Monte Carlo (Monaco)

Monte Carlo is Monaco's capital and port city located on Mediterranean Sea. By territory (2 km2 / 0,8 ml2), Monaco is world's second smallest country (preceding only Vatican City in Rome Italy). Country's total population is around 40,000, while city's population is around 3,500 ("metro" around 15,000). Monaco's land border length is 5,5 km (3,4 ml), its coastline is 4 km (2,4 ml), its maritime boundary extends 22 km (14 ml) into the sea.

The territory of Monaco was previously part of Roman and Greek colonies. In early-14th century, the House of Grimaldi (founded in 1160 AD) bought Monaco from Republic of Genoa (1005-1797) and established a new state. A 50-year concession for Monte Carlo's casino gaming rooms was granted in 1861. Since 1898, the concession right is given to the private company "Societe des Bains de Mer de Monaco" aka SBM (Monaco Sea Bath Society, founded in 1863). The company is publicly traded and Monaco's government has the majority stake.

Monte Carlo is also along France's Cote d'Azur (French Riviera), located at the base of France's Alpes-Maritimes department. Close to city's western end is the world-famous Place du Casino (officially Casino de Monte-Carlo, built 1861) which is part of a complex also including Opera de Monte-Carlo (Salle Garnier Theatre, opened in 1879). Nearby are also the famous Hotel de Paris and Cafe de Paris. Quarter's eastern part includes Larvotto (village with country's only public beach), Grimaldi Forum (convention center), Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort. Quarter's eastern border is with France (Beausoleil, aka Monte-Carlo-Superieur).

Monte Carlo is world's only city known as "casino" and one of Europe's leading resort destinations. The list of other French Riviera ports also includes Antibes, Bandol, Cannes, Cassis, Marseille, Sanary-sur-Mer, St Raphael, St Tropez, Toulon, Villefranche-sur-Mer (Nice).