Monaco

The Genoese built a fortress on the site of present day Monaco in 1215. The current ruling Grimaldi family first seized temporary control in 1297, and again in 1331, but were not able to permanently secure their holding until 1419. Economic development was spurred in the late 19th century with a railroad linkup to France and the opening of a casino. Since then, the principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world famous as a tourist and recreation center.
==Economical characteristics==
* Currency: Euro (ISO code: EUR)
* This country does not seem to have a central bank.
===Statistics===
Statistic / Year 	1999	2000	2001	2002	2003	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008
GDP (USD)World Bank. "Monaco: GDP", from World Bank Data. Referenced 2010-09-29. 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Govt. debt (% of GDP)World Bank. "Monaco: government debt", from World Bank Data. Referenced 2010-09-29. 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Govt. revenue (% of GDP)World Bank. "Monaco: government revenue", from World Bank Data. Referenced 2010-09-29. 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Govt. expenses (% of GDP)World Bank. "Monaco: government expenses", from World Bank Data. Referenced 2010-09-29.	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
Debt to revenue (years) 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	
==References==
Note: statistical data was rounded. Different sources may use different methodologies for their estimates. Debt to revenue is calculated by dividing the two variables from their original ('unrounded') values. It represents how long it would a government take to repay its entire debt if it used its whole revenue for this purpose.
==External links==
* Monaco on Wikipedia
* BBC country profile
Category:Countries