History of Monaco in Timeline

Monaco, a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera, borders France and is located on the Mediterranean Sea. Home to nearly 39,000 residents, including approximately 9,500 Monégasque nationals, it's recognized as one of the wealthiest and most expensive places globally. French is the official language, but Monégasque, English, and Italian are also widely spoken.

1910: Monégasque Revolution of 1910

The Monégasque Revolution of 1910 forced the adoption of the 1911 Constitution of Monaco, limiting the powers of the ruling princes.

1911: Constitution of 1911

According to the constitution of 1911, the principality was subdivided into three municipalities.

1911: Adoption of the 1911 Constitution of Monaco

In 1911, the Constitution of Monaco was adopted, slightly reducing the autocratic rule of the Grimaldi family. It was later suspended by Prince Albert I during the First World War.

1911: Constitutional Monarchy since 1911

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

1911: Monte Carlo Rally

Since 1911, part of the Monte Carlo Rally has been held in the principality and is organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco.

1917: Municipalities Merged in 1917

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

July 1918: Franco-Monégasque Treaty Signed in July 1918

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

1918: French Treaty

In 1918 the French Treaty was signed, supporting Monaco's independence from France.

1919: Treaty of Versailles Endorses Franco-Monégasque Treaty in 1919

In 1919, the Treaty of Versailles endorsed the Franco-Monégasque Treaty, establishing that Monégasque international policy would align with French interests.

1925: Dedication of St Paul's Church

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

1928: AS Monaco Basket founded

In 1928, AS Monaco Basket was founded as part of the multi-sport club AS Monaco. They participate in the EuroLeague and the LNB Pro A.

1929: Inauguration of the Monaco Grand Prix

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

1932: Monaco Not Participated in the Olympic Games

Monaco did not participate in the 1932 Olympic Games.

September 1943: German Wehrmacht Occupied Monaco in September 1943

In September 1943, after Mussolini's fall from power, 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

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

1946: Opening of Grotte de l'Observatoire to the public since 1946

The Grotte de l'Observatoire has been open to the public since 1946. It is located in jurassic limestone.

1948: Foundation of the Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco

In 1948, the Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco was founded, housing a synagogue, a community Hebrew school, and a kosher food shop in Monte Carlo.

1949: Rainier III Succeeds to the Throne in 1949

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

1953: AS Monaco in Ligue 1

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

April 1956: Prince Rainier's Marriage to Grace Kelly in April 1956

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

1956: Monaco Not Participated in the Olympic Games

Monaco did not participate in the 1956 Olympic Games.

1958: Construction of Reformed Church Building

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

1959: Monaco participated in Eurovision Song Contest

In 1959, Monaco began participating in the Eurovision Song Contest.

1959: Construction of Reformed Church Building

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

1962: 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.

1962: Taxation tensions between France and Monaco

In the early 1960s, specifically in 1962, some tension arose between France and Monaco over taxation issues.

1962: 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 regarding customs laws

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

1963: Crisis with Charles de Gaulle in 1963

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

1966: Town planning purposes in 1966

For town planning purposes, a sovereign ordinance in 1966 divided the principality into reserved sectors, "whose current character must be preserved", and wards.

1967: Minouche Barelli represented Monaco in Eurovision

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

1971: Monaco won Eurovision Song Contest

In 1971, Monaco won the Eurovision Song Contest.

1973: Monte Carlo Rally

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 Not Participated in the Olympic Games

Monaco did not participate in the 1980 Olympic Games.

1981: Archdiocese of Monaco

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 held at 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 held at 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

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 (IAAF), the world governing body of athletics, has been located in Monaco. An IAAF Diamond League meet is annually held at Stade Louis II.

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. The team currently competes in the local regional league.

1994: International School of Monaco founded

In 1994, the International School of Monaco was founded.

1997: Jacques Villeneuve in Formula One

1997 Formula One World Champion Jacques Villeneuve has raced for Maserati MSG Racing.

1997: Audiovisual Institute of Monaco founded

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

1998: Council of Europe Evaluation of Tax Havens

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

1998: UEFA Super Cup Hosted in Monaco

From 1998 to 2012, the Stade Louis II in Monaco hosted 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, part of the OECD, issued a first report on the consequences of the financial systems of known tax havens.

1999: Monaco-Monte Carlo station opened

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

2000: Nearly two-thirds of Monaco residents were foreigners

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

2000: Council of Europe Evaluation of Tax Havens

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

2000: Report on Money Laundering Policies

In 2000, French politicians Arnaud Montebourg and Vincent Peillon reported that Monaco had relaxed policies on money laundering, including 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) 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 Second Round of Evaluation

Between 2001 and 2003, Monaco was the only territory that refused to perform the second round of evaluations by the Council of Europe, whereas the 21 other territories had planned to implement the third and final round.

2001: Minting of New Euro Coins Started

In 2001, the minting of new euro coins in Monaco started in preparation for their introduction. The first euro coins from Monaco have the year 2001 on them.

2001: Issuance of Monégasque Franc Coins Ends

Monaco's issuance of its own decimal coins of the Monégasque franc, which had begun in 1837, continued until 2001.

2002: Minouche Barelli acquired Monegasque citizenship

In 2002, French-born Minouche Barelli, who represented Monaco in 1967, acquired Monegasque citizenship.

2002: Introduction of the Euro

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

2002: New Treaty Between France and Monaco in 2002

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

2002: Constitutional Amendment in 2002

Until 2002, the Prime Minister was a French citizen appointed by the prince; since a constitutional amendment in 2002, the Prime Minister can be French or Monégasque.

2003: Monaco Refuses Second Round of Evaluation

2003: Georges Marsan Mayor Since 2003

Georges Marsan has been the mayor of Monaco since 2003.

2004: UEFA Champions League Final

In 2004, AS Monaco reached the UEFA Champions League Final but lost to FC Porto.

2004: Monaco Joins Council of Europe in 2004

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

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 for its lack of cooperation regarding financial information disclosure and availability.

March 2005: Rainier III Relinquishes Duties in March 2005

On 31 March 2005, Rainier III, too ill to continue, relinquished his duties to his son Albert.

July 2005: Prince Albert II Formally Assumed the Crown on 12 July 2005

On 12 July 2005, Prince Albert II formally assumed the princely crown in a ceremony at Saint Nicholas Cathedral.

November 2005: Albert II Assumes Crown in November 2005

On 18 November 2005, Prince Albert II held an elaborate reception at the Prince's Palace to mark his accession to the throne.

2005: Planning for the Third and Final Round

Between 2005 and 2007, 21 other territories had planned to implement the third and final round.

2005: IMF and FATF Reports

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

2005: Rainier III's Death in 2005

Rainier III ruled until 2005, succeeded by his son Albert II.

2006: Monaco participated in Eurovision Song Contest

In 2006, Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest.

2006: Design Change on Monégasque Coins

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

2007: Planning for the Third and Final Round

Between 2005 and 2007, 21 other territories had planned to implement the third and final round.

2007: St Paul's Church Membership

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

2008: Monte Carlo Rally

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

2008: Expansion Considered in 2008

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

2008: Population of Monaco reached 35,000

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

2009: Intercontinental Rally Challenge

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

2009: Monaco staged part 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 the OECD "White List"

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

2009: Start of the Tour de France in Monaco

In 2009, the Tour de France started from Monaco with a 15 km individual time trial and the 182 km second leg starting there the following day.

2009: Plans ended due to economic climate in 2009

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

2010: Programme Restarted in Mid-2010

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

2011: Intercontinental Rally Challenge

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

2012: Monaco 2012 International Religious Freedom Report

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

2012: Greek Orthodox Church in Monaco

According to Monaco's 2012 International Religious Freedom Report, there is one Greek Orthodox church in Monaco.

2012: UEFA Super Cup Hosted in Monaco

From 1998 to 2012, the Stade Louis II in Monaco hosted the annual UEFA Super Cup between the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.

2012: Monaco's Real Estate Market

In 2012, Monaco held the world's most expensive real estate market for the fourth year in a row, with prices at $58,300 per square metre.

2012: Return to WRC calendar

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

2013: Dissolving Additional Wards in 2013

In 2013 three additional wards were dissolved.

2013: Changes to Saint Michel, La Colle and Les Révoires in 2013

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 was recorded at 36,000, with about 20 per cent being native Monegasque.

2013: Division Dates from 2013

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

July 2014: Inauguration of Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup

From July 10 to 12, 2014, Monaco inaugurated the Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup, a series of ocean races exclusively for solar-powered boats.

2014: Ward Planned by Land Reclamation in 2014

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

2014: ROKiT Venturi Racing Team

From 2014 to 2022, Maserati MSG Racing was formerly named ROKiT Venturi Racing.

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

In August 2015, Albert II apologized for Monaco's role during World War II in facilitating the deportation of 90 Jews and resistance fighters.

2015: Monaco Approved Land Reclamation Expansion in 2015

In 2015, Monaco unanimously approved a land reclamation expansion to accommodate housing and a park area.

2015: Monaco's Total Population

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

2015: Anse du Portier announced in 2015

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

2015: Immigrant population estimated at 60% in Monaco

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

2015: Start of Formula E Racing in Monaco

Starting in 2015, Formula E began racing biennially with the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco on the Monaco ePrix, using a shorter configuration of the Formula 1 circuit.

2016: AS Monaco Ligue 1 Win

AS Monaco FC won Ligue 1 in 2016-17.

2016: World's Most Expensive Apartment in Monaco

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

2017: Establishment of the Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church

In 2017, the Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church (Parish of St Joseph) was established 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 a rare occurrence.

2018: Real Estate Prices in 2018

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

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: 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 in February 2020

On 29 February 2020, Monaco announced its first case of COVID-19; the patient was admitted to Princess Grace Hospital Centre and then transferred to Nice University Hospital in France.

September 2020: Launch of First Monégasque Satellite in September 2020

On 3 September 2020, the first Monégasque satellite, OSM-1 CICERO, was launched into space from French Guiana aboard a Vega rocket. The satellite was built in Monaco by Orbital Solutions Monaco.

2020: Decrease in Real Estate Market Prices

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

2021: Formula E racing around Port Hercules

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

2022: ROKiT Venturi Racing Team

From 2014 to 2022, Maserati MSG Racing was formerly named ROKiT Venturi Racing.

July 2023: United Nations Population Estimate

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

2023: Monegasque General Election in 2023

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

2023: Monaco's Population in 2023

In 2023, Monaco had a population of 38,367, making it the most densely populated sovereign state.

2023: Residential Expansion Nearing Completion in 2023

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.