Principality of Monaco

The Principality of Monaco is the second smallest independent state in the world, after Vatican City. It is located on the Mediterranean coast, 18 kilometers (11 miles) east of Nice and near the Italian border. It is surrounded on three sides by France (Provence Alpes Côte d'Azur Région). It consists of a narrow strip along the coast at the bottom of the foothills of the Alps and its highest point is "Le Rocher" at 141 meters (459 feet). Monaco is a narrow coastal strip. Its physical geography includes a long beach and steep cliffs that rise vertically upwards to heights of 63 meters (206 feet) above sea level.