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,

it’s 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. http://data.worldbank.org/indicator/NY.GDP.MKTP.CD

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 (Mone-gah-ske)

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 directly appeal 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 video to learn about France’s social,

economic, and military power! Thanks for watching Seeker Daily, don’t forget to like and subscribe

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