Monaco cathedral

Postmarked Monte Carlo, Pté de Monaco, dated 18 May 1979.

Monaco - Principauté de Monaco
La Cathédrale

Monaco is a tiny sovereign state on the Mediterranean coast, at the south east of France, close to Italy. Apart from the sea, it is entirely surrounded by France. The Grimaldi family has ruled over Monaco since 1297. It is the world's most densely populated country and the smallest French speaking state.

In the past there were 3 communes or wards: Monaco-ville (the old city), Monte Carlo and La Condamine. These last two have been since added to and sub-divided so that there are now 10 communes.