The national Flag of Monaco is exceptional in its design, and is unlike any other national flag in Europe. However, Monaco's flag is similar to Indonesia's, but differs in terms of its dimensions. The two nations have had disagreement in the past regarding the similarity of the two national flags.flagsworld.org,Monaco refused to recognize the flag of Indonesia after the country adopted it in 1945, with Monaco demanding that Indonesia change the colours on its flag. Indonesia refused Monaco's request, arguing that its (Indonesia’s) choice of colours was based on the country’s history, which it claimed predated that of the Principality of Monaco. Indonesia adopted the flag despite resistance from Monaco, and its original design stands to date. The flag of the German state of Hesse also bears resemblance to the flag of the Principality of Monaco. Other flags that are similar in design to Monaco's include the flags of Poland, Germany’s state of Thuringia, and Singapore.
The description of the flag of Monaco is explicitly outlined in Title I of the Constitution of the Principality of Monaco. The flag has a horizontal rectangular design with a width-to-length ratio of 4:5. Another legally accepted width-to-length ratio is 2:3. The flag is made up of two horizontal stripes of equal size. The top stripe is red, while the bottom stripe is white. Like many national flags, the colours on Monaco's flag are symbolic. Red and white are the traditional colours of the House of Grimaldi, which established the Principality in 1339. These colours are claimed to represent positive human values, as red is believed to represent the flesh of the human body, while white represents purity in spiritual life.
History of the flag of Monaco
The flag of Monaco is one of the principality's national symbols. The current design of the Principality of Monaco's flag was adopted on April 4th, 1881, during the reign of Prince Charles III. The origin of the design can be traced back to the early 14th century, making it one of the oldest flags in the world. The original flag of Monaco was similar in design to its current flag, but also featured the nation’s coat of arms.
COLORS AND SYMBOLISM OF MONACO FLAGS
The flag of Monaco is a horizontal bicolor of red and white. The colors are derived from those of the House of Grimaldi, which has held many noble titles over the centuries of its existence and currently reigns over the Principality of Monaco. As is often the case, the colors that represent the ruling family also serve as symbols of the nation itself. Older flags of Monaco often featured the nation's coat of arms, which was likewise derived from that of the House of Grimaldi.
Symbols Of MonacoNational Coat Of Arms Of Monaco
The Coat of Arms Monaco Flag coat of arms is another national symbol, and its origins date back to the principality's establishment in the 14th century. The coat of arms features two monks bearing swords on one hand and supporting the family, argent and gules with the other hand. The emblem is surmounted by the crown of the Prince of Monaco. The two monks with swords represent the 1297 Conquest of Monaco, when Grimaldi, the principality’s founder, led his soldiers to capture Monaco while dressed as monks. The family, argent and gules on the shield are composed of red and white diamonds, which represents the House of Grimaldi. Below the Friar's feet a ribbon display's the country motto: Deo Juvante ("With God's help").
National Anthem
- Anthem Title: "Hymne Monégasque" ("Monégasque Anthem")
- Music composer: Léon Jehin
- Lyricist: Louis Notari
- Date of Adoption: 1848
The national anthem of Monaco is known as "Hymne Monégasque'' ("Monégasque Anthem"). The anthem's first edition was written and composed by Théophile Bellando de Castro in 1841. However, the melody was later modified by Castil-Blaze. In 1848, Bellando's song was adopted by the National Guard and became the March of the National Loyalists. In 1931, Louis Notari, pioneer of Monégasque literature, wrote the anthem's lyrics in the Monégasque language. The official anthem of Monaco is in the Monégasque language and not French as many people think.
The Currency Of Monaco Is The Euro
Monaco is part of the Eurozone and uses Euro as its official currency. The euro was adopted in 2002 as a replacement of the Monegasque franc, used from 1987.
Coins
The euro is divided into euro cents, with 100 cents as the smallest denomination. Euro coins are available in several denominations, including 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20, 50c, €1, and €2. All the coins have similar features, with the only difference being the denomination.
Banknotes
Euro banknotes have similar designs on both sides and are issued in the denomination of €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, € 200, and €500. However, each note has its colour, with each dedicated to an artistic period in the history of European architecture. Other features include gateways or windows on observation and bridges on the reverse side.
Historical Currencies Of Monaco
Monaco adopted the euro as its official currency in 2002 as a replacement for the Monegasque franc, which had been used as the legal tender of the country since 1837. Besides Monaco, the franc was also used by France and Andorra. The ISO code of the currency was MCF. One Monegasque franc was divided into 100 subunits known as centimes or ten units called décimes. In 1960, Monaco revised the value of its franc and introduced a new series of francs to replace the old franc at a ratio of 1 new franc to 100 old francs. When the euro was adopted by the country, the conversion rate of the franc to the euro was 6.55957 MCF to 1 EUR.
