Flag of Monaco

Flag of Monaco

Flag of Monaco

Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco is an independent principality that forms an enclave within Southeastern France, Although a mere 1.95 square kilometers (0.75 square mile) in size, Monaco is one of the world's most densely populated states. The principality was established in 1297 by the House of Grimaldi, which continues to rule Monaco to this day. (Legend says that the Grimaldi were able to enter and conquer the fortified city because their soldiers were disguised as monks.) Monaco was annexed by French forces during the French Revolution, the Grimaldi being imprisoned (one was guillotined) before being restored to power in 1814 under the protection of the king of Sardinia. Annexed again by France in 1848, Monaco lost much territory to its neighbor, who considered it part of Italy. Monaco's relations with both France and Italy have nevertheless always been close: since 1861, Monaco has enjoyed French protection, while the Grimaldi family came originally from Genoa, Italy, and the language of the Monegasques (as the citizens of Monaco are known) is a mixture of French and Italian.

The simple, red-over-white bicolor flag of Monaco was adopted in 1881. Derived from the Grimaldi family's arms, which feature a red-and-white chequered shield, the bicolor replaced the previous flag of Monaco, which had been a white field charged with the same shield, as well as a crown.