1 - THE PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO
2 - POPULATION
3 - ACCESS
ROUTES AND LINES OF COMMUNICATION
4 - THE
PRINCIPALITY THROUGH THE CENTURIES
6 - ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
10 - FRANCO-MONEGASQUE
AGREEMENTS
12 - RESOURCES
13 - DEVELOPMENT
14 - THE
COMBAT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING
15 - MAJOR
CONSTRUCTIONS
17 - THE
ENVIRONMENT
18 - GARDENS
19 - PRESERVATION
OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
20 - CULTURE
22 - CULTURAL
FACILITIES
23 - INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION
24 - HUMANITARIAN
ACTION
The
Principality of
Monaco-Ville: the Principality
historic seat which dominates the town from the Rock;
Monte-Carlo: founded in 1866, during the reign of Prince
Charles III, this area is built around the Casino;
La Condamine: the area surrounding the Port Hercule;
Fontvieille: this new, eco-friendly industrial area built
on
land reclaimed from the sea boasts an urban complex, tourist
attractions,
sports facilities and marina;
Les Moneghetti : the area around the Jardin Exotique.
The Principality of Monaco has a population of 32 020, of which 6 089 are Monegasque, 10 229 French and 6 410 Italian (according to the last official census in 2000).
ACCESS
ROUTES AND LINES OF COMMUNICATION
By road and motorway
The
network of European motorways, only 8 km from the town centre,
connects the Principality with
By rail
By plane
Nice-Côte d'Azur airport, 22 km from
By sea
A modern, coastal town,
The Principality of Monaco conceals an abundance of museums and tourist attractions for visitors to discover.
On the Rock: The old town, the Jardins Saint-Martin (Saint-Martin's Gardens), Place Saint-Nicolas (Saint-Nicolas Square), the Rampe Major, the Palace (the great apartments), the Musée des Souvenirs Napoléoniens et la Collection des Archives Historiques du Palais (The Museum of Napoleonic Memories and the Palace Collection of Historic Archives), the Cathedral, the oceanographic Museum and aquarium, the Musée de la Chapelle (Chapel Museum).
In Monte-Carlo : the Musée National (National Museum), the Japanese Garden, the Casino.
In the Condamine : the Church of Sainte-Dévote, port Hercule.
In Moneghetti : the Jardin Exotique (Exotic Gardens), the Cave and Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique (Museum of Prehistoric Anthropology).
In Fontvieille : exposition de la Collection de Voitures Anciennes de S.A.S le Prince de Monaco (Exhibition of HSH Prince of Monaco's antique car collection), the Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies (Museum of Stamps and Money), the Musée Naval (Naval Museum), the Chemin des Sculptures and Roseraie Princesse Grace (Scupltures Trail and Princess Grace's Rose Garden)
THE
PRINCIPALITY THROUGH THE CENTURIES
VI century BC: the Rock is inhabited by the Monokos tribe,
from whom the name of
1215: the Ghibellines build a castle on the site of the
present
palace.
1489: the King of France Charles VII and the Duke of Savoy
acknowledge
1793: the Principality is joined to the
1814: the Treaty of Paris re-establishes the Grimaldi
family
and all its rights.
1815: the second treaty of
1856: La Société des Bains de Monaco is created, which will become the Société des Bains de Mer et du Cercle des Etrangers.
1865: customs agreement with
1869: the Principality's
inhabitants are exempt from land and property taxes, as well as licence
and trade taxes.
1911: the Principality is given a Constitution for the
first
time.
1918: the Treaty with
1923: birth of Prince Rainier III.
1929: 1st Automobile
Grand Prix of
1949: accession of
Prince Rainier III to the throne, in succession to his grandfather,
Prince
Louis II.
1954 : Convention de voisinage et d'assistance
administrative mutuelle avec la
1957: 23 January, birth
of HSH Princess Caroline
1958: 14 March, birth of
HSH Hereditary Prince Albert
1962: 17 December, a new Constitution becomes the
fundamental
law of the State.
1963 : tax convention and new mutual administrative aid
agreements with
1965: 1 February, birth
of HSH Princess Stéphanie.
1993: 28 May, the Principality of Monaco becomes the 183rd fully-fledged
member state of the United
Nations Organization.
1997: the Principality of Monaco celebrates the
700th
Anniversary
of the Grimaldi's
dynasty.
2002: 24 October, a Treaty is signed intended to revise
and
reinforce friendship and cooperation between the Principality and
France.
2004: 5
October, the
Principality of Monaco becomes the 46th member
state of the Council of Europe.
2005 : 6 April, death of
Prince Rainier III
2005 : 12 July, enthronement of H.S.H Prince Albert II
2005 : 8 November, new agreements are signed with
2005 : 19 November, Coronation of HSH Prince Albert II
The
Principality of Monaco is an independent,
THE SOVEREIGN
He is the Head of State. His seat is the Grimaldi home dating back to the Middle Ages. Succession takes place through direct, legitimate descendants, in order of age, with priority to male descendants with the same degree of kinship. He is the Head of State and representative of the Principality in its relations with foreign powers. He signs and ratifies treaties and reserves the right to confer honours and distinctions. On certain matters, the Prince is assisted by purely advisory committees : The Conseil de la Couronne (Council of the Crown) (7 members), The Council of State (12 members).
THE GOVERNMENT
Executive power is exercised by the Secretary of State assisted by a Government Council, 5 advisors appointed by the Prince, acting under his authority. The Government Council is split between the following sectors: Department of the Interior Responsible for Security and the Police, Cultural Affairs and State Education. The Government Advisor for Home Affairs is also in charge of matters relating to religion, and has authority over various public institutions. Department of Facilities and Town Planning Responsible for the Public Works Division, the Environment Urban Planning and Building Department, the State-owned Buildings Agency, the Urban Planning Agency, the Traffic Division, the Public Car Parks Service, the Division for Franchise control and Telecommunications, the Maritime Affairs Division, the Naval Service, Civil Aviation, and the Postal and Telegraph Service. Department of Health and Social Affairs Responsible for the Employment and Social Affairs, Public Health, Department of Finance and the Economy Responsible for the Budget and Public Revenue Department, the Treasury, gaming inspections, the Tax Department, Public Lands Administration, the Housing Department, the Division for Economic Growth, the Department of Tourism, the issue of Postage Stamps, and state-controlled tobacco. Department of External Relations Responsible for European Affairs, Diplomatic Management, International and Multilateral Affairs, International Environment.
Economic Structure
The Principality's economic structure is defined by the Department of Finance and the Economy and operates essentially through two bodies: - The Direction de l'Expansion Economique (Division for Economic Growth) (setting up companies, trade directories, registration of brands, patents, statistics etc.). It is responsible for executing the government's policies for economic growth. - The Conseil Economique et Social (Economic and Social Council).
Social Structure
The Principality's social structure is governed by
the Department
of Health and Social Affairs, responsible for: - the Department
of
Employment and Social Affairs; - the Employment Service (job
offers,
unemployment benefit, employment declarations and inspections); - Social
relations and organisations; - the Monegasque Social Security
Funds;
- the C.C.S.S (Caisse de Compensation et des Services Sociaux
- Social
services Compensation Fund); - the C.A.R (Caisse Autonome des
Retraites
: Pension Fund); - the C.A.M.T.I (Caisse d'Assurance Maladie, Accident
et Maternité des Travailleurs Indépendants
:
Insurance fund for the
self-employed); - the C.A.R.T.I (Caisse Autonome des Retraites
des
Travailleurs Indépendants
: Pension fund for the
self-employed); - the O.M.T (Office de la Médecine du
Travail
: Occupational
health service); - the C.C.P.B (Caisse des Congés
Payés du Bâtiment
: Fund providing paid leave for
building contractors). Religion The religious regime in
the
Principality is based on the following: - The catholic religion is
the
religion of state (Article 9 of the Constitution); - Religious
freedom is
guaranteed (Article 23 of the Constitution). Although the catholic
religion
in
COUNCIL OF STATE
The Council of State is composed of twelve members, selected and appointed by the Prince, following consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of the Judiciary, who is also President of law. The Council of State is entrusted with giving advice on draft laws and edicts that are submitted to it for examination by the Prince. It can also be consulted about any other plans. The Council of State also assists in governmental action by giving its opinion on the legislative and statutory texts submitted to it.
THE CONSEIL DE LA COURONNE (Council of the Crown)
The
Sovereign Prince is assisted, in the exercise of certain constitutional
prerogatives, by the Council of the Crown. The competence of
the
Council of the Crown is solely consultative. The Council of the
Crown must
be consulted on a certain number of matters listed in the Constitution.
Moreover, the Prince can consult the Council, should he deem it useful,
on
matters concerning the interests of State. The Council of the Crown is
composed of seven members of Monegasque nationality, appointed by
the
Prince for a period of three years. The President and three
other
members are freely selected by the Prince. The National Council
proposes the
three remaining members, from outside its assembly, who are then
appointed by
the Prince.
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL
The Economic and Social Council is an advisory assembly established in 1945. Its main function is to give advice on social, financial, tourist, hotel, commercial, industrial, land and urban problems that concern the economic life of the Principality. Thus, the Economic and Social Council is consulted by the Government on draft laws or sovereign decrees applicable to any of the subjects mentioned above, and can also express its wishes on any matters within this domain. It is composed of thirty members, appointed for three years by sovereign decree: ten members presented by the Government according to their competencies, ten members chosen by the Government from a list of twenty names drawn up by the Association of Workers Unions, ten members chosen by the government from a list of twenty names drawn up by the Monegasque Employers Federation. he president and the two vice-presidents are appointed by the Prince.
NATIONAL COUNCIL
The National Council
stems from the
1911 Constitution. However, the Monegasque Assembly has a very long
past; as
early as the beginning of the XIIth century
TOWN COUNCIL
The Town Council has fifteen members, elected for four years through direct universal suffrage and a list system, by all citizens of age, of both sexes and of Monegasque nationality. The Town Council, presided over by the Mayor or a deputy, deliberates on municipal affairs. Among other responsibilities, it is required to approve the local budget. The Secretary of State is required to consult the Council about : - urban development projects - large public works projects - public or private building projects - projects to create or remove green areas and those likely to modify the appearance or aesthetic quality of the town or the urban traffic flow.
The
Prince and the 24-member
National Council (elected by direct universal suffrage) exercise joint
legislative and budgetary power. The Prince proposes laws. The
Government Council prepares the draft laws, in His name. The
National Council passes laws and the national budget (at public
sessions). This
assembly does not have the power to overthrow the government. Only the
Prince
can promulgate laws, which are then published in the Journal de
Monaco for
the information of third parties.
Although the Prince has judicial power. He delegates it fully to the courts and tribunals, who dispense justice in his name, but with complete independence (there is no Minister of Justice in the Principality). The Judiciary - for the legal structure. At the first level of the hierarchy, there is a single judge : the Justice of the Peace (for civil matters) or Police Magistrate (for penal matters). The District Court (for civil and commercial matters) or the Magistrates Court (for penal matters). The Court of Appeal, ordinary jurisdiction to the second degree (to appeal against District Court sentences). The Court of Cassation. For criminal matters. The examining magistrate (also competent in criminal matters). The Council Chamber. The Criminal Court (Court of Assizes); the death penalty was abolished in the Principality in 1962. The Court of Cassation Exceptional jurisdiction. The Supreme Court (for constitutional appeals, administrative litigation and disputes over jurisdictional competence.). Specialised jurisdiction Specialised jurisdiction is required in the settlement of certain disputes (family, work, rent, commercial leases, expropriation).
Some general points The national budget has a double role: to balance over time the state burden and public spending, to enable this to influence economic and social affairs. As a forecasting measure, the main function of the budget is to allocate the total amount of foreseeable resources to the different areas of expenditure. Its second function is to set the level of government subsidies for economic and social affairs. Preparing, approving and applying the budget. It is the government's job to prepare the budget. It has to take into account the classic rules of yearly budgeting, universality and budgetary unity. - The national budget forecasts and authorises government spending for the duration of one calendar year. - The budget includes all government revenue and public spending. - All revenue and all expenditure are charged to a single account. The responsibility to approve the budget lies with the National Council alone. Once the budget is passed it is up the government to apply it. Budget spending must be controlled for both administrative and financial reasons. This control is carried out by administrative organs and by a constitutional organ. It is the responsibility of the General Controller for Spending to pre-check the legality of all transactions, expenditure and revenue. It is the responsibility of the Higher Audit Board, established by article 42 of the constitution, to monitor the application of constitutional, legislative and statutory measures concerning the financial management of the state, commune and public institutions.
The
Government has always strived to
develop and reinforce its relations with the international community.
The agreements signed between the Principality of Monaco and the French Republic at the Elysée Palace on 8th November 2005 bear witness to the strength of the ties established between both countries. The new Convention replaces that of 1930 - the latter being part of the history of relations between the two States. The agreements consist of: 1- the 2005 Convention 2- the Convention of judicial assistance with regard to penal matters 3- the exchange of letters
1- The Convention designed to adapt and to strengthen administrative co-operation
This Convention
replaces and
updates the Convention dated 28th July 1930 relating to the
access by
Monegasque citizens to certain public service positions in France and
to the
recruitment of certain Civil Servants within the Principality.
The new
provisions reinforce the special relationship between both States, by
adapting
and strengthening administrative cooperation. The Convention completes
the
Treaty that was signed on
2- The Convention of judicial assistance with regard to penal matters
The Convention is the result of the desire
by both
States to implement judicial assistance within the framework of their
communal
future on the one hand and, on the other hand, to improve common rules
that are
applicable within the area of judicial assistance with regard to penal
matters.
It replaces in part the current Convention dated
3- The Exchange of letters
In response to
the
Principality's
wish to ensure that depository establishments for financial instruments on
Monegasque territory adhere to an investor guarantee facility that is
compatible with the standards adopted by the European Union, it has been
decided to adjust the previous provisions relating to the exchange of
letters. The provisions of the French monetary and financial Code relating
to investor securities and the prudential supervision of maintaining
financial instrument activity are therefore to be applied to
The
smallest European state (2 km2)
in the Mediterranean arc, the
Principality of Monaco is recognized internationally as an independent
economic
platform. Prosperity is the fruit of a favourable environment, created
by the
country's
monarchs through remarkable political stability. In fact, the system of a
Hereditary, Constitutional Monarchy guarantees stability, the continuity
and the adaptability of its democratic institutions. The reign of Prince
Rainier III has been a period of true economic acceleration and
development. Through his vision and determination, the Sovereign Prince
has built a prosperous, independent State, ready to face the 3rd millennium
with confidence. As a member of the UN
since 1993, and also part of the Euro zone, the Principality is proud
of its
Sovereignty and dedicated to making a valuable contribution to the
numerous
international institutions of which it is a member. Another factor
behind
RESOURCES
(infrastructures and employment)
The
Principality decided very early
on to differentiate itself through the quality of its facilities.
This drive for facilities has allowed the economy to develop and to
attract investors, entrepreneurs and skilled labour to the
Principality. Without
raw materials to depend on, the Principality was forced to grow
through
other inventive and dynamic means. Tourism and the creation of the
Casino at
the end of the XIX century supplied the impetus for a tremendous new
policy of
building infrastructures. Prince Rainier III, nicknamed the builder
Prince, gave new momentum to this facility-building strategy,
with, for example,
the extension of the Fontvieille area onto land reclaimed from the sea,
inaugurated in 1981. The Principality is the only country in the
world to
have recently and peacefully increased the size of its territory by 20
%. In
the face of geographic limitations,
An
important feature of the
Monegasque economy is without doubt its great diversity. 4
500 companies, including 1 500 retailers and professional people, are
the driving force behind almost all the economic sectors along 2 km2.
The industrial sector occupies
more than 200 000 m2.
Solutions to accommodate these companies have been put in place, with
factories occupying different storeys and the selection of
environmentally
friendly businesses. International commerce represents 11 % of jobs
with a
turnover of 2.68 billion euros. The retail sector with 1 150
establishments
boasts a turnover of 1,15 million euros. Within this diverse services
sector,
whether information technology or telecoms, transport or maritime
services,
banking or insurance, everything is at a stone's
throw for companies working in the Principality.
The
Principality of Monaco is therefore
the home of a real economic community. Energy and a conducive
environment have
led to the emergence of a network of highly competitive companies. The
skilled
labour, reliability and capabilities of this town-state are now
internationally
recognised and have driven large groups like Soremartec (Ferrero
Group), Single
Buoy Moorings, among others, to set up in the Principality. Even the
lack of
space has had a positive role to play, with businesses concentrating on
excellence and savoir-faire and offering greater added value. This
limited
territory also makes
Following
the creation of the Casino and
the Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) at the end of the XIX
century, three
factories were set up in the Principality in 1906; a flour mill, a
brasserie
and a chocolate shop, enabling the government to finance the building
of a
platform on the sea. Since then, the inspiration has always been the
same.
Successive Sovereigns, with a perceptive vision of the future, have
equipped
the country to move forward. From a small state on the Mediterranean
coast,
THE
COMBAT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING
The
Principality of
ITS
This
specialised administrative structure
is in charge of collecting, researching, processing and
distributing
information about financial circuits through which dirty money changes
hands.
It is composed of commissioned, sworn in agents. This service is
also the
interlocutor for the financial and professional bodies from which it
receives
the declaration of suspicion of money laundering
established by law no.1.162
of
SANCTIONS AND GUARANTEES
Should a financial organisation fail to take account of the obligations imposed by article 18 of act 1.162 of 7 July 1993 modified by act no.1.253 of 12 July 2002, the Secretary of State can deliver one of the following administrative sanctions: - a warning, - a reprimand, - a ban on certain transactions, - a withdrawal of authorisation. Furthermore, penal sanctions can be imposed (art. 32), as well as fines (number 3 of art. 26 of the Penal Code and art. 33), should organisations fail to recognise their professional obligations concerning diligence. With regard to guarantees, the directors and employees of financial organisations who have declared suspicions, benefit from civil, penal and professional immunity from the possible consequences of these declarations; immunity that is applied even if the declarations prove to be unfounded. The same goes for transactions carried out where article 4 of the law is not applicable.
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
Striving
towards international harmonization, the Principality of Monaco has
reinforced
its efforts to combat money-laundering, organised crime and terrorism,
notably
by: signing and ratifying the United Nations Convention
against
transnational organized crime and the Protocols relating to the
illicit
smuggling of migrants and trafficking in persons, enforced by way of
Sovereign Order
nr. 16.025 of
BILATERAL COOPERATION
The Principality has developed a series of administrative agreements for cooperation and the exchange of information with foreign counterparts. Monaco has signed bilateral agreements with: France (TRACFIN), on 17/10/1994; Belgium (CTIF), on 20/10/2000; Spain (SEPBLAC), on 12/12/2000; Portugal (DCTIE/BIB), on 21/03/2001 Luxemburg (Prosecutor's Office of Luxembourg), on 03/04/2001; Great Britain (NCIS), on 03/08/2001; Switzerland (MROS), on 24/01/2002; Liechtenstein (EFFI), on 05/09/2002; Panama (UAF), on 26/11/ 2002; Slovenia (OMLP) on 29/01/2003; Lebanon (SIC), on 20/05/ 2003; Italy (UIC), on 16/09/2003; Ireland (MLIU), on 13/11/ 2003; Malta (FIAU), on 05/02/2004; Pologne (GIIF), on 16/04/2004 Principality of Andorra (UPB), on 04/05/2004 Mauritius (FIU Mauritius), on june 22, 2204 Slovaquia (UFP-SR), on june 24, 2004 Canada (FINTRAC), on october 25, 2004 Peru (UIF), on noverber 30, 2004 Thailand (AMLO), on april 04, 2005 Romania (ONPCSB), on may 24, 2005.
Upon
acceding to the throne in 1949,
Prince Rainier III, harbouring the vision of a modern Principality,
open to
technical progress and economic diversity, established a policy of
economic
development coupled with a policy of major construction.
1958
- 1967 First extensions on the
sea: Portier , Larvotto and the Sporting.
9 ha reclaimed from the sea‚
470 000 tons of rubble‚
260 000 tons of natural stone‚
1 110 000 m3 of
embankment.
1958
- 1964 First construction for
underground railway
before 1958, 3 km of railway cut
the Principality in two‚
first tunnel to
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin : 3.5 km‚ 6 years of relentless
work to complete this first stage.
1966
- 1973 The Fontvieille platform
:
22 ha reclaimed from the sea‚
10 years of building‚
the Principality grew by 16 %
‚
1 500 000 m3 of
embankment‚
4 000 tons of reinforced concrete to build the dike.
1981 - 1984 Louis II Stadium Total surface area : 3 ha‚ Capacity : 20 000 spectators‚ 9 200 m² of offices and 1 700 parking places‚ 120 000 m3 of concrete‚ 9 000 tons of iron framework.
1978
- 1980 Incineration plant height 40m‚
floor area 1 500 m²
‚
processing capacity 200 tons of household rubbish per day‚
there have been three successive factories: the first from 1898 to
1938, the second from 1939 to 1979, and the current one since 1980
European
standards are to be enforced by the end of 2006.
1986
- 1990 Water purification plant
situated in a 10-storey building
area of installation : 2
900m²
built with the capacity to discharge the waste water of a town with 100
000 inhabitants
1993
- 1999 Second construction for
underground railway
Boring of a 2.8 km tunnel towards
Cap-d'Ail.
More than 4 ha recovered around the old state.
The tunnellers crossed 200-million-yeargeological formations.
1993
- 1999 The new station
540 m long, 22 m wide
and
535 000 m3 of
excavations,
200 000 tons of concrete‚
200 tons of explosives
used‚
a building site of almost 200 workmen.
1992
- 2000 Grimaldi Forum : on
halls with a total surface area of 250
m long
and 50 m wide
1990 - 1994 Tunnels and road links nel Rainier III length 1 600 m - traffic 800 vehicles per hour ess tunnel to A8 length 1 560m‚ 2/3 built below sea level‚ 3 auditoriums offering more than 3 000 seats.
During the last decade, the urban landscape has witnessed the materialisation of three large-scale projects :
THE RAILWAY DEVIATION
Thirty years after the eastern end of the railway was put underground, the Principality did the same with the western side, from Sainte-Devote to just beyond Cap-d'Ail station, a distance of 3 km, one of which is on Monegasque soil. The work began in December 1993 to be completed eight years later. It included the boring of a mono-tube tunnel; the construction of an underground station with three platforms, 500 metres long, 22 metres wide and 13 metres high, as well as a 17-storey underground car park. 460 000 m3 of debris were removed, either via conveyor belt to waiting SNCF wagons, or via lorries to the Moyenne Corniche. The land recovered from this operation, commonly called les délaissés de la SNCF (SNCFrejects) represents a surface area of four hectares. In time, this will allow a floor area of 140 000 m3 to be built (for industrial or commercial use, housing,). More than half of the floor area will be dedicated to public areas, of which most will be green spaces.
GRIMALDI FORUM MONACO
Inaugurated
in 2000, the Grimaldi Forum
THE REDEVELOPMENT AND EXTENSION OF PORT HERCULE
The redevelopment and
extension
of Port Hercule (Condamine area), has a double objective: to
provide the bay
with the best possible protection from easterly winds, and to double
the
docking capacity for yachts while retaining an outer harbour for
prestigious
cruise ships. Cruise reception has had a growing impact on the
Monegasque
economy for the last few years. The port's new infrastructures
include a one
hectare platform at the foot of
Due to its rapid development and the size of its territory, the Principality of Monaco is one of the most densely populated countries in the world today. As a result, the government has developed dynamic and consistent environmental policies. On a practical level, these policies are defined through several areas of action: preserving the natural heritage (gardens and green spaces), preserving the marine environment, and reducing pollution.
The
Principality of Monaco operates
according to strict and efficient standards when it comes to managing
household
and industrial refuse collection, maintaining its buildings,
safeguarding the
quality of its water, cleaning public areas, roads, galleries, gardens,
car
parks etc. In order to do this, most tasks are outsourced. Waste
management
PRESERVATION OF THE NATURAL HERITAGE (GARDENS AND GREEN SPACES)
The Principality of
Other actions: reforestation, research, collaboration and agreements.
Reforestation
Sensitive
to nature
conservation in general and to its environment in
particular, the
Principality contributes, among other things, to the reforestation
of
neighbouring areas. The government, in association with the Association
Monégasque pour la Protection de la Nature (A.M.P.N) (Monegasque
Association for the Protection of Nature) funded the replantation of
more than
36 000 trees on 48 hectares, in the neighbouring areas of La Turbie and
Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Every year, 290 000 euros are dedicated to the
reforestation of areas surrounding
Research
The first
mission of the CSM (Centre Scientifique de Monaco) Scientific
Centre
of Monaco, founded on 23 may 1960 by Prince Rainier III,
was to
participate alongside the International Agency in international
action for the
Peaceful Atom and to support international organisations working
for the
protection of marine life, activities which were then transferred to
the Environment
Service. From 1990, the CSM was dedicated exclusively to research,
establishing on
Collaboration
On the initiative of Prince Albert I, the International Commission for
the
Scientific Exploration of the Mediterranean Sea (ICSEM) was
created in
1908, signalling the beginning of a long tradition of collaboration
with
various international organisations, all working jointly for the study
and
protection of the sea bed. The ICSEM collaborates with
500
laboratories in the Mediterranean region, 50 countries, 2000
researchers and 11
scientific committees for large-scale projects, such as the analysis of
plankton cycles or the observation of 300
Agreements
ACCOBAMS
This
concerns an
agreement for the Conservation of the Cetaceans in the
Sovereign
Order nr. 3647 of 9th
September 1966, (art. 56), stipulates that all construction work
compulsorily
has to maintain or create planted areas, varying
between 35% and 50%, depending on the situation, and 65% if the
property
belongs to a green area defined on the zoning plan. In 2005, the total
green
surface area amounted to almost 445,000 m2 (of
which 300,000 m2 is
accessible to the public); in other words more than
20% of the Principality's
total surface area. This represents 13.8 m2 of
green area per inhabitant, one of the
highest ratios in
THE JARDIN EXOTIQUE
Created in 1913 on the initiative of Prince Albert Ist,
this garden, mainly composed of exotic
plants, was created in the middle of the steep rocks of the massif de
l'Observatoire. It took twenty years to complete the
garden, due to
the number of precautions that had to be taken, when putting in the
plants.
Most came from the Jardins Saint-Martin or from horticultural
establishments
along the coast.
LA
ROSERAIE PRINCESSE GRACE (Rose Garden)
Opened on 18 june 1984 as a tribute to Princess Grace from her family, today the rose garden blooms with 5 500 rosebushes spread over 4 000 m2.
350 varieties of rose, of eight different types, can be
discovered in this exceptional park. It is important to emphasise that almost
fifty people donated these botanical treasures, and in so doing
contributed
to its magic.
THE
It
was designed by a Japanese architect in 1990 and opened in 1994.
Situated by the Grimaldi Forum
PRESERVATION
OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Preservation
of the marine environment is a traditional part of the
Principality's
environmental aspirations.
SITUATION
SOME HISTORY
From antiquity, the first inhabitants lived from fishing and harbour
trade
then, in 1297, François Grimaldi managed by a cunning ruse to
seize the Rock,
accessible only from the sea. Until the railway was built in
1865 and
Successive
Princes, important patrons of the arts,
who were convinced of the rewards of intense cultural activity, gave
CULTURAL
ESTABLISHMENTS
Monte-Carlo Opera
A
true gem of Monegasque architectural and cultural heritage, the
Salle
Garnier, erected in 1879, has played host to various operas
every year
between January and April since 1892. Closed between 2003 and 2005 the
Salle
Garnier reopened for the Monaco National Holiday on
Monte-Carlo Philharmonic Orchestra The Monte-Carlo Ballet
Under
the impetus of Princess Grace, in 1985 the Principality revived
the choreographic tradition of the Russian ballets of Diaghilev, by
creating a permanent ballet troupe. In 1993, HRH Princess of
Hanover
appointed Jean-Christophe Maillot, as the troupe's
choreographic Director.
He has worked throughout the decade to enable the company to make its
name as
one of the most prestigious troupes, through creativity and
international
exchanges (he has received visits from numerous choreographers). Under
the
patronage of HRH the Princess of Hanover and sponsored by HSH Prince
Albert II
and the Government, the Orchestra boasts an enviable position
within the
international music scene; since it was founded, is has been led by
globally renowned conductors, such as A.Toscanini, R. Strauss, B.
Walter and L.
Bernstein and musical directors including Paul Paray, Igor Markevitch
and
Lawrence Foster. Under the patronage of HRH the Princess of Hanover
and
sponsored by HSH Prince Albert II and the Government, the
Orchestra boasts an
enviable position within the international music scene; since it
was
founded, is has been led by globally renowned conductors, such as
A.Toscanini,
R. Strauss, B. Walter and L. Bernstein and musical directors including
Paul
Paray, Igor Markevitch and Lawrence Foster.
Prince Pierre
Foundation of
Since
1924, thanks to the positive influence of Prince Pierre de
Polignac, a tradition of conferences goes on to this day in the
Principality.
Well-known personalities from the world of literature, such as Jean
d'Ormesson,
Héléne Carrére d'Encausse, Yves Coppens and
Hubert Reeves have been among its
many orators. As a tribute to his father and to perpetuate the
tradition, the Sovereign Prince created the Prince Pierre
Foundation of
Le Printemps des Arts
Created in accordance with the wishes of HSH Princess Grace in 1984, this internationally renowned festival takes place every year in april. Member of the European Association of Festivals, it develops a musical programme linked to the creation of a large number of cultural events. Presided over by HSH Princess of Hanover, it contributes to making the Principality throughout six weeks a place of choice for music lovers.
The
scale of effort made, demonstrated
through the government's cultural policy programme, can also be
seen in the
organisation of various events of international significance, that bear
witness
to the government's
desire to offer a varied programme of cultural events to meet every taste.
The
International Circus Festival Founded
in 1974 by Prince Rainier III, the festival strives to promote
artistic talent that is all too often mistakenly considered
insignificant. Every
year, the Festival bestows Gold, Silver and Bronze Clown Awards,
which have often been likened to Film Oscars.
Festival of
Magic This
festival was created in 1985 and awards special prizes as well
as
golden and silver wands to the best acts.
World Festival
of Amateur Theatre Created
in 1957. Every
four years during
the month of August, the best amateur theatre groups in the world are
united at
this festival. Under the patronage of HSH Prince Rainier III, the
festival is
supported by the government, the Agence de la Francophonie (Agency of
the
French-speaking world) and UNESCO.
Festival of
International
Sculpture Festival Created
in 1987 this
festival presents
every two years a selection of the most representative and promising
contemporary artists. At the end of each exhibition, the government
generally
purchases certain works, and in so doing has been able to put together
an
international collection of monumental sculptures, exhibited throughout
the
town.
European
Heritage Days In
1994, the government
signed the European Cultural Convention of the Council of
In
order to enable the many contributors
to the cultural life of the Principality to have at their disposal
public areas
and facilities needed for their activities, in the last few years the
government has carried out significant renovation and construction work
in
order to maintain certain facilities in working order such as the
Auditorium
Rainier III and the salle de l'Opéra Garnier. Furthermore,
to complement
existing facilities, no longer adequate to cope with demand, the
government has
begun a vast programme to construct new facilities: a multipurpose
area,
ballet rehearsal rooms, an exhibition room and artist's
studio.
THEATRES Auditorium Rainier III - 1 100 seats Salle Garnier - 524 seats - Théâtre Princesse Grace - 400 seats - Théâtre des Variétés - 350 seats - Salle Polyvalente Espace du Canton - 1 200 seats.
SHOWROOMS Quai
Antoine 1er
Showroom Since
1981, the
construction of numerous factories in the Fontvieille area has
gradually
liberated large areas of quayside, now used for cultural and leisure
purposes.
These buildings have been completely repaired and converted. They
constitute an
important media centre with TMC, RMC, the Press Centre; nine
artist's studios
awarded to internationally renowned artists (Adami, Arman, Botero,
Cane, Folon,
Fuchs, Sosno, de Sigaldi, Verkade); the workshops of the Monegasque
National
Committee of the UNESCO International Association of Plastic Arts; a
1000m²
showroom dedicated to Fine Art as well as a large Modern Art gallery.
Since its
inauguration in 1997, the showroom has hosted numerous museum-style
exhibitions
as well as events organised by cultural associations. It is managed by
the
Cultural Affairs Division.
Exhibition
Space in the Grimaldi Forum Two
spaces of 4 000m² each within the Grimaldi Forum
MUSEUMS
There are numerous museums in the Principality, but in reality they are private collections from a variety of disciplines (artistic, scientific, historic etc.), some of which have been placed under the care of the Cultural Affairs Division.
- Musée du Souvenir Napoléonien et la Collection des Archives du Palais
- Musée des Timbres et des Monnaies.
This museum houses the private collection of HSH the Sovereign Prince, as well as rare philatelic pieces from the Principality's postal history.
- Musée National
(under the care of the Cultural Affairs Division) Rare collection of automatons and dolls put together by Madeleine de Galia,
- Musée d'Anthropologie Préhistorique
(under the care of the Cultural Affairs Division) Created by Prince Albert Ist, it displays a series of sepultures, hand-made objects as well as animal remains. The Cultural Affairs Division has begun examining the national scientific collections, in collaboration with Professor Yves Coppens, in order to resume research activities, and at the same time to exploit the wealth of this jewel of the Principality's heritage.
- Chapelle de la Visitation
(under the care of the Cultural Affairs Division). Collection of works of art
- Exposition de la Collection de Voitures Anciennes de S.A.S le Prince de Monaco.
- Musée Naval
Private collection of models of famous ships.
- Musée Océanographique
(under French trusteeship). Opened in 1910 by Prince Albert Ist, it contains the most rare species of fish of the world's seas, as well as numerous skeletons and animal specimens.
- Jardin Exotique
Collection
of succulent plants.
the aim of providing everyone with access to Culture, the government, through the Cultural Affairs Division, puts great emphasis on promoting cultural activities and practices.
Académie de Danse Classique Princesse Grace
Created in accordance with the wishes of Princess Grace, this school, run by Mrs Marika Besobrasova, offers a multi-disciplinary education with the aim of enabling students from all over the world to become all-round artists and professional dancers.
Académie de Musique (Fondation Prince Rainier III)
Founded in 1921, under the impulse of the government anxious to broaden musical education in Monaco, this school, at its creation (Ecole Municipale de Musique until 1956), only provided basic musical training under the supervision of its first director, the cellist and composer Louis Abbiate.
Ecole Municipale d'Arts Plastiques
Under
the
supervision of the Mairie, in connection with the French Ministry of
Culture, higher
national diplomas in plastic arts can be prepared, such as those
awarded in
French schools. A Franco-Monegasque agreement was signed on
For
several years now, the Bureau of
International Cooperation, Department of External Relations, has been
implementing the Government's
desire to reinforce its efforts of cooperation in the field of the
environment and development. Through such cooperation,
A
large number of associations exist
in the
Principality, developed out of a tradition of generosity towards
the
international community. Among the most important are:
THE MONEGASQUE RED CROSS
The
Monegasque Red
Cross, created in 1948 under
the impetus of Prince
Louis II, was admitted the same year to the International
Federation of Red
Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and then joined the international Red
Cross
movement in 1949, the year it subscribed to the Geneva Convention.
Presided by
HSH Prince Albert II, the Monegasque Red Cross regularly contributes to
development assistance operations in all continents. Between 1996 and
the
present day, this financial aid has risen to more than 7 million euros.
These
actions are funded by donations, legacies and profits from the annual
Gala
which always takes place on the first Friday in August.
L'ASSOCIATION MONDIALE DES AMIS DE L'ENFANCE (AMADE) (World Association of Children's Friends)
Created in 1963 by
Princess Grace,
the World Association of Children's Friends (AMADE) is a
non-governmental
organisation granted consultative status by UNICEF, UNESCO, the Council
of
Europe and the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. Its
aim is to
protect life and to safeguard the physical and moral integrity of
children
against the threats posed by drugs, violence and prostitution. Since
1963, the
Association has grown significantly throughout the world.
MONACO AIDE ET PRESENCE (MAP)
Created
in 1979, the
Association Monaco Aide et Présence has been carrying out
humanitarian operations for over twenty years in five continents, with
its main
focus on providing assistance to children in need. Thanks to an
operations
budget subsidised by the state, the association can allocate to each
humanitarian project the total amount of donations it receives, such as
proceeds from fundraising evenings and charity galas etc. Every project
is
followed by a member of the management board, who works in conjunction
with a local
representative. MAP's actions give priority to two main areas of
development: -
Education - through the creation or restoration of educational
infrastructures;
- Health through the creation of specialist care and first aid
structures.
For the last six years, the intervention of Monaco Aide et Présence has played
a positive role in fifteen or so countries with the construction,
restoration
and funding of educational, medical, health care and social welfare
structures.
MISSION ENFANCE
Created
in 1991,
thanks to the support of private sponsors, but also with the help of
the government, Mission Enfance brings aid to children in difficulty
throughout
the world. Working on the ground, Mission Enfance finds and puts in
place the
means to meet its objectives, with a particular goal to provide
education for
children. 98 % of donations made to the association are allocated to
setting up
and carrying out humanitarian aid. The running costs of the association's
head office in the Principality are mainly covered by government
subsidies. Since it was created, the association has provided humanitarian
aid to some 200 000 beneficiaries in 18 countries, including