ECONOMIC:

• Industry:  Due to its location tourism and commerce are the center of Monaco’s economy. Low taxes have drawn many foreign companies to invest in Monaco and tourism accounts for 25% of the $518 million annual government income (2001).

• Employment: The unemployment rate is low, at 3.1% (1998) as there “are more than 100 industrial enterprises which employ 39,000 people in a population of 30,000 Monegasque residents.”

• Economic structure:  1999 estimates place the national product at $870 million and the per capita income at $27,000. Trade: Imports (2000)--about $472 million. Exports (2000)--about $492 million

• Implication: Tourism, commerce and foreign businesses are the center of its economy, which means that the country must have excellent foreign relations. Monaco must also have strong international communications if they are to entice foreigners to invest both time and money into their country.

MASS MEDIA:

• Media Outlets: Radio: AM 1, FM N/A. short-wave 8 (1998), TV 25,000 (1997) and the satellite company Eurasiasat is based there

• Literacy development: 99%

• Events: Annually hosts the MTV World Music Awards, Monte Carlo Television Festival and located close to the Cannes Film Festival

• Implication: Monaco is involved in numerous aspects of the media industry, reflecting their necessary level of communications development.

INFRASTRUCTURE:

• Transportation: Motorway network found 8km into the city and links Monaco with the rest of Western Europe. You can reach Nice Airport in 30 minutes. Railways: All trains stop at Monte-Carlo/Monaco. There are high speed trains to Paris, overnight trains to Italian cities and Regional Express trains. Helicopters/by sea: 6-minute flight to Nice Airport and Monaco has 2 yachting harbors.

• Technology: For tourism, commerce and industry purposes, a high level of technology is essential for the country

• Communication: Eurasiasat, an international satellite operator is based out of Monaco.

• Implication: The transportation system is highly developed, increasing Monaco’s accessibility - causing numerous people ‘to pass through’ the country.

Monaco Harbor

LEGAL STRUCTURE:

• Branches/Constitution: Executive--Prince Rainier III. Legislative--National Council.. Judicial--Court of First Instance, Court of Appeal, High Court of Appeal, Criminal Court, Supreme Court. The constitution is the written law of the land

• Judicial System: Comprised of delegates who render justice in the Prince’s name - who has authority over the courts. The judicial branch is independent of the executive branch and all procedures are conducted under the principals of fairness and impartiality.

• Department of Judicial Services: Responsible for judiciary personnel, magistrates, lawyers, police officers and ministers. The Public Ministry is comprised of magistrates whose duties are to guarantee public order, execute laws and judicial decisions in the name of the Prince.

• Implication: The Prince ultimately has authority over Monaco, so any communication must be in favor of the monarchy and not against anything that they do, say or believe. The most vital aspect to note is Monaco’s principles of “fairness and impartiality” which shows that they are open-minded and respectful of their citizen’s rights.   

SOCIAL STRUCTURE:

• Religion: 95% Roman Catholic with freedom of other religions guaranteed by the Constitution

• Language: Official is French, but Italian and Monegasque are also spoken

• Population/Ethnicity: 32,020 (6,089 citizens), with an estimated average growth rate of 0.46%. 19% Monégasque (blend of Italian and French) 32% French, 20% Italian

• Implication: To communicate in Monaco one must use French, Italian or a combination of the two in order to reach all segments of the population. The literacy rate is very high, so written communication is an acceptable tool to use when reaching the targeted publics. Monaco additionally has a small population, which consequently means that it is easier to reach the entire population and since it is not very diverse one does not have to ‘alter’ its communication strategies a great deal. People divide themselves according to their primary language as Monaco is not ethnically diverse.   

   

Monaco Cathedral