Monaco, officially the Principality of Monaco, is a sovereign city-state and microstate on the French Riviera a few kilometres west of the Italian region of Liguria, in Western Europe. The principality is governed under a form of constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II as head of state. Although Prince Albert II is a constitutional monarch, he wields immense political power; the Minister of State is the head of government. The officeholder can be either a Monégasque or French citizen; the monarch consults with the Government of France before an appointment.
The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco, with brief interruptions, since 1297. The state’s sovereignty was officially recognised by the Franco-Monégasque Treaty of 1861, with Monaco becoming a full United Nations voting member in 1993. Despite Monaco’s independence and separate foreign policy, its defence is the responsibility of France. However, Monaco does maintain two small military units.
Articles
- 1967Stamps: Monaco Stamps
- A Stamp A Day: Monaco #C16 (1947)
- Philatelic Database: Stamps of Monaco: 33rd Monte Carlo Rally (1963)
- Philatelic Database: Stamps of Monaco: Europa Issue (1966)
- Philatelic Database: Stamps of Monaco: Wedding of Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly (1956)
- Stamp Forgeries: Forged Stamps of Monaco
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YouTube
- Conversations with Philatelists: Episode 33 – The Club De Monte Carlo with Patrick Maselis
- France & Colonies Philatelic Society
- Ted Talks Stamps: Episode 33 – Unboxing #6 (Pt. 2) – Croatia and Monaco Mixtures