FC at the top level

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

April 1956: Prince Rainier Marries Grace Kelly

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

1956: Monaco at the Olympics

In 1956 Monaco did not participate in the Olympic Games.

1958: Reformed Church Building

From 1958 to 1959, the building of the Reformed church was erected, located in Rue Louis Notari.

1959: Reformed Church Building

From 1958 to 1959, the building of the Reformed church was erected, located in Rue Louis Notari.

1959: Monaco participated in Eurovision Song Contest

In 1959, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.

1962: Constitutional Amendment

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

1962: Taxation tension between France and Monaco

In the early 1960s, specifically 1962, there was some tension between France and Monaco over taxation.

1963: Crisis with France

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

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.

1966: Division into Reserved Sectors

In 1966, a sovereign ordinance divided the principality into reserved sectors and wards for town planning purposes.

1967: Minouche Barelli represented Monaco in Eurovision Song Contest

In 1967, Minouche Barelli represented Monaco in Eurovision Song Contest.

1971: Monaco won the Eurovision Song Contest

In 1971, Monaco won the Eurovision Song Contest.

1973: WRC Opening Round

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

1979: Monaco participated in Eurovision Song Contest

In 1979, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.

1980: Monaco at the Olympics

In 1980 Monaco did not participate in the Olympic Games.

1981: Archdiocese of Monaco

In 1981, the diocese was raised to a non-metropolitan archbishopric as the Archdiocese of Monaco.

1984: Monte Carlo Open held at Mont Agel

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

1992: Last Monte Carlo Open held at Mont Agel

In 1992, the Monte Carlo Open golf tournament was held for the last time 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 a significant step in its international recognition.

1993: IAAF headquarters 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, competed in the Division 1 Féminine during the 1994–95 season, before being quickly relegated.

1994: International School of Monaco founded

In 1994, the International School of Monaco was founded.

1997: Jacques Villeneuve

In 1997 Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve raced for the team previously.

1997: Audiovisual Institute of Monaco founded

In 1997, the Audiovisual Institute of Monaco was founded to preserve audiovisual archives and showcase Monaco's representation in cinema.

1998: Council of Europe Reports

Between 1998 and 2000, the Council of Europe issued reports naming tax havens, including Monaco.

1998: UEFA Super Cup Host

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

1998: OECD Report on Tax Havens

In 1998, the Centre for Tax Policy and Administration issued a first report on tax havens.

1999: Monaco-Monte Carlo station opened

In 1999, the current Monaco-Monte Carlo train station, built partly underground, was opened.

2000: Foreign residents in Monaco

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

2000: Council of Europe Reports

Between 1998 and 2000, the Council of Europe issued reports naming tax havens, including Monaco.

2000: Report on Money Laundering Policies

In 2000, a report by French politicians stated that Monaco had relaxed policies with respect to money laundering within its casino and alleged political pressure on the judiciary.

2000: FATF Statement on Monaco's Anti-Money Laundering System

In 2000, the Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) acknowledged Monaco's comprehensive anti-money laundering system but noted difficulties in international investigations and a lack of resources for Monaco's FIU (SICCFIN).

2001: Council of Europe Second Round

In 2001, Monaco refused to perform the second round of evaluations.

2001: Minting of Euro Coins Started

In 2001, Monaco started the minting of the new euro coins.

2001: End of the Monégasque Franc

In 2001, Monaco's first decimal coins of the Monégasque franc were issued until this year.

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.

2002: Introduction of the Euro

In 2002, Monaco adopted the euro as its currency, replacing the Monégasque franc. Monaco also 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 for Prime Minister

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

2003: Council of Europe Second Round

In 2003, Monaco refused to perform the second round of evaluations.

2003: Georges Marsan Becomes Mayor

Since 2003, Georges Marsan has been the mayor of Monaco.

2004: UEFA Champions League Final

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

2004: Monaco Joins the Council of Europe

In 2004, Monaco joined the Council of Europe, expanding its participation in European affairs.

2004: Monaco participated in Eurovision Song Contest

In 2004, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.

2004: OECD Denunciation of Monaco

In 2004, the OECD denounced Monaco in a report, along with Andorra, Liechtenstein, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands, for its lack of cooperation regarding financial information disclosure.

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 Crown

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

November 2005: Reception at Prince's Palace

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

2005: Council of Europe Final Round

In 2005, 21 territories planned to implement the third and final round of Council of Europe reports.

2005: Death of Rainier III

In 2005, Rainier III died after a reign of 56 years, marking the end of an era for Monaco.

2005: IMF and FATF Reports on Monaco

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.

2006: Monaco participated in 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: Membership of St Paul's Church

In 2007 St Paul's Church had a formal membership of 135 Anglican residents.

2007: Council of Europe Final Round

In 2007, 21 territories planned to implement the third and final round of Council of Europe reports.

2008: WRC Opening Round

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

2008: Previous Expansion Considered

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

2008: Population of Monaco in 2008

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

2009: Intercontinental Rally Challenge

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

2009: Monaco stage of the Global Champions tour

In 2009, Monaco hosted a stage of the Global Champions Tour (International Show-jumping) between June 25 and 27.

2009: Monaco on OECD "White List"

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

2009: End of Land Reclamation Plans

In his 2009 New Year Speech, Prince Albert II announced that he had ended land reclamation plans due to the economic climate.

2009: Tour de France Stage Route

On many occasions, Monaco has been part of a Tour de France stage route, and the 2009 Tour de France started from Monaco with a 15 km closed-circuit individual time trial on the first day.

2010: Restart of Land Reclamation Programme

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

2011: Intercontinental Rally Challenge

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

2012: Religious Demographics in Monaco

According to the Monaco 2012 International Religious Freedom Report, Roman Catholics are Monaco's largest religious group, followed by Protestant Christians. There is a Greek Orthodox church and two Protestant churches, an Anglican church and a Reformed church.

2012: UEFA Super Cup Host

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

2012: Rally Returns to WRC Calendar

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

2012: World's Most Expensive Real Estate Market

In 2012, Monaco held the title of the world's most expensive real estate market for the fourth consecutive year, with properties costing $58,300 per square metre.

2012: Greek Orthodox Church

Monaco's 2012 International Religious Freedom Report states that there is one Greek Orthodox church in Monaco.

2013: Ward Changes

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

2013: Population of Monaco in 2013

In 2013, the population of Monaco was 36,000.

2013: Dissolution of Additional Wards

In 2013, three additional wards were dissolved.

2013: Latest Division

The latest division dates from 2013 and created two reserved sectors and seven wards.

July 2014: Inauguration of 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: Planned Ward Expansion

In 2014, a new ward was planned by new land reclamation.

2014: ROKiT Venturi Racing

ROKiT Venturi Racing was named so from 2014 to 2022.

August 2015: Albert II Apologizes for Monaco's Role in WWII Deportations

In August 2015, Albert II apologized 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 approved a land reclamation expansion intended to accommodate housing and a park area.

2015: Monaco's Population

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

2015: Anse du Portier Announced

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

2015: Immigrant population in Monaco

In 2015, the immigrant population in Monaco was estimated at 60%.

2015: Formula E Racing

Starting in 2015 Formula E started racing biennially with the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco on the Monaco ePrix.

2016: World's Most Expensive Apartment

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

2016: AS Monaco FC Ligue 1 Victory

In 2016–17 AS Monaco FC, won Ligue 1.

2017: Parish of St Joseph

In 2017, the Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (Parish of St Joseph) was founded.

February 2018: Snowfall in Monaco and Monte Carlo

On 27 February 2018, both Monaco and Monte Carlo experienced snowfall, which is a rare occurrence in the region.

2018: High Real Estate Prices

In 2018, real estate prices in Monaco reached €100,000 ($116,374) per square metre, underscoring the principality's status as a haven for millionaires.

April 2019: Monaco's national rugby team ranked 101st

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

2019: Millionaire Statistics

According to 2019 studies, 31% of Monaco's population is reported to be millionaires equalling up to 12,248 individuals

February 2020: First COVID-19 Case Announced

On February 29, 2020, Monaco announced its first case of COVID-19, involving a man admitted to the Princess Grace Hospital Centre.

September 2020: Launch of OSM-1 CICERO Satellite

On September 3, 2020, Monaco's first satellite, OSM-1 CICERO, was launched into space from French Guiana aboard a Vega rocket.

2020: Monaco's Real Estate Market Price Decrease

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

2021: Formula E Racing Configuration

Until 2021, Formula E used a shorter configuration of the full Formula 1 circuit, keeping it around Port Hercules.

2022: ROKiT Venturi Racing

ROKiT Venturi Racing was named so from 2014 to 2022.

July 2023: Monaco's Estimated Population

As of 1 July 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.

2023: Completion of Residential Expansion

In 2023, a small residential expansion formerly called Le Portier was nearing completion, and a new esplanade was added at Larvatto beach.

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: Monaco Under Increased Monitoring for Money Laundering

In June 2024, the Financial Action Task Force placed Monaco under increased monitoring to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, reflecting concerns about its status as a global hub of money laundering.

December 2024: Opening of Le Portier

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

2024: Nationality Statistics

As of 2024, Monégasques make up 24.1% of residents in Monaco, 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%).