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1 - THE PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO
2 - POPULATION
3 - ACCESS
ROUTES AND LINES OF COMMUNICATION
4 - THE
PRINCIPALITY THROUGH THE CENTURIES
5 - ADMINISTRATIVE
STRUCTURE
6 - ECONOMIC
AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
7 - LEGISLATIVE
STRUCTURE
8 - THE
NATIONAL BUDGET
9 - INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
10 - FRANCO-MONEGASQUE
AGREEMENTS
11 - THE
ECONOMY SITUATION
12 - RESOURCES
13 - DEVELOPMENT
14 - THE
COMBAT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING
15 - MAJOR
CONSTRUCTIONS
16 - THE
LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS
17 - THE
ENVIRONMENT
18 - GARDENS
19 - PRESERVATION
OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
20 - CULTURE
21- MAIN
CULTURAL EVENTS
22 - CULTURAL
FACILITIES
23 - INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION
24 - HUMANITARIAN
ACTION
PRINCIPALITY OF MONACO
The
Principality of Monaco,
a small area of 200 ha, lies between France
and the Mediterranean
sea.
Spread out along a narrow, four-kilometre-strip, bounded by the
mountainous foothills of the Tête de Chien and the Mont-Agel. Monaco
constitutes a single commune whose boundaries blend into those of its
larger
neighbour.
Monaco
is composed of five neighbourhoods:
•
Monaco-Ville: the Principality’s 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.
POPULATION
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 France,
Spain,
Italy,
Switzerland,
Germany,
Benelux,
Austria
and England.
From Nice airport, 22 km away, the Principality can be reached in less
than 30 minutes, thanks to a direct link between the motorway and one
of the
main coastal highways. By rail Monaco’s
underground station, inaugurated in December 1999, is situated on the
Marseille-Ventimiglia line. It accommodates 4 500 travellers a day, 9
500 in
the summer.
By
plane «
Nice-Côte d’Azur » airport, 22 km from Monaco,
can be reached by motorway or helicopter. It provides daily connections
between
the Principality and Europe’s
main cities and, from there, on to all continents. Thanks to the
helicopter service, the journey between Monaco
and Nice
Airport
is a mere 6-minute-flight. By sea A modern, coastal town, Monaco
boasts two marinas, equipped to receive boats of different tonnage
Port
Hercule : Boats
up to 130 metres can be moored here.
Extension-work to the port, particularly the construction of the
semi-floating
breakwater, have double the capacity for yachts and cruise ships. Port
of Fontvieille:
A
hundred or so boats can be accommodated
in its 5.5 ha dock.
TOURIST
ATTRACTIONS
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-Dévôte, port Hercule, In Monéghetti :
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 «
Monoïkos » tribe,
from whom the name of Monaco
probably originates.
•
1215: the Ghibellines build a castle on the site of the
present
palace.
•
8
January 1297:
le Guelph François
Grimaldi enters the square by disguising himself as a monk.
•
1489: the King of France Charles VII and the Duke of Savoy
acknowledge Monaco’s
independence.
•
14
September 1641:
Honoré II and the King
of France Louis XII sign the Treaty of Péronne. The Prince of
Monaco receives
the « Lands of France »: the duchy of the Valentinois, the
viscounty of Carlat,
and the marquisate of the Baux with the seigniory of Saint-Rémy,
in Provence.
•
1793: the Principality is joined to the French
Republic
under the name of « Fort
Hercule
». This is the period of the revolution and the Empire, the
Prince’s
family is arrested, its wealth dispersed, and the Palace transformed
into a
beggars’ dump.
•
1814: the Treaty of Paris re-establishes the Grimaldi
family
and all its rights.
•
1815: the second treaty of Paris
of 20 November
places the Principality under the protection of the king of Sardinia
(Treaty of Stupinigi of
8 November 1817.)
•
1856: « la Société des Bains de Monaco
» is created, which will
become the « Société des Bains de Mer et du Cercle
des Etrangers. »
•
2
February 1861:
Prince Charles III
abandons his rights to Menton and Roquebrune. The Principality finds
total and
definitive independence once again.
•
1865: customs agreement with France.
The French and Monegasque territories, including their territorial
waters, form
a customs union (there is no border between the two countries). The
Casino is
opened.
•
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 France
is approved in 1919 by the signatory powers of the Treaty of
Versailles. France
undertakes to defend the Principality’s independence, sovereignty
and
territorial integrity.
•
1923: birth of Prince Rainier III.
•
1929: 1st Automobile
Grand Prix of Monaco.
• 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 France
(Neighbourhood convention on mutual administrative assistance with France);
VAT is established; the Principality equips itself with a television
station:
Télé Monte-Carlo is inaugurated on 18 November.
• 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 France.
• 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 Grimaldi
dynasty’s 700th Anniversary.
•
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 France
•
2005 : 19 November, Coronation of HSH Prince Albert II
ADMINISTRATIVE
STRUCTURE
The
Principality of Monaco is an independent, Sovereign
State
within
the framework of the general
principles of international law and special conventions with France.
The territory of the Principality is inalienable. The Constitution
of 17
December 1962 (« Constitution of 17 December 1962 and
Organic Texts »,
published by the National Council, revised by Act 1249 of 2 april
2002), defines
the nature of the Government of the Principality as an Hereditary,
Constitutional Monarchy: the power of the Sovereign and his
Government must
be exercised within the framework of the Constitution, whose rules take
precedence over all institutions except international treaties. 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
AND SOCIAL STRUCTURE
•
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 Monaco
enjoys a particular status established by the Constitution, another
equally strong constitutional principal (part of the freedom and
fundamental
rights for all guaranteed by the Supreme Court) is religious
freedom. Several
religious denominations therefore exist in Monaco.
•
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 Monaco
had already instituted representative councils. Members of the National
Council
are elected by direct universal suffrage. They vote on the laws and the
annual
budget of the State. The Prince has the right to dissolve the National
Council and
to bring about new elections. As far as External Relations are
concerned, the
National Council is required to put forward its opinion prior to the
ratification of a number of treaties, particularly those that will
change any
existing Law. The number of National Counsellors rose from 18 to 24
following
the 2002 Constitutional amendment. Two thirds of them are elected by a
majority
non-splitting vote system, whilst the remaining third are voted by a
system of
proportional representation amongst the various lists, enabling all
political
persuasions to be represented. Counsellors are elected from a list by
direct
universal suffrage, for a term of five years, by Monegasques of at
least 18
years of age (prior to the reformation the civil majority age was fixed
at 21
years). The National Council meets twice a year for an ordinary
session; the
duration of each session cannot exceed three months. Proceedings are
published
in the Official Journal: the «Journal de Monaco». In
February 2003 Mr Stéphane
Valéri was elected President of the National Council. The
National council • 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.
LEGISLATIVE
STRUCTURE
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).
THE
NATIONAL BUDGET
•
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.
INTERNATIONAL
RELATIONS
The
Government has always strived to
develop and reinforce its relations with the international community. Monaco
has been a member of the UN since 1993, and a member of the Council of
Europe
since 5
October 2004.
The Principality is
also a member of various international organisations and institutions:
• UN
specialised institutions, such as: - International Atomic Energy
Agency
(I.A.E.A.); - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural
Organisation
(U.N.E.S.C.O.); - Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty Organisation -
World
Intellectual Property Organisation (W.I.P.O.); - World Health
Organisation
(W.H.O.) etc. • Inter-governmental organisations, such as: -
International Commission for the Scientific Exploration of the
Mediterranean
Sea (I.C.S.E.M.); - International Hydrographic Organisation (I.H.O.); -
International Criminal Police Organisation (OCPO – Interpol) etc.
FRANCO-MONEGASQUE
AGREEMENTS
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 24th
October 2002,
designed to
adapt and to reinforce relations of friendship and co-operation between
the
Principality of Monaco and France. The Treaty itself is an update on
the
previous one dating from 17th July and is currently in the process of
being
ratified. The main points of the new Convention: - Public sector
employment
will be absorbed by Monegasque citizens, but French nationals will have
priority with regard to any remaining unfilled positions; -
Furthermore,
Monegasque citizens will have access to positions within the French
civil
service under the same conditions as all citizens of the European Union
member
states; - Public figures chosen to be appointed as senior civil
servants will
be afforded equal trust by both States, with respect to the areas
affecting
their fundamental interests; 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 21st
September 1949,
which deals with mutual judicial assistance with regard to both civil
and penal matters. 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 Monaco.
THE
ECONOMY SITUATION
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 Monaco’s
thriving economy is the high level of security surrounding both people
and
property. Safety is a reality of life in the Principality, thanks to
strong
political convictions and effective preventive measures. Lastly, Monaco’s
choice of a gentle tax regime is particularly favourable to the
harmonious
development of its companies.
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, Monaco
has equipped itself with infrastructures that favour its development
thanks to
a strong policy of public investment that represented 34 % of state
budget in
2001. The results of this policy are witnessed through a growth in the
number
of employees in the private sector from 16 500 in 1985 to 38 773 in
2004.
Overall, Monaco
has 42 000 jobs for 32 000 inhabitants and every day 25 000 French
nationals and 3 200 Italians come to work in the Principality. The
Principality
is an exceptionally multicultural environment with 125 different
nationalities
represented. The country enjoys a calm social climate. This dynamic,
highly
qualified workforce lies at the heart of Monaco’s
prosperity.
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.
Monaco’s
banking and finance sector, with more than 60 establishments, is
experiencing strong, steady growth in a market essentially driven by
private
banking and characterised by precision and confidentiality. Still
growing,
tourism represents 13 % of the economy. In 2002, hotels were occupied
to 64 %
of capacity and business tourism made up 31 % of overnight stays. To
accommodate this growing demand, the Principality has recently become
equipped
with a 55 000 m2 conference
centre, the Grimaldi Forum Monaco.
Real estate and construction have played an indispensable role in the
country’s
economy for a long time now. Still representing 8,2 % of Monegasque
turnover,
this sector is benefiting fully from the current move towards
large-scale
development.
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 Monaco
ideal testing ground for new products. One example is Monaco Telecom,
who started live tests on UMTS in December 2001. For major distributors
like
Carrefour and FNAC, Monaco
is also the perfect pilot market. Leading industries like
pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are strongly represented in the
Principality,
particularly due to the presence of a skilled workforce and exceptional
security conditions. Biotherm, Lancaster and Exsymol are some examples
of
laboratories established in Monaco.
The construction industry is another important sector. Due to the
specific
requirements of local construction (anti-seismic standards, polders,
sky
scrapers etc.), building companies have acquired unrivalled knowledge
in
certain fields such as underwater and underground construction.
Technology,
particularly in the field of security, is also at the cutting-edge of
progress.
As for luxury, it finds its « natural » home in Monaco.
Although Monaco’s 4 500 companies cover a variety of sectors,
they all have
something in common - the provision of excellence, a quality that gives
them a
strong position in the face of competition. They all contribute to
making Monaco
a successful role model.
DEVELOPMENT
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, Monaco
has become a successful financial market and a major destination for
business
tourism, while creating an economic backdrop that is dynamic,
innovative and
competitive. Since its entry into the modern era, the Principality
of Monaco
has never ceased to move forward despite its natural limitations, showing
surprising, if not amazing, growth. There is no denying that the
progress of companies in Monaco
has not gone unnoticed. In 1992, at the Conference of Rio, the
Sovereign Prince
outlined the Principality’s future direction when he made a
commitment in
favour of sustainable development. Monaco
continues to evolve with daily concern for the environment. The
railways have
been moved underground and homes, offices and gardens will soon occupy
the
reclaimed land. Another example is the evolution in the choice of means
of
transport within the town, influenced by a strong desire to find clean
energy
sources. With the same concern for development, the Principality
was
equipped in 2000 with a conference centre allowing it to host several
economic
and cultural events at the same time within the pleasant surroundings
of the
Grimaldi Forum Monaco.
Similarly, the Principality will be able to accommodate more yachts
and cruise ships thanks to the extension to Port Hercule, with the
construction
of a unique, semi-floating breakwater.
THE
COMBAT AGAINST MONEY LAUNDERING
The
Principality of Monaco
has, for many years, been committed to combating money laundering and
it has
reinforced its means to do so by
way of
Sovereign Order nr. 11.246 of 12th
April 1994,
amended by
Sovereign Order nr. 15.454 of 8th
August 2002,
creating a
specialist government unit: SICCFIN (Financial Circuits
Information and
Control Department). In 1995, SICCFIN became a member of the EGMONT
Group, whose
task is to strengthen international cooperation between various
anti-money
laundering units by promoting the exchange of information among
members. It
thus became the 7th member state. The Egmont Group currently comprises
more
than 100 countries. SICCFIN, in its capacity as representative of Monaco,
is also a member of the Moneyval Committee of the Council of Europe and
regional FATF; this committee ensures that member states have effective
systems
in force to counter money-laundering and terrorist financing, by
implementing
methodology in conjunction with the FATF and the IMF. A first on-site
evaluation was carried out in the Principality in April 2002 by the IMF
and a
second in October 2002 by Moneyval. Both assessments showed the systems
applied
were adequate and satisfactory. In early 2004 SICCFIN set up its own
website
(www.siccfin.gouv.mc) on which all legal and regulatory texts are
available, in
addition to general information and activity reports. ITS MISSION
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 7
July 1993.
To be more precise: •
it has access to banking documents and information; • it has the
right, on the
basis of documents, to carry out on-site verification; • it has a
right of
opposition which allows it to suspend a transaction for a period of up
to 12
hours. • it can, on the basis of documents, take the following
on-the-spot
action: - carry out any necessary checks, - conduct
interviews with
the directors or representatives of financial organisations as well as
with any
person likely to supply it with information about the affairs in
question . - make sure that internal procedures are put in
place,
particularly
concerning information and training. Lastly, it is the SICCFIN’s
responsibility
to carry out: • inspections of the surveillance systems
in place within
financial institutions to track down laundering and the funding of
terrorism. Monaco
also reinforced its links with the FATF in 2002 (Financial
Action Task Force on Money Laundering), particularly through the
Euro
Monetary Convention. Thus, in accordance with the FATF’s six
recommendations, the obligation to make a declaration to the SICCFIN
applies to
all sums and transactions likely to be linked to terrorism. NB:
the
framework within which these inspections are carried out is defined by
the
Sovereign Decree no.11.160 of 24
January 1994
and by the
modified Sovereign Decree no.11.246 of 12
April 1994.
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 3rd
November 2003.
The Protocol on
firearms and weapons is in the process of being ratified, ♦ becoming
a
member of the Council of Europe
Convention on laundering, search, seizure and confiscation of the
proceeds from crime,
established in Strasbourg
on 8th
November 1990,
♦ signing,
ratifying and enforcing in Monaco
by
way of Sovereign Order nr. 15.319 of 8th
April 2002
the United Nations Convention on the financing of terrorism;
its
provisions were transformed into national law by way of Sovereign
Orders nr.
15.320 and nr. 15.321 of 8th
April 2002
NB: the Monetary
Convention relating to the introduction of the Euro within the
Principality
which was signed in December 2001, includes a section on the combat
against
money-laundering. 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
MAJOR
CONSTRUCTIONS
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 stat
The tunnellers crossed 200-million-yeargeological formations.
1993
- 1999 The new station
540 m long, 22 m wide et 13
535 000 m3 of
excavations
200 000 tons of concrete
200 tons of explosives
used
a building site of almost 200 work
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 to
C* 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, 2 exhibiti8200 m²
Grimaldi Forum Monaco
THE
LATEST ACHIEVEMENTS
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 (SNCF’s
rejects) » 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 Monaco
was built on the site of one of the two platforms built over the sea
during the
first deviation of the railway. A distinctive feature of this
resolutely modern Cultural and Exhibition Centre is that it
is built
two-thirds below
sea level – another example of technical innovation. It
houses 70 000 m²
of floor space on 10 levels, with a 1 900-seat amphitheatre hosting
operas, ballets, concerts and conferences; another 800-seat
amphitheatre for
meetings; a 700 m-stage; 5-metre high semi-circular arches for operatic
performances; a 4 200 m² exhibition hall and another of 3 700
m²; 13 meeting
rooms which can be configured to suit as they are modular. 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 Fort
Antoine
to
which a 145-metre-long inner jetty in
prestressed concrete has been added, built at the Chantiers de la
Ciotat,
supported at the ground end by the pier wall and at the sea end by a
support
chassis, and a semi-floating breakwater. The semi-floating
breakwater
was built in a single piece in Algeciras,
near the Rock of Gibraltar. 352 metres long and 19 metres high, it
was brought to Monaco
during the summer of 2002, following a
900-nautical-mile-journey. It is linked to the platform, below Fort
Antoine,
by a metal ball-and-socket weighing 700 tons, built in Creusot. A
technique called « mur d’eau fixe », for
which Monaco
has registered the patent, ensures the stability of the outer harbour.
The mur
d’eau fixe technique consists of mobilising the inertia
of the water
mass situated between the side of a chamber (in this case the
breakwater) and
the seabed, which is then transformed into a “wall” against
which the
incidental swell is reflected.
THE
ENVIRONMENT
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. MONACO,
A CLEAN CITY 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 • Monaco
is autonomous in collecting and processing waste that can be
incinerated except when incineration poses a threat to security or to
the
environment. •
Large waste, residue from
incineration and toxic waste are removed and processed outside the
Principality. Water purification Following the pre-processing
stage
carried out by the council, the Usine de Traitement des Eaux
Usées (UTER) (Water purification factory), part of
the Compagnie
Monégasque des
Eaux (Monegasque water company) takes over the purification.
However,
various public and private companies are entrusted with the work that
requires
invoicing, such as cleaning the waterways and air conditioning
networks. PRESERVATION
OF THE NATURAL HERITAGE (GARDENS
AND GREEN SPACES) The Principality of Monaco
offers an example of the balance between urban development and the
conservation
of green spaces, showing
this natural
site to its full advantage. This natural heritage, a target for
conservation,
offers an exceptional quality of life. Some history In the
past, the
vegetation of the Principality, like other towns in the South-East of France,
was mainly composed of olive trees, citrus fruits, pine trees and
cypress
trees. During the XIX century, thanks to various scientific expeditions
as well
as to many enthusiasts, an impressive variety of Mediterranean
and exotic species was
introduced, giving rise to magnificent gardens, faithfully maintained
to this
day.
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 Monaco,
to maintaining plantations and to the protection against fire
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 26
february 1991
the European
Oceanological Observatory (EOO). • The EOO of the CSM is
recognised by
the international scientific community, and works with the best
Italian,
American, Israeli and Japanese laboratories, among others.
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 Red
Sea
species.
Agreements •
Monaco
played a leading role in the creation and functioning of agreements
such as RAMOGE or ACCOBAMS. With its Mediterranean neighbours, it works
for the
prevention of threats, in order to create a sanctuary for marine life,
and
safeguard its habitat and species. • Monaco
funds 10% of the annual budget of about 150 000 euros. The RAMOGE
Agreement, (Saint-Raphael - Monaco
- Genoa.)
•
1976: the agreement is signed. France, Italy and
Monaco collect information and discuss
ways of
preventing and fighting marine pollution in the coastal areas of
Provence Alpes
Côte-d’Azur, the Principality of Monaco and Liguria • 1981:
the
agreement is brought into force • 1993: the agreement is
reinforced by
the RAMOGEPOL plan (the combat against accidental marine pollution and
oil
tanker risks). • 2003: an updated version of the Ramoge
agreement is
signed which is still in force today in France
and Monaco
• 2005: a new RAMOGEPOL plan. Cooperation regarding air
surveillance. The task force in charge of preventing pollution (oil
tanker
risks) reinforces its efforts with the aim of becoming an
«experimental
laboratory» to test certain programmes. ACCOBAMS This
concerns an
agreement for the Conservation of the Cetaceans in the Black
Sea,
the Mediterranean
and the adjacent
Atlantic zone.
GARDENS
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 Europe
(excluding so-called “peri-urban” parks).
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. • 13
february 1933:
the Jardin Exotique was officially inaugurated by Prince Louis II. •
Nowadays, more than 150.000 visitors per year walk inside
the
largest rockery of succulent plants in the world.
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 JAPANESE GARDENS It
was designed by a Japanese architect in 1990 and opened in 1994.
Situated by the Grimaldi Forum Monaco,
this garden is a true haven of peace composed of cascades and ponds,
shingle
beaches, belvederes, bamboo fences, and a teahouse. The acclimatization
of
these plants and shrubs brought back from the Nara
plain or from
the outskirts of Kyoto
is a wonderful achievement.
PRESERVATION
OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT
Preservation
of the marine environment is a traditional part of the
Principality’s environmental aspirations.
SITUATION Monaco
is located at the heart of the Mediterranean
– Black
Sea
region. Its maritime area stretches from the coastline (3.3 km) to 12
nautical miles (22.22 km); namely 73.3392 km2 of
territorial waters. The waters extend into an
“ecologically protected” area, recognized in an agreement
signed by Prince
Rainier III and President Miterrand on 16th February
1984.
The area of 220.0176 km2 entitles
the Principality to the exclusive use of resources from this
area out to 36 miles at sea.
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 Monaco
had become a successful tourism destination, it was able to develop
thanks to
the transportation of materials by sea. • It was Prince Albert Ist,
the oceanographic prince, who positioned
the Principality firmly on the path to its scientific and maritime
destiny. •
Prince Albert Ist was
the first to explore the seabed from july 1885 to may 1915, and to
invent
instruments needed to collect different species. • To ensure that
his work
would not be lost, the Prince created the Oceanographic Foundation and
two
establishments: the Oceanographic
Museum,
opened on 29 march 1910, and the Oceanographic Institute, on 23
january 1911.
• We owe to Prince Albert 1st,
the first measurements of light penetration into the sea, the first
continuous coastal surveillance programme and, and on a more practical
level,
the first water purification network in Europe.
• At the end of the XXth century,
the sea was in danger and the Monegasque marine heritage
exposed to risks from the open sea. Global warming, oil transport, the
risk of
oil slicks, the need to extend land into the sea to the detriment of
the
original shore were all reasons for Monaco to react and equip itself
with
suitable tools. And so HSH the Sovereign Prince continues the work of
his
grandfather, with the oceanographic Museum as its showcase. •
Initiated by Prince Albert Ist to
enable the public to benefit from his research and scientific
discoveries, the museum was opened on 29 march 1910 and
exhibited
tropical fish in 1931, a first in Europe.
• From 1957 to 1988, it was directed by Captain Jacques-Yves
Cousteau. Today it is directed by Prof Jean Jaubert. • The
museum was
built on three levels with a surface area of 3 000m2;
its imposing façade was constructed
along a 100m wide cliff face, 85 m above the sea. Because of its
structure, the
museum has a unique aquarium of 90 tanks in two different zones, Mediterranean
sea
and tropical
seas. • A total of 6 000 specimens make up this vivid collection;
350 species
of fish, 200 species of invertebrates and a hundred or so corals live
in this
ecosystem. The fauna of the Mediterranean
Sea,
with at least a hundred of the
species of fish alive, constitutes a noteworthy collection.
CULTURE
Successive
Princes, important patrons of the arts,
who were convinced of the rewards of intense cultural activity, gave Monaco
the necessary infrastructures and means for its cultural
development. In
order to maintain Monaco’s position as an international
cultural metropolis,
and because culture is a powerful economic vehicle for a sovereign
state,
the government provides, through the funds it allocates to this domain
(circa
4.68 % of the total state budget – 30 Millions euros) constant
support to
cultural institutions. In this way, it favours their growth, while
allowing
them to diversify their programming to a maximum.
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 19th November
2005.
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 Monaco 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,
Hélène Carrère 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 Monaco
on 17
december 1966.
Every year, three
prizes are awarded with
the aim to
encourage contemporary creation:
a Literature Prize
(1951);
a Musical Composition Prize (1960);
a Modern Art Prize
(1965). 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.
MAIN CULTURAL EVENTS
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 Fort Antoine This
festival offers performances every year from july to september.
Since 2001 the Cultural Affairs Division has had the pleasure of
offering
open-air performances in public places, squares and gardens, bringing
new
spaces to life.
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 Europe.
Through
this subscription, the Principality contributes to the
objectives of the Council of Europe, namely, increasing public
awareness of the
multicultural nature of our heritage, for better understanding between
the
peoples of Europe.
In 1996, Monaco
participated for the first time in the European Heritage Days.
Monaco Dance
Forum (MDF) Presided
over by HRH Princess of
Hanover, the MDF, opened in 2000, takes place every two years
in
december.
CULTURAL
FACILITIES
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 Monaco
was created to host international art exhibitions.
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
Galéa, - 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 11th
June 2004
relating to the mutual recognition of artistic higher education
programmes (specialized in plastic arts).
INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
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,
Monaco
has placed particular focus on promoting environmentally-friendly
development
programmes. It also helps to combat world poverty and strives to
improve Health
and Education in the wake of the United Nations Millennium Development
Goals.
The Bureau of International Cooperation is responsible in particular
for: -
identifying, establishing and monitoring (technically and financially)
cooperation programmes in the fields of the environment and
development; -
co-ordinating joint action with Monegasque Non-Governmental
Organisations (NGO)
that are active internationally, and managing the funds that are
allocated to
them; - following through international Conventions within the fields
of the
environment and development. After becoming a member of the UN in 1993,
the
Principality reinforced its policy of bilateral cooperation, by
supporting
reforestation programmes in Lebanon
and the preservation of nature reserves in Bulgaria.
In 1998, measures to foster international cooperation with regard to
the
Environment and Development were introduced, enabling the Principality
to
strengthen its position internationally on the long-term and to
establish
closer ties with various Mediterranean
and African countries. Since 2003, the Bureau of International
Cooperation
has been responsible for specific activities in accordance with the
Principality’s policy for international cooperation. In 2004, the
Bureau
carried out about thirty projects in 18 countries, mainly in the Mediterranean
and African regions.
The total cost for these activities amounted to 1,163,000 euros,
whereas the
global Official Development Assistance (ODA) of the Government was
2,290,000
euros for the same period. The African continent is the main
beneficiary of
Monegasque financial aid, receiving 63.8% of all funds, 76.9% of the
ODA was
allocated to French-speaking countries. Potential new plans of
cooperation with Burkina
Faso,
in addition to other various projects and action plans were discussed
at the Xth Summit
of Francophone Heads of State and Governments and are currently under
consideration. Coordination of synergy with Monegasque NGOs continues.
In 2004,
four projects were carried out in conjunction with: - AMADE to set up
professional training workshops in Senegal;
- Monaco Aide et Présence (MAP) to rehabilitate a palm grove in Morocco;
- The Monegasque Red Cross and Mission Enfance to build a centre for
disabled
children in Morocco;
- Mission Enfance to construct a school in Niger.
The Principality’s efforts of cooperation partly depend on the
development of
its technical skills. Certain projects offer government departments the
opportunity of getting involved in their technical supervision and of
sharing
know-how and skills within the framework of training programmes. An
increase in
such synergy was noted in 2004.
HUMANITARIAN
ACTION
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 Madagascar,
Chile,
Senegal
and Morocco.
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