Monaco Country

Introduction
Live the high life in the favourite playground of Europe's movers and shakers. There's no getting around it. The Principality of Monaco is all about money - making it, spending it and flaunting it. A short stroll along the harbour, where some of the world's most expensive and most luxurious yachts are moored will have your eyes popping out of their sockets at the shameless, unadulterated wealth on display.

Destination Facts
Capital: Monaco-Ville
Prince: Prince Albert II
Minister of State: Jean-Paul Proust
Government: Constitutional monarchy
Time zone: GMT +1
Area: 1.95
Population: 32150
Currency: Euro (€)
Country Dialing Code: 377

Getting there and away
The shoulder seasons - April/May and September/October - are the most pleasant times to visit Monaco. Summer (June to August) can be very hot, and you'll be pressing flesh with most of Europe. Winter is a better bet. It may be a bit rainy but it's unlikely to be too cold. Car-racing fans will probably want to be here either in January for the Monte Carlo Rally or May for the Grand Prix.

Buses run from all over Monaco to the surrounding French countryside. The train station in La Condamine runs a frequent service to Nice, 20 minutes away, and it's an easy day trip. If you want to arrive in style, HeliAir Monaco will bring you by helicopter from Nice airport.

Getting around
Monaco's urban bus system has six lines, and will take you to all the tourist spots. If you want to get back to your hotel after 21:00, however, you'll need to catch a taxi. Be impressed by the escalators and public lifts linking city streets.

Weather
Monaco enjoys mild Mediterranean weather, with days of sunshine (an average 300 per year) and nights cooled by breezes from the sea. Summer averages of 21° C (70° F) heat up to 26° C (79° F) during July and August. Autumn has wonderful weather, averaging 15 to 21° C (60 to 70° F) and clear skies through to winter. From December through to January, daytime temperatures subside to a range of 8-12° C (46-54° F).