Monaco: flag, capital, currency and history

Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a country in Western Europe, Europe. Its capital is Monaco. The currency is the Euro. Languages spoken include French.

Quick facts about Monaco

Official name: Principality of Monaco
Capital: Monaco
Region: Europe, Western Europe
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Languages: French
Calling code: +377
Internet domain: .mc
Area: 2 km² (1 sq mi)
Land borders: France
Demonym: Monegasque
National day: National Day, November 19

Flag of Monaco

Download the flag of Monaco as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇲🇨.

SVG (vector)

History of Monaco

Monaco occupies a small stretch of the Mediterranean coast, where Genoese settlers built a fortress on the rock in 1215. In 1297 Francesco Grimaldi seized it, beginning the rule of the House of Grimaldi, which continues today. Monaco came under Spanish protection in the 16th century, and under French protection after the Treaty of Peronne in 1641. It was occupied by revolutionary France in the 1790s and restored to the Grimaldis in 1814. A treaty with France in 1861 recognised its independence. Monaco adopted its first constitution in 1911 and joined the United Nations in 1993. It is a principality ruled as a constitutional monarchy.

Key dates

1215Genoese settlers build a fortress on the rock of Monaco.
1297Francesco Grimaldi seizes the fortress, beginning Grimaldi rule.
1641The Treaty of Peronne places Monaco under French protection.
1861A treaty with France recognises Monaco's independence under French protection.
1911Monaco adopts its first constitution.
1993Monaco becomes a member of the United Nations.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.