MONACO
Principality of Monaco, tax and Formula-1 haven, possesses a huge reputation for sheltering URI’s or the ultra-rich individuals. Monaco is in effect synonymous to the lifestyles of the ultra-rich. And when you talk about the playground of the rich and famous, you might as well be talking about this principality right here. The vision of Monaco’s marinas crammed with luxury yachts and streets lined with Ferraris make it seem that the principality just drips in cash. The truth is, being here gives one an epiphany on how much wealth is here on earth and how little you share of it. Of course, the ultimate VIP treatment is due only those whose worth is at least $30 billion.
With requirements like that, don’t expect a smile from the locals as a backpacker. Legend has it that you won’t even get a thank you if you open a door for someone. Its rugged terrain makes it so difficult to get around, much more live in and still all the billionaires come a-flying in choppers. Backpacker haven…not quite. Tax haven…you nailed it. There are only about 30,000 residents in Monaco, but more than 350,000 bank accounts. Within that, each account is worth more than a hundred billion dollars. That’s why the supernaturally rich love it here. They can keep every single penny and not owe the government a dime. Some hate it, particularly a number of world leaders that swore to crackdown tax havens with stress on this principality believing that tax havens are the root cause of economic crisis, while some, like its locals, love it and would not want to change a thing.
GEOGRAPHY
Monaco (43 44 N, 7 24 E) is a hilly, 2 km2-small principality, so small, it is but the size of New York’s Central Park. It also is the 248th country in the world by size or, simply put, the 2nd smallest country. The landscape of Monaco is hilly and rocky. The highest point of the Principality is the elevation Mont Agel at 140 m above sea.
CLIMATE
Monaco’s climate is Mediterranean with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers on the other hand. Because it lies in between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, the climate in the Principality is influenced by humid subtropical and oceanic. The Alps keep Monaco cool while the sea moderates the temperature. Snowfall and frosts are rather rare as a result, mainly occurring once or twice in 10 years. The hottest months are July and August, whereas the coolest are January and February.
PEOPLE
The Monegasques and Monacoians/Monacans are in truth rarer and fewer than Monaco’s bank accounts with a population of no more than 30, 539. Within these numbers, the native Monegasques are actually minorities in their own country. Monacoians refer to non-citizens living in Monaco. French nationals are the predominant ethnic group here (47%), followed by Italians (16%), and Monegasques (16%). Small groups of Brits, Americans, Germans, Swiss, Belgians, and others minorities live in the Principality.
LANGUAGE
In Monaco, MONEGASQUE is the national language, but FRENCH is the only official language because of France’s dominant role in the principality. Monegasque is a dialect of LIGURIAN, similar somewhat to Italian. Because of its speakers’ status as minority, Monegasque (language) was threatened with extinction in the70’s. Meanwhile, ITALIAN, and ENGLISH are also widely spoken, as are SWISS, BELGIAN, GERMAN, and the languages of the rest of Monaco’s minor populace like OCCITAN.
RELIGION
Monaco is largely Christian but adheres to freedom of religions as is stated in the constitution. Roman Catholicism is the official religion of Monaco. There are 5 Catholic parish churches in Monaco and one cathedral. Other main religions are Anglican and Jewish.
ATTRACTIONS
With steep, jagged, and hilly landscapes, Monaco in reality is more a workout than a vacation. There’s nothing VIP about climbing steep steps at all. So why the prestige, glamour, and lure in its VIP holidays? First, let us admit that Monaco, as its capital Monte Carlo, is more than a billionaire’s playground, tax haven, and selected race track for Formula 1 racers. You’ll find more compelling facts about the beauty of this golden and dollar-donned state, where all things are over-priced and people’s smiles will cost you. Natural beauty and warmth is in truth as wealthy as its financial cornucopia, even in Monte Carlo despite its sensationalized wealthy reputation.
In Monte Carlo, there are stunning views of the Mediterranean, rendering the best place for the people, locals and guests alike, to enjoy the foundations of Monacan culture and witness its manifestation in its luxurious structures, such as the Place du Palais that houses the legendary Grimaldis, right here at the spiritual heart where it all happens – Monaco-Ville. Even those on a budget can delight in its first-class public parks, jogging tracks, as well as its seaside for a scenic walk. Speaking of budget, economic accommodations are also available for the tight-fisted traveller . Surprised yet? There’s more.
The Principality of Monaco lies in between the Alps and the Mediterranean Sea, thus having among the best climate in the world. Note that Monaco is bounded by the fanciful French Riviera to the west and the inspiring Italian Riviera to the east. One of the ultimate locations in Monaco to appreciate this is in the serene East, in the resort of Menton that’s been compared to Nice what with its stunning promenade and green parks. On the whole, Monaco has the quiet, finesse of France and the classy, ultra-modernity of Manhattan.
FOOD
There also are a plenty of al fresco cafes and restaurants to lavish in while in Monaco. And when it comes to food, with overindulgence, Monaco has universally superb standards, and that goes for the service as well. The cuisine in general is similar to French but there are specialties in Monaco which include Barbagiuan which is a type of pastry filled with rice and pumpkin and Fougasse, sweet-smelling orange flower pastries adorned with nuts, almonds, and aniseeds. The socca or chick-pea flour pancakes are also enjoyable, as are the stocafi which is dried cod in tomato sauce. Champagne flows as do cash, you’ll see. Everything is practically here in Monaco. With a reputation of being so gallant a place in all aspects, so goes with tipping. Tipping 15% is customary whether or not a 15% service charge has already been added to the bill or not.
***
Josh Boorman
Editor-in-chief
Backpacking Addictz
Twitter: @backpackaddictz
Backpacking Addictz is a website set up by backpackers for the use of backpackers. On this site you will find a lot of very valuable backpacking information surrounding different destinations and countries from around the world. Also very helpful backpacking tips and travel advice on planning a budget travel and backpacking adventure. You will also find an enthusiastic and insightful backpacking blog which is regularly updated with new posts and article.
Backpacking Addictz Travel eGuides are a fantastic, cheap and easy way to get hold of a vast amount of backpacking information prior to setting off on your backpacking adventure.
