Monaco: History of a Micro-state

For centuries, the Grimaldi family, originally from Genoa, owned vast territories in France as well as the principality of Monaco, an isolated fishing village. Around 1860, with the support of Napoleon III, Prince Charles Grimaldi transformed this penniless rock on the Mediterranean into a shiny paradise for gambling: Monte Carlo….

In Monaco, one in two residents is a millionaire. Although today the wealthy micro-state seems stable and prosperous, this was not always the case. Episode two: After the First World War, the Société des Bains de Mer is drowning in debt, while a revolt is brewing in Monaco, challenging the Prince’s authority.

In Monaco, one in two residents is a millionaire. Although today the tiny principality seems stable and prosperous, this was not always the case during its fascinating long history. Final episode: In 1956 a miracle saves the finances of the micro-state: the glamourous American star Grace Kelly.