Monaco: A French Speaking Country

Location: Monaco is bordered on three sides by France (north, south, and west) and to the east is the Mediterranean. Monaco also lies on the northern coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Its' coordinates are 43° 43′ 58″ N, 7° 25′ 11″ E.

Capital: Interestingly enough, Monaco has no Capital. In fact, Monaco is a City State, with only one city within its miniscule presence (1.95 square kilometers). However, Given that Monaco is Sovereignty monarchy, the location of the crown family is a suitable place of mention. Monaco Ville is an old fortified town that houses Palais Princier (Prince's Palace).

Religion: Monaco has a unique religious structure. It declares itself as an official Roman Catholic state, with most of its population being Roman Catholic. But it does not enforce any single religion with "stringent force." One is free to believe whatever one wants. But do not expect many churches to have been established. There are only three religions that have established their faith in Monaco. The Catholic Church consists of 90 percent of the population and has 5 parish churches, as well as one Cathedral. The Anglican community consists of 135 residential members and many more temporary members (tourists), with one church established. The Jewish population is approximately 1500 strong and has one Synagogue, as well as an entire Jewish community established in Monte Carlo. This community contains a Hebrew market, School as well as the Synagogue I mentioned above.

Three main Ethnic Groups populate Monaco: French (47%) Monegasque (16%) Italian (16%). The remaining 21% are made up of peoples from up to 125 different nationalities.

Actually very little political or historical influence would have been required to cement French culture into Monaco. Since the two nations border one another and Monaco is about a thousandth of France's size, it would've taken little or no interaction between the two to allow French to develop completely within Monaco. If not that, the fact that France is required to protect and provide military support for Monaco may also support this thesis. Historically, France has also occupied Monaco several times through the ages, most notably the French Revolution and several Coups/Treaties with France.