The Principality of Monaco is a constitutional monarchy and city-state located on the French Riviera between the Mediterranean Sea and France. It is one of six microstates located in Europe.

The Principality of Monaco is the second-smallest independent state in the world, after Vatican City. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, 18 kilometers (11 mi) east of Nice and near the Italian border. It is surrounded on three sides by France (Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Région). It consists of a narrow strip along the coast at the bottom of the foothills of the Alps and its highest point is "Le Rocher" at 141 meters (459 ft).

The principality is noted for its natural scenery and mild, sunny climate. The average minimum temperature in January and February is 8°C (47 °F); in July and August the average maximum temperature is 26 °C (78 °F).

Monaco is a narrow coastal strip. Its physical geography includes a long beach and steep cliffs that rise vertically upwards to heights of 63 meters (206 ft) above sea level

Administrative division

The distinction between State and City of Monaco is purely theoretical. The state in fact consists of one municipality (commune) only. According to the constitution of 1911, the principality was subdivided into three municipalities:

Monaco (Monaco-Ville, the old city on a rocky promontory extending into the Mediterranean, known as the Rock of Monaco, or simply le Rocher (the rock), where the palace is located.

Monte Carlo, the principal residential and resort area with the casino in the east and northeast

La Condamine, the northwest section including the port area.

The three municipalities were merged into one in 1917 (after accusations that the government was acting according to the motto "divide and conquer"), and they had the status of wards (quartiers) thereafter.

Fontvieille was added as fourth ward, a newly constructed area reclaimed from the sea (in the 1970s).

Moneghetti became the fifth ward, created from a part of La Condamine.

Larvotto became the sixth ward, created from a part of Monte Carlo.

La Rousse/Saint Roman (including Le Ténao) became the seventh ward, also created from a part of Monte Carlo.

Subsequently, three additional wards were created:

Saint Michel, from a part of Monte Carlo

La Colle, from a part of La Condamine

Les Révoires, from a part of La Condamine

An additional ward is planned by new land reclamation, to be settled from 2014:

Le Portier

Currently the principality is subdivided into 10 wards (with their official numbers - Le Portier, the planned ward, is anticipated as number 11).