Monaco is a small sovereign city-state located in Western Europe on the French Riviera along the Mediterranean Sea. It is bordered by France on three sides and has a coastline on the Mediterranean Sea to the south. Monaco lies near the Italian Riviera, about 13 kilometers east of Nice, France, and roughly 20 kilometers from the Italian border. Despite its tiny size of around 2.02 square kilometers, it is known for its luxury lifestyle, casinos, and status as a tax haven. Monaco is the second smallest country in the world after Vatican City and is the most densely populated sovereign state.
The official language is French, and Monaco's government is a semi- constitutional monarchy headed by Prince Albert II. Its location makes it part of the picturesque French Riviera (Côte d'Azur), and it is a prominent tourist and business hub.
