Monaco, a sovereign nation and French protectorate since 1861, has developed a constitutional monarchy, with executive, legislative and judicial branches of government.

Monaco became a sovereign nation in 1861, but has remained a French protectorate. A portion of the Treaty of Versailles (1918) required Monaco's international policies to align with French political, military and economic interests. A treaty signed by France and Monaco in 2002 acknowledges if there are no heirs to carry on the dynasty, the Principality will remain an independent country instead of reverting back to France.

Political System

The Principality of Monaco is considered a constitutional monarchy, with the seat of government centered in the capital city, Monaco. The country's sovereignty was officially recognized by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861. The national holiday is National Day (St. Rainier's Day), celebrated on November 19.

Monaco's current constitution was originally adopted on December 17, 1962. The document allows for universal suffrage at 18 years of age.

Administrative Regions

The Principality of Monaco has no administrative regions, and the distinction between the city and country are purely theoretical. There are however, four traditional quarters (districts) and 10 wards:

Quarters

• Fontvieille
• La Condamine
• Monaco-Ville
• Monte-Carlo

Wards

• Fontvielle
• La Colle
• La Condamine
• La Rousse/Saint Roman
• Lavrotto/Bas Moulins
• Les Revoires
• Monaco-Ville
• Moneghetti/Bd de Belgique
• Monte Carlo/Spelugues
• Saint Michel

Due to new land reclamation, an eleventh ward, Le Portier, is planned for settlement in 2014.

Executive Branch

Prince Albert II is Monaco's chief of state, assuming the position on April 6, 2005.

The head of government is the Minister of State, appointed by the monarch from a list of three French national candidates presented by the French government. Jean-Paul Proust, the current Minister of State, began his official duties on June 1, 2005.

Monaco's Cabinet is known as the Council of Government, under the authority of the monarch. The current ministers are:

• External Relations - Jean Pastorelli
• Facilities, Urban Planning and Environment - Robert Calcagno
• Finance and Economy - Gilles Tonelli
• Health and Social Affairs - Jean-Jacques Campana
• Interior - Paul Masseron

• General Secretary of the Ministry of State - Robert Colle

Legislative Branch

Monaco's National Council is a unicameral body consisting of 24 officials. Sixteen members are elected by a list majority system and eight by proportional representation to serve five year terms.

The current structure of the National Council, by political party is (number of seats):

• Union for the Principality (UP) - 15
• National Union for the Future of Monaco (UNAM) - 6
• Rally and Issues for Monaco (REM) - 3

Judicial Branch

The country’s judicial branch consists of the Supreme Court (Tribunal Supreme). Judges are appointed by the monarch based on nominations by the National Council.

Legal System

The Monegasque legal system is based on French law. The country has not accepted compulsory International Court of Justice (ICJ) jurisdiction.

References

Barrientos, Miguel. Index Mundi. 2007.

Conseil National Principaute De Monaco Official Website.

Principality of Monaco Official Government Portal.