Monaco

As I wrote in one of the previous posts, my list of missing European countries is getting smaller and smaller. Talking about "bigger" countries I still miss Slovakia and Albania, Luxembourg and Lichtenstein, so if you know anyone able to send written and stamped card from one of these countries, I'm open for suggestions. Here comes another brand new country in my postcard collection - Monaco!

The Principality of Monaco is a tiny sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera, bordered by France on three sides and one side bordering Mediterranean Sea. It has an area of 1.98 km2 , and a population of approximately  36,000, making Monaco the second smallest, and the most densely populated country in the world. It is divided in 5 Quartiers and 10 Wards.

Monaco has been governed under a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as head of state ( currently Prince Albert II ). Even though Prince Albert II is a constitutional monarch, he still has immense political power. 

Despite Monaco's independence and separate foreign policy, its defense is the responsibility of France. However, Monaco does maintain two small military units, totaling 255 officers and men .

One of Monaco's main sources of income is tourism. Each year many are attracted to its casino and pleasant climate. Interesting, Monaco's own citizens are not allowed to gamble in the casino.

Many, many thanks to Mata, who visited Monaco and found some time to send a couple of postcards. She even used Europa Cept 2012 stamp. I like it quite a lot!