How Powerful Is Monaco?

Panorama vo Monaco La Turbie (wikipedia)

In May 2016, one of the most famous motor races in the world was held in the tiny country of Monaco. Despite its size, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the top three highest prestige events in the sport and has one of the least conventional tracks which runs throughout the actual streets of Monaco. But the microstate is known for more than just racing, so, just how powerful is Monaco?

Well, Monaco is bordered on three sides by France, and size-wise, it is not only small, but it's also actually the second smallest sovereign country on earth after Vatican City. Although it is about four-and-a-half times the size of the papal enclave, Monaco takes up less than 1 square mile of space, and it has a population of less than 40,000. As a result of its extremely small size, it’s the single most densely populated independent state in the world.

Additionally, Monaco is arguably the richest country in the world, or at least the country where the richest people live. Although its GDP is only about 6 billion dollars, that comes down to more than $160,000 per person, the highest per capita GDP on earth. And that’s not just a statistical fluke caused by their size. As one of the most premier luxury destinations, one in three residents of Monaco are millionaires. In a country known for high stakes gambling, high-speed racing, and no income tax whatsoever, it’s not hard to see why the wealthy flock to Monaco.

In 1861, Monaco was established as an independent country in the Franco-Monegasque Treaty. Then in 1918, the treaty was updated to included a provision for France to take care of Monaco’s basic military needs as long as it aligned with France’s political, military, and economic interests. Also, Monaco became a full member of the United Nations in 1993 and is able to appeal directly to the intergovernmental body. Monaco actually has the largest per capita police presence in the world, with roughly 1 officer for every 100 residents.

What’s fascinating is Monaco is also one of only three European states to still maintain an active royal family, as it is a constitutional monarchy. The Prince of Monaco is the country’s head of state, and he splits power with the 24-member Parliament. The Prince also serves as the country’s judicial branch and has control over the Monaco judiciary. Clearly, Monaco comes in at the top of most lists, due to its tiny size and full sovereign status.

But despite the high proportion of millionaires living in the city-state and the highest life expectancy in the world, Monaco itself has little international influence. More realistically, although it is somewhat self-sufficient, it still relies on France for public transportation and military protection and has switched to the French monetary policy, the Euro. So it may make more sense to ask, how powerful is France? Luckily, we’ve got an answer for you! Check out this article to learn about France’s social, economic, and military power!

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