| When Prince Albert became Monaco's Sovereign | | | | historical criticism of the race. |
| two years ago he soon set a path that would | | | | Property prices in Monaco are high due to the lack |
| show him to be a leader among leaders for the | | | | of land - in the past one of the districts, |
| environment movement. | | | | Fontvieille, had much of its area reclaimed from |
| In an effort to encourage more people to leave | | | | the sea, but property prices there equal those of |
| their cars at home and use public transport - not | | | | the better known Monte Carlo. |
| easy in a country that has the highest density of | | | | One of the most popular buildings in Fontvieille, |
| millionaire's in the world - bus fares were cut to a | | | | Seaside Plaza, has average prices of three to four |
| Euro for a single journey, and a year later figures | | | | million Euros for a three bedroom apartment, and |
| show bus usage has risen 17 per cent. | | | | a four bedroom four bathroom one is currently |
| Prince Albert visited the North Pole last year to | | | | on the market at close to ten million Euros. |
| publicise how the arctic regions are changing with | | | | With a population of under 40,000 Monaco could |
| global warming, and one of his first acts as | | | | be forgiven for believing that overseas embassies |
| Monaco's Sovereign was to sign the Kyoto | | | | were an unnecessary expense. |
| Protocol - along with the US, Monaco was one of | | | | Until now the world's second smallest country has |
| the few countries in the world not to endorse it | | | | been content to co-operate with French |
| before Prince Albert put pen to paper. | | | | embassies around the world for any necessary |
| As well as the Monaco Grand Prix, the principality | | | | representation. |
| is Europe's best known tax haven, with residents | | | | But Monaco has just opened her first independent |
| enjoying a zero rated income tax. | | | | embassy outside of Europe - in Washington D.C. |
| With property prices among the highest in the | | | | Commenting on the new embassy, one local |
| world, residents of Monaco normally need to | | | | Monaco travel guide says that despite the |
| spend six months a year there to maintain | | | | population equivalent of a small US town, |
| residency. | | | | environmental reasons could be behind the move. |
| An announcement has been made recently that a | | | | 'Forget about this being primarily for Monegasques |
| new island is to be built off Monte Carlo, and this | | | | running into trouble in the US and needing |
| will provide more land and property in the world's | | | | assistance. We think this is more to do with Prince |
| second smallest country. | | | | Albert wanting to influence the movers and |
| Bidders for the development have been asked to | | | | shakers in the world as he is very concerned |
| take the environment into account - and also the | | | | about global warming and the environment |
| Monaco Grand Prix, which suggests a possible | | | | generally. And where better for that than |
| new route for the race. | | | | Washington? It's Monaco's greenhouse next to the |
| Despite being one of the world's most glamourous | | | | White House.' |
| sporting events the Monaco Grand Prix is | | | | The new embassy, chosen after a visit by Prince |
| notorious for a lack of overtaking opportunities, | | | | Albert, is in the Kalorama district of Washington. |
| and the new space might in time address the | | | | |