Max Vooro
Mr. Cohen
ENG4U
16th of November, 2022
Target: Utilize adjectives effectively, maintain good informative knowledge
About Monaco: Its Allure Explained
Located along the vast Mediterranean Sea, and nestled right next to France is where the small city-state of Monaco lies. Internationally revered as one of the world’s greatest tax havens, and a luxurious sanctuary for the rich, the city has a long history. Currently, the country holds a miniscule, estimated population of only 38,400, according to Encyclopedia Britannica (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica). Additionally, the city has been officially dated to have been founded “in 1215 as a colony of Genoa.” (“Monaco - Principality of Monaco - Principauté de Monaco - French Riviera Travel and Tourism”) Currently, according to The World Bank, the city holds a staggering GDP per capita of $171,688.2, ranking it highest in the world (“GDP per capita (current US$) | Data”).
The History of Monaco
The city has endlessly swapped hands between the Genoese, Spain, France, Sardinia and more throughout the course of history (The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica). Presently, and for a majority of its known history, the country has been held by the Grimaldi royal family, who have been allied with France. However, currently the Country operates under a constitutional monarchy, with Prince Albert II, and Pierre Dartout acting as Monarch, and Prime Minister respectively.
The City Experience
Being a beacon of wealth, the city showcases that to its visitors flamboyantly. A main attraction of the city, which is vital to its success, is the famous Casino de Monte-Carlo. Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious casinos in the world, there is a landslide of opulence before even entering. The marvelous onyx columns, the pristine golden opera hall, and the classy, romanticized image of James Bond all firmly solidify the feeling of gargantuan wealth and class to any visitors or viewers.
Additionally, the country also conveniently holds the most revered, and expensive race in the world, the Monaco Formula 1 Grand Prix. The race has been going since 1950. The allure of luxury, and car racing has invited the extravagantly wealthy every year to Monaco. The high-speed straights, the dramatic hairpin, and the fact that merely a couple weeks ago the track was simply a regular civilian transport lane all drive a great deal of viewers to this event. All elevated by the pristine pieces of the cars which make up the pinnacle of vehicular engineering traveling up to over 300 km/h. However, it’s the stretch that travels along the packed marina, holding thousands of people on grandstands, yachts, and balconies that makes this race famous. The long, dark stretch of tunnel, with the pedal to the floor, only to reveal a bright, loud marina provides a cinematic experience for a driver. Then to navigate through a twisting, narrow pass only feet from the edge of the water keeps viewers at the edge of their seat. This all compiles into creating an extraordinary event which cements its fame time and time again; frequently delivering the most intense, competitive qualifying laps of the year.
When not looking at the ultra-extreme, Monaco still remains a beautiful city. The ship-laden harbor which is bustling with both local and tourist vessels remains a diverse hotspot of people from all over the world. Looking closer at the city, and its winding roads take you on a beautiful journey through the classic stone and brick architecture, and a collaboration of more modern set pieces. Furthermore, the beige-orange stone combined with the luscious greenery found at every corner sets a vaguely romantic, pleasant tone for travel.
Security Within the City
While being a place of residence for the wealthy, because of this the government of Monaco invests heavily into law enforcement and safety. This allows for the provision of a comfortable, safe home for many civilians or tourists. There is also “One policeman for every 100 residents, a system of 24-hour video surveillance spanning the entire surface area of the Principality,” (“Security in Monaco - Monaco Monte-Carlo”) and more security measures put in place across the city. According to the Monaco Tribune, this resulted in a microscopic amount of only 712 criminal offenses throughout the entire year of 2021 (Mosconi).
So What is it that Draws People?
The combination of all of the lavish features of this city embody the feeling of success and wealth. The history of the city, along with all of the experiences to be had only solidify this feeling. With the country providing people with a safe, beautiful experience that cannot be mimicked anywhere else in the world.
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