Introduction
Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.
Location
Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy
Geographic coordinates
43 44 N, 7 24 E
Area - comparative
about three times the size of The Mall in Washington, DC
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 NM
Climate
Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain
hilly, rugged, rocky
Environment - current issues
NA
Environment - international agreements
party to: Air Pollution, Air Pollution-Volatile Organic Compounds, Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol
Population
32,270 (July 2004 est.)