Ó q3575t Two small countries Work in A/B pairs. A, read about Monaco on this page. B, read about Malta on p. 139. Find the answers to these questions. 1 Where is it? How big is it? 2 What languages do people use? 3 How many people live there? 4 Does it get many visitors? 5 How does it make money? 6 What kinds of jobs does it offer? 1 Reading a Monaco Monaco, which borders France, is situated on the Mediterranean coast. It is five times the size of the Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, but still very small, with a mere two square kilometres of land. It is the second-smallest independent state in the world, and it is almost entirely urban. The Genoese, who were led by Fulco del Cassello, began the construction of a castle on the site of present-day Monaco in 1215. They intended to build a fortress that should be a strategic military centre of control for the area. They also created a settlement around the base of the rock to support the garrison. People from Genoa, who were prepared to move to the new settlement, were offered land and tax exemption. This way the population increased quickly. In 1297, the Grimaldi family took possession of Monaco and still rule the country, which became an independent principality in 1419. Economic development was speeded up in the late 19th century with a railroad connection to France and the opening of a casino. During the Second Word War the tiny country was invaded first by the Italian army and then by the Germans. Monaco’s small size could not protect it from the war. The country was liberated on 3 September 1944, when the German army finally left. After that, Monaco stayed an independent country that became a full voting member of the United Nations in 1993. Monaco enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The scenery is splendid, yet hilly and rocky and therefore not suited for agriculture. French is the official language, but being an international community, English, Italian and the local Monegasque are also widely in use. According to a census which was carried out in 2016, about 38,400 people are residents, but only 21.6% are of Monegasque nationality. Prince Albert II, who is the son of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace, is the current head of state. There is also a Minister of State and a National Council of 24 seats, with regular elections every five years. Monaco has no regular army. The Palace Guard only performs ceremonial duties. The defence of the country is the responsibility of neighbouring France. Monaco has its own bank, police force, fire brigade, post office, satellite TV channel, radio station and internet domain ‘.mc’. mc is short for ‘Monte Carlo’, which is the district around the famous casino. Every year the ‘Automobile Club de Monaco’ organises a spectacular race on the streets of Monaco, the ‘Formula One Grand Prix of Monaco’. The race, the Monte Carlo Casino and Monaco’s pleasant climate combine to make the country a popular resort that attracts tourists from all over the world. All in all, the hotels offer over 2,200 rooms – mainly in the luxury category – which accommodate about 330,000 tourists a year. However, the country is also a major banking centre. There are many jobs in the finance and service industry available. The state has no income taxes and only low business taxes. It is a tax haven both for individuals who set up homes and for foreign companies that open offices there. Living standards are high – comparable to those in richer French metropolitan areas. 108 9 Unit People and places guess what words mean write about pros and cons speak about architecture and buildings Goals speak about the location, history and economy of countries talk about moving home talk about people’s lives and achievements Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eig ntum des Verlags öbv
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