Monaco » Politics

Monaco has been governed as a constitutional monarchy since 1911, with the Sovereign Prince of Monaco as head of state. The executive branch consists of a Minister of State (the head of government), who presides over a four-member Council of Government (the Cabinet).

The minister of state is a French citizen appointed by the prince from among candidates proposed by the French government. Under the 1962 constitution, the prince shares his power with the unicameral National Council (parliament). The 24 members of this legislative body are elected from lists by universal suffrage for five-year terms.

The principality's local affairs are directed by the Communal Council, which consists of 15 elected members and is presided over by the mayor. Monaco received its first ambassador from abroad on the 16 February 2006, from France. This is despite having had representation abroad and in the United Nations for many years. Monaco has the largest police force and police presence in the world, both per capita and per area.