Monaco is a small sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera. Known for its wealth and high cost of living, it's home to approximately 38,682 residents, with a small percentage being Monégasque nationals. While French is the official language, English and Italian are also widely spoken. Geographically, Monaco is almost entirely surrounded by France, making it a semi-enclave.
1910: Monégasque Revolution
The Monégasque Revolution of 1910 led to the adoption of the 1911 Constitution, which slightly limited the absolute rule of the Grimaldi family.
1911: First Monte Carlo Rally Held in Monaco
Initiated by Prince Albert I, the first Monte Carlo Rally, organized by the Automobile Club de Monaco, was held in the principality in 1911.
1911: Monaco's Constitution establishes three municipalities
Monaco's 1911 constitution divided the principality into three municipalities.
1911: Constitution of Monaco
The 1911 Constitution of Monaco was adopted, introducing some limits to the Grimaldi family's autocratic rule, although it was later suspended during World War I by Prince Albert I.
1917: Merger of municipalities into one
In 1917, the three municipalities of Monaco were merged into a single municipality.
July 1918: Franco-Monégasque Treaty Signed
In July 1918, a new Franco-Monégasque Treaty was signed, granting limited French protection to Monaco and aligning Monaco's international policy with French interests. The treaty was endorsed in 1919 by the Treaty of Versailles.
1918: French Treaty Reinforces Monaco's Independence
The French Treaty of 1918 solidified Monaco's independence from France, building upon the existing Franco-Monégasque Treaty of 1861 and reinforcing their unique relationship.
1919: Treaty of Versailles Endorses Franco-Monégasque Treaty
The Treaty of Versailles endorsed the Franco-Monégasque Treaty of 1918, solidifying Monaco's alignment with French interests.
1925: Dedication of St Paul's Anglican Church
St Paul's Church, an Anglican church in Monaco, was formally dedicated in 1925.
1928: Founding of AS Monaco Basket
AS Monaco Basket, the basketball team owned by the multi-sport club AS Monaco, was established in 1928.
1929: First Monaco Grand Prix
The inaugural Monaco Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious automobile races globally, took place on the streets of Monaco in 1929.
September 1943: German Occupation and Deportation of Jews
Following the fall of Mussolini in September 1943, the German Wehrmacht occupied Italy and Monaco. The Nazi deportation of the Jewish population began, with tragic consequences for individuals like René Blum.
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.
1946: Grotte de l'Observatoire opens to the public
The Grotte de l'Observatoire, a cave in Monaco's Jurassic-era limestone bedrock, was opened to the public in 1946.
1948: Founding of the Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco
The Association Culturelle Israélite de Monaco, which includes a synagogue, Hebrew school, and kosher shop, was established in 1948.
1949: Rainier III Becomes Prince
Rainier III ascended to the throne of Monaco in 1949 following the death of his grandfather, Prince Louis II, and reigned until 2005.
1952: Fatal Accident at the Monaco Grand Prix
Luigi Fagioli tragically passed away from injuries sustained during practice for the 1952 Monaco Grand Prix, a race run under sports car regulations that year.
1953: AS Monaco's Consistent Top-Level Performance
Since 1953, AS Monaco has consistently competed at the top level of French football, solidifying its presence as a prominent club in the league.
1954: Last Cancellation of the Monaco Grand Prix Before 2020
Prior to 2020, the last time the Monaco Grand Prix was canceled was in 1954.
1955: Alberto Ascari's Crash into the Harbour
Alberto Ascari experienced a fortunate escape after crashing into the harbor during the 1955 Monaco Grand Prix.
April 1956: Prince Rainier Marries Grace Kelly
Prince Rainier III of Monaco married American actress Grace Kelly on April 19, 1956, capturing global media attention and focusing it on the small principality.
1958: Construction Begins on Reformed Church Building
Construction of the building that houses Monaco's Reformed church commenced in 1958.
1959: Monaco's Eurovision Debut
Monaco first graced the stage of the Eurovision Song Contest in 1959, embarking on a journey in this international music competition.
1959: Construction Completed on Reformed Church Building
The building for Monaco's Reformed church was finished in 1959.
1962: Constitutional Amendment
A significant amendment to Monaco's constitution in 1962 abolished capital punishment, granted women the right to vote, and established a Supreme Court to protect fundamental liberties.
1962: Taxation Tensions and Residency Requirements
The early 1960s saw some tension arise between France and Monaco concerning taxation policies. Notably, French citizens residing in Monaco were still obligated to pay taxes to France unless they had lived in Monaco for a minimum of five years prior to 1962.
1963: Crisis with France
A crisis erupted in 1963 when Charles de Gaulle, then President of France, imposed a blockade on Monaco, expressing his disapproval of the principality's status as a tax haven for wealthy French citizens.
1963: Franco-Monégasque Customs Agreement
Monaco entered a significant agreement with France in 1963, integrating French customs regulations within Monaco and its surrounding territorial waters.
1965: Paul Hawkins' Crash into the Harbour
Paul Hawkins narrowly avoided serious injury when he crashed into the harbor during the 1965 Monaco Grand Prix.
1966: Division of Monaco into reserved sectors and wards
A sovereign ordinance in 1966 divided Monaco into reserved sectors and wards for town planning purposes.
1967: Lorenzo Bandini's Fatal Crash
Driver Lorenzo Bandini died in 1967, three days after succumbing to injuries from a fiery crash during the Monaco Grand Prix.
1967: Minouche Barelli Represents Monaco at Eurovision
French-born singer Minouche Barelli, who would later become a Monegasque citizen, represented the principality of Monaco at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1967.
1971: Monaco's Eurovision Victory
Monaco celebrated a momentous victory at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971, claiming the top spot in this international music competition.
1973: Monte Carlo Rally Becomes World Rally Championship Opening Round
The Monte Carlo Rally gained prestige as the opening round of the World Rally Championship (WRC) starting in 1973.
1979: Monaco's First Eurovision Hiatus
After participating for two decades, Monaco took a break from the Eurovision Song Contest after the 1979 edition.
1981: Establishment of the Archdiocese of Monaco
In 1981, the existing diocese in Monaco was elevated to a non-metropolitan archbishopric, directly under the Holy See, becoming the Archdiocese of Monaco.
1992: Conclusion of Monte Carlo Open Golf Tournament
The Monte Carlo Open, held at the Monte Carlo Golf Club, concluded its run in 1992.
1993: Monaco Joins the United Nations
In 1993, the Principality of Monaco was granted full membership in the United Nations, including voting rights.
1993: Monaco Joins the United Nations
Monaco became a full voting member of the United Nations in 1993.
1993: IAAF Headquarters Established in Monaco
The International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), the global governing body for athletics, established its headquarters in Monaco in 1993.
1994: OS Monaco in Division 1 Féminine
OS Monaco, the women's football club of Monaco, competed in Division 1 Féminine, the top tier of women's French football, during the 1994-1995 season.
1994: Establishment of the International School of Monaco
The International School of Monaco, offering education to students from diverse backgrounds, was founded in 1994.
1996: Formation of the Monaco Christian Fellowship
The Monaco Christian Fellowship was formed in 1996.
1997: Founding of Audiovisual Institute of Monaco
The Audiovisual Institute of Monaco was established in 1997 with a mission to preserve audiovisual archives and document the portrayal of Monaco in film.
1997: Jacques Villeneuve Wins Formula One World Championship
Jacques Villeneuve, who later raced for the Monaco-based ROKiT Venturi Racing team, won the Formula One World Championship in 1997.
1998: Council of Europe Tax Haven Report Evaluations Begin
The Council of Europe started evaluating twenty-two territories, including Monaco, for tax haven status in 1998.
1998: OECD report on tax havens
The OECD published its initial report on the impact of tax havens' financial systems in 1998.
1998: Stade Louis II Hosts UEFA Super Cup
The Stade Louis II, home to AS Monaco, began hosting the annual UEFA Super Cup in 1998, featuring the winners of the UEFA Champions League and the UEFA Europa League.
2000: Report on Monaco's money laundering policies
A report by French politicians Arnaud Montebourg and Vincent Peillon in 2000 suggested that Monaco had relaxed its stance on money laundering, particularly within its casino, and alleged political interference in judicial investigations.
2000: Significant Foreign Population in Monaco
By the year 2000, nearly two-thirds of Monaco's residents were foreigners, indicating the principality's attractiveness to individuals from various nationalities.
2000: FATF assessment of Monaco's anti-money laundering system
The Financial Action Task Force on Money Laundering (FATF) acknowledged the comprehensiveness of Monaco's anti-money laundering system in 2000 but highlighted difficulties encountered by other countries in investigations related to financial crimes potentially linked to tax evasion.
2000: First Round of Tax Haven Evaluations Concludes
The initial round of evaluations by the Council of Europe, which included Monaco, concluded in 2000.
2001: End of Monégasque Franc Circulation
Monaco ceased circulating its own franc currency in 2001.
2001: Monaco Refuses Second Round of Evaluations
Monaco declined to participate in the second round of tax haven evaluations conducted by the Council of Europe, which began in 2001.
2001: Minting of Monégasque Euro Coins Begins
The production of euro coins bearing Monaco's unique designs started in 2001 in anticipation of the currency's introduction.
2002: New Treaty with France
A new treaty between France and Monaco in 2002 clarified that even in the absence of heirs to the Grimaldi dynasty, the principality would retain its independence and not be absorbed into France. However, France would remain responsible for Monaco's military defense.
2002: Minouche Barelli Becomes Monegasque Citizen
French-born singer Minouche Barelli, who represented Monaco at the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest, was granted Monegasque citizenship in 2002.
2002: Introduction of the Euro in Monaco
Monaco adopted the euro as its official currency in 2002, despite not being a member of the European Union.
2002: Monaco adopts the euro
Monaco switched to the euro from the Monegasque franc in 2002, aligning its currency with France due to a customs union.
2003: Second Round of Tax Haven Evaluations Concludes
The second phase of tax haven evaluations by the Council of Europe, which did not include Monaco, finished in 2003.
2003: Georges Marsan becomes Mayor
Georges Marsan became the Mayor of Monaco in 2003.
2004: OECD criticizes Monaco's financial transparency
The OECD expressed concerns about Monaco's lack of transparency in financial information disclosure in 2004, including the principality on a "grey list" of uncooperative jurisdictions alongside Andorra, Liechtenstein, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands.
2004: AS Monaco's UEFA Champions League Final Appearance
AS Monaco reached the UEFA Champions League Final in 2004, showcasing their strength and talent on the European stage.
2004: Monaco Joins Council of Europe
Monaco joined the Council of Europe in 2004.
2004: Monaco's Eurovision Return
Following a 25-year absence, Monaco rejoined the Eurovision Song Contest in 2004, marking their return to the competition.
March 2005: Rainier III Relinquishes Duties
In March 2005, Rainier III, due to illness, transferred his princely duties to his son and heir, Albert.
November 2005: Elaborate Reception for Prince Albert II
On November 18, 2005, an elaborate reception was held at the Prince's Palace in Monaco-Ville to celebrate the accession of Prince Albert II. The event was attended by heads of state.
2005: End of Rainier III's Reign
Rainier III's reign as Prince of Monaco came to an end in 2005.
2005: Planned Start of Third Round of Evaluations
The third and final round of tax haven evaluations by the Council of Europe was scheduled to begin in 2005.
2005: Conflicting assessments of Monaco's financial practices
While the International Monetary Fund (IMF) identified Monaco as a tax haven in 2005, the FATF commended Monaco's efforts to combat money laundering in the same year.
2006: Redesign of Monégasque Euro Coins
Following the death of Prince Rainier, Monaco's euro coin designs were updated in 2006 to feature Prince Albert.
2006: Monaco's Second Eurovision Hiatus
Monaco participated in the Eurovision Song Contest for a few years after returning in 2004, but after the 2006 edition, the principality again chose to withdraw from the competition.
2007: St Paul's Church Membership and Services
By 2007, St Paul's Church had a formal membership of 135 Anglican residents in Monaco, while also serving a larger number of visiting Anglicans, mainly tourists.
2007: Planned End of Third Round of Evaluations
The final round of tax haven evaluations by the Council of Europe was intended to finish in 2007.
2008: Previous Expansion Plan Cancelled
Monaco had considered a similar expansion project in 2008 but ultimately decided to cancel it.
2008: Monte Carlo Rally Concludes as WRC Opening Round
After a long run, 2008 marked the final year of the Monte Carlo Rally serving as the opening round of the WRC.
2008: Monaco's Population at 35,000
In 2008, the total population of Monaco stood at 35,000, with a notable percentage comprising native Monegasques and a significant portion consisting of residents from other nations.
2009: Monaco joins OECD "white list"
Monaco improved its financial transparency practices and signed twelve information exchange agreements with other jurisdictions, leading to its inclusion on the OECD's "white list" in 2009.
2009: Global Champions Tour in Monaco
Monaco played host to a stage of the Global Champions Tour, an international show-jumping competition, from June 25th to 27th in 2009.
2009: Prince Albert II halts land reclamation plans
Prince Albert II of Monaco announced the suspension of land reclamation plans in his 2009 New Year Speech, citing the economic climate.
2009: Monte Carlo Rally Becomes Intercontinental Rally Challenge Opener
The Monte Carlo Rally transitioned to become the opening round of the Intercontinental Rally Challenge from 2009.
2009: Tour de France Begins in Monaco
The prestigious Tour de France, a world-renowned cycling race, commenced its 2009 edition in Monaco with a unique closed-circuit time trial.
2010: Prince Albert II restarts land reclamation programme
In mid-2010, Prince Albert II decided to restart the land reclamation program in Monaco.
2011: Final Year of Monte Carlo Rally as IRC Opener
2011 marked the last year the Monte Carlo Rally served as the opening event for the Intercontinental Rally Challenge.
2012: End of UEFA Super Cup Hosting at Stade Louis II
After 14 years, the Stade Louis II concluded its hosting of the annual UEFA Super Cup in 2012.
2012: Monaco's real estate market ranked most expensive
Monaco had the world's most expensive real estate market for the fourth consecutive year in 2012, with an average price of $58,300 per square meter.
2012: Presence of a Greek Orthodox Church in Monaco
Monaco's 2012 International Religious Freedom Report confirmed the presence of one Greek Orthodox church within the principality.
2012: Monaco's International Religious Freedom Report Published
The 2012 International Religious Freedom Report on Monaco indicated that Roman Catholic Christians constituted the largest religious group, followed by Protestant Christians, with two Protestant churches present.
2012: Monte Carlo Rally Returns to WRC Calendar
The Monte Carlo Rally made its comeback to the World Rally Championship calendar in 2012 and has remained an annual event since then.
2012: Pew Forum Conducts Global Religious Landscape Survey
The Pew Forum conducted a survey in 2012 to analyze the global religious landscape, including Monaco.
2013: Dissolution of three wards
Three wards in Monaco, which were previously municipalities, were dissolved in 2013.
2013: Redistricting and merger of La Colle and Les Révoires
As part of a redistricting process in 2013, the wards of La Colle and Les Révoires in Monaco were merged into the larger Jardin Exotique ward. Additionally, most of Saint Michel was reintegrated into Monte Carlo.
2013: Latest division creates two reserved sectors and seven wards
The most recent division of Monaco, dating back to 2013, established two reserved sectors and seven wards.
2013: Monaco's Population Reaches 36,000
Monaco's population experienced growth, reaching 36,000 in 2013, with the proportion of native Monegasques remaining at around 20%.
July 2014: Inaugural Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup
Monaco marked the beginning of a new era in ocean racing with the inaugural Solar1 Monte Carlo Cup in July 2014, a competition exclusively for solar-powered boats.
2014: Planned settlement of new land reclamation
The settlement of a new land reclamation project in Monaco was planned to begin in 2014.
August 2015: Apology for WWII Actions
In August 2015, Prince Albert II issued an apology for Monaco's role during World War II in facilitating the deportation of 90 Jews and resistance fighters, of whom only nine survived. He acknowledged their seeking refuge in Monaco and expressed remorse for the "irreparable" actions taken.
2015: Announcement of Anse du Portier development
A new development project in Monaco called Anse du Portier was announced in 2015.
2015: Monaco's Total Population Reaches 38,400
In 2015, Monaco's total population reached 38,400.
2015: High Immigrant Population in Monaco
In 2015, the immigrant population in Monaco was estimated to be 60%, highlighting the continued influx of individuals from other countries.
2015: Land Reclamation Project Approved
Monaco unanimously approved a land reclamation project in 2015 to address a housing shortage and create green spaces. The development, known as Anse du Portier, is estimated to cost around 1 billion euros and will include apartment buildings, parks, shops, and a marina.
2015: First Monaco ePrix Held
The inaugural Formula E race, known as the Monaco ePrix, took place alongside the Historic Grand Prix of Monaco, utilizing a shorter version of the Formula 1 circuit, in 2015.
2016: AS Monaco's Ligue 1 Victory
AS Monaco, one of Monaco's major football clubs, achieved victory in Ligue 1, the top tier of French football, in 2016. This win added to their history as one of the most successful clubs in the league.
2016: World's most expensive apartment valued
In 2016, Forbes valued the penthouse at the Odeon Tower in Monaco, considered the world's most expensive apartment, at $335 million.
2017: Establishment of the Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church
The Monaco Parish of the Charismatic Episcopal Church, known as the Parish of St Joseph, was established in 2017.
February 2018: Snowfall in Monaco and Monte Carlo
On 27 February 2018, both Monaco and Monte Carlo experienced snowfall, a rare occurrence.
2018: Real Estate Prices Soar
In 2018, real estate prices in Monaco reached €100,000 ($116,374) per square meter.
April 2019: Monaco's Rugby Ranking
In April 2019, Monaco held the 101st position in the World Rugby Rankings, reflecting their standing in international rugby.
2019: High Concentration of Millionaires in Monaco
Studies in 2019 indicated that 31% of Monaco's population, approximately 12,248 individuals, were millionaires.
February 2020: First COVID-19 Case
Monaco confirmed its first case of COVID-19 in February 2020. The patient, a man, was initially admitted to the Princess Grace Hospital Centre before being transferred to Nice University Hospital in France.
September 2020: Launch of OSM-1 CICERO
In September 2020, Monaco launched its first satellite, OSM-1 CICERO, into space from French Guiana on a Vega rocket. The satellite was built in Monaco by Orbital Solutions Monaco.
September 2020: Appointment of Pierre Dartout as Prime Minister
On 1 September 2020, Prince Albert II appointed Pierre Dartout, a French citizen, as the Prime Minister of Monaco.
2020: Cancellation of the Monaco Grand Prix
The Monaco Grand Prix was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first cancellation since 1954.
2020: Decline in Monaco's real estate prices
The average price of real estate in Monaco decreased to $53,378 per square meter in 2020, although it remained one of the most expensive places globally to buy property.
2021: Edoardo Mortara Becomes Vice World Champion in Formula E
Edoardo Mortara, a driver for ROKiT Venturi Racing, achieved the position of vice World Champion in the 2021 Formula E season.
2021: Last Monaco ePrix at Port Hercules
The Monaco ePrix, held around Port Hercules, saw its final race in 2021.
April 2022: Prince Albert Visits Sassi di Matera
Prince Albert of Monaco embarked on a cultural visit to the Sassi di Matera in April 2022, exploring the historical districts of this ancient site.
July 2023: United Nations Population Estimate for Monaco
As of July 2023, the United Nations estimated Monaco's population to be 36,297.
2023: 2023 Monegasque general election
Following the 2023 Monegasque general election, all 24 seats in the National Council were won by the pro-monarchist Monegasque National Union.
2023: Population and Density Statistics
In 2023, Monaco had a population of 38,367, making it the most densely populated sovereign state after Macau.
2023: Financial Action Task Force Review
In 2023, Monaco was placed under review by the Financial Action Task Force for potential inclusion on its "grey list" due to concerns about financial supervision, money laundering, and efforts to prevent financial crimes and terrorism financing.