Monaco in numbers: key facts and figures about the Principality

Monaco at a glance

The Principality of Monaco is the world's second-smallest sovereign state by area and the most densely populated country on earth. These headline numbers only hint at a microstate that punches far above its weight economically, culturally and diplomatically.

Geography

• Total area: 2.02 km² (0.78 sq mi), expanded from roughly 1.5 km² through successive land-reclamation projects.
• Coastline: approximately 4.1 km along the Mediterranean.
• Highest point: near the Chemin des Révoires, about 162 m above sea level.
• Borders: entirely surrounded by France (Alpes-Maritimes department) on three sides, with the Mediterranean to the south.
• Districts: nine official quarters, from Monaco-Ville (the Rock) to the new Mareterra extension.

Population and demographics

• Total residents: approximately 39,000.
• Monegasque nationals: around 9,000 (roughly 24 % of the total).
• Nationalities represented: more than 130.
• Largest foreign communities: French, Italian, British, Swiss and Belgian.
• Workforce commuting daily from France: approximately 50,000.
• Life expectancy: approximately 86 years, among the highest in the world.

Economy

• GDP per capita: among the highest globally, regularly exceeding EUR 150,000.
• Key sectors: finance and banking, real estate, tourism, professional services, trade.
• Personal income tax: none for residents (except French nationals).
• Corporate tax: 25 % on profits derived from activities outside Monaco; companies operating exclusively within Monaco pay none.
• VAT: 20 %, aligned with France.
• Number of companies registered: over 5,000.

Safety and governance

• Form of government: constitutional monarchy under Prince Albert II, with an elected National Council (24 seats).
• Police force: approximately 600 officers for 2 km², one of the highest ratios in the world.
• CCTV cameras: over 1,000 across the Principality.
• Crime rate: one of the lowest in Europe.

Culture and events

• Annual events: over 300 cultural, sporting and business events, including the Formula 1 Grand Prix, Monte-Carlo Rally and International Circus Festival.
• Museums: more than a dozen, including the Oceanographic Museum (founded 1910).
• Green spaces: approximately 20 % of the territory is parks and gardens.

Transport

• Train station: one (Monaco-Monte-Carlo, on the French SNCF/TER network).
• Helicopter service: regular flights to Nice airport (7 minutes).
• Public buses: free CAM network covering the entire Principality.
• Cars registered: over 37,000 in a 2 km² area.

These figures illustrate a microstate that combines extraordinary density and wealth with strong governance, safety and a quality of life that consistently ranks among the best in the world.