Monaco

The name Monaco originated form Monoikos, the Greek surname for mythological hero Hercules. From the moment of its foundation Monaco was independent territory, but in 1793 it got under the control of France, some time later under Sardinia's protection. According to a 1918 treaty, Monaco will become an autonomous state under French protection if the ruling dynasty died out. The marriage of the world's most eligible bachelor, Prince Rainier III, to the American actress Grace Kelly proved the reputation of Monaco as a symbol of glamour in the world. People of Monaco loved and fully adored the Princess Grace won the respect. She died in 1982 in a car accident.

Monaco's practice of providing a tax shelter for French businessmen resulted in a 1962 dispute between the countries. The country became a member of the United Nations in May 1993. In 1997 huge celebrations were held in honour of the 700th anniversary of the Grimaldi reign. Europe's longest-reigning monarch Prince Rainier died on April 6, 2005 and Prince Albert II succeeded him.