Monte Carlo (Monaco)

Monte Carlo is Monaco's capital city and principal port located on Mediterranean Sea. By territory (2 km2 / 0,8 mi2), Monaco is the world's second-smallest country (preceding only Vatican City in Rome Italy). The country's total population is around 40,000, while Monte Carlo's population is around 3,500 ("metro" around 15,000). Monaco's land border length is 5,5 km (3,4 mi), its coastline is 4 km (2,4 mi), its maritime boundary extends 22 km (14 mi) into the sea.

Porto Venere/Port Monaco (locode MCMON) is a natural harbor that houses two large marinas (leisure boats and yachts-mooring facilities) and has a dedicated pier for berthing cruise ships and superyachts.

The country's territory was previously part of Roman and Greek colonies. In the early-14th century, the House of Grimaldi (1160-founded) bought Monaco from Genoa (Repubblica di Genova/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, 1863-founded). 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 the 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 the 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).