Today, the tiny state of Monaco is ruled by Prince Albert II and his wife Charlene, with whom they have been married for nine years. Albert is the son of actress Grace Kelly, who died in a car accident in 1982, and Prince Rainier III. The Principality of Monaco is located in southern Europe, on the shores of the Ligurian Sea, and is associated with France. This is a very rich country, as is the family that rules it.
Dwarf, but very rich principality
This state is one of the most densely populated in the world. About 38 thousand people live in it on the territory of about two square kilometers, which is almost three times less than the Moscow Sokolniki park. But this does not prevent the population from existing is not bad at all. Firstly, the average life expectancy here is approaching 90 years.
Secondly, 32 percent of the inhabitants are millionaires. In total there are more than 12 people, while their number is constantly growing. Between 2013 and 2018, it increased by 12 percent. Members of the ruling family are also very rich people, having outdone even the English queen herself.
A thriving economy
The country's economy is thriving thanks to tourism, gambling, the construction of new residences and the media that illuminate the life of the prince and his relatives. Monaco is widely known throughout the world for the casino located here in the Monte Carlo area and the ongoing Formula 1 stage under the name "Monaco Grand Prix."
The advantages of this dwarf state are the guarantee of banking secrecy and low taxes, which attracts billions of dollars from abroad. In the late nineties of the last century, in Monaco banks, the annual increase in funds was approaching 20 percent. The country has no external debts, foreign exchange reserves amount to $ 2 billion, and unemployment is only 3 percent.
Richer than the queen of english
Here is a country ruled by Prince Albert II and his wife. They own a fortune of $ 1 billion and 25 percent of the land in the state. For comparison, the fortune of Elizabeth II, reigning in the UK, is half a billion dollars.
Albert and Charlene Wittstock got married in 2001. Previously, he was a teacher in South Africa and a famous swimmer athlete. Their wedding was one of the most expensive and luxurious in history among royal families.
The festivities lasted three days and cost about $ 70 million. Celebrities such as supermodel Naomi Campbell, fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld and Giorgio Armani were seen among the guests. The guests were entertained by the American rock band Eagles.
In 2014, the princess gave birth to two twins, a boy Jacques and a girl Gabriella. The son has the title of Crown Prince of Monaco, and the daughter has the title of Princess. Prince Albert II also has two illegitimate children recognized by him.
The official residence of the royal family is the princely palace of Monaco, which was built in 1162 and was originally a fortress. Today, he is guarded by about a hundred skilled soldiers from the French army. These luxury apartments are periodically available to the public for $ 9.
Social life is in full swing
The royal family leads a luxurious lifestyle, attending social events and expensive resorts. She communicates with heads of other states and Hollywood stars, other world celebrities. Throughout the year, large-scale glamorous events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, yacht shows, festivals, gala concerts are held in the country.
The latter include, for example, "Gala Monte Carlo in defense of the oceans." It is like every year in September during a yacht show.Among its participants include Leonardo DiCaprio, Orlando Bloom, Hugh Grant, Madonna, Katy Perry, Eva Longoria, Lee Bingbing.
And the prince couple participates in such an annual event as the gala dinner amfAR in France, in Antibes, dedicated to the Cannes Film Festival. Here, Hollywood stars have dinner with everyone who wants and is able to pay a fabulous price for it. The proceeds go to a charity fund that develops an AIDS vaccine.
In 1961, Prince Rainier III, father of Prince Albert, created a television festival in Monte Carlo, in which members of the ruling family of Monaco also take part today.
In addition, they get the most prestigious places at high-profile events, for example, during the Monaco Grand Prix races. They make helicopter cruises and have parties on luxury yachts. So, on the “Formula 1” one-day pass costs up to 5 thousand dollars. Super-rich visitors stay at the Metropol Hotel in a room worth up to 41 thousand dollars per night.
And this year, the prince and princess received the chairman of China Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan during an official visit to Monaco.
