MONACO

WHAT DO THEY RESPECT, VALUE?

• Etiquette is influenced by the Monegasque traditions. Country's history and residents maintain the quality of life.• Overall Monaco has one of the highest standards

of living in the world. Loudness = Rudeness Shopping Etiquette/ Dress CodeBreastfeeding in public is very unusual/rare.

ROLES OF MEN AND WOMEN

• Mediterranean, Roman Catholic culture.• Until second half of twentieth century, women's

roles revolved principally around family and household. • Women= Not active in politics until the 1960s/

FIRST RECEIVED RIGHT TO VOTE• Fewer women than men are employed outside

the home, Monegasque women work in a variety of fields and are politically active.

FAMILY LIFE

• Monegasque society based on centuries-old traditions. • Immediate/ Extended family= basic social units. • Marriage = important family event and divorce rate is low.• Excellent maternity and infant care, several months of maternity

leave/ high quality, low cost day care centers. • High quality low cost education• High standard of living have helped avoid many of the child social

problems that face larger countries • Grandparents help in caring for young children, particularly when

both parents work. Education is compulsory from ages of six to sixteen.

DATING, COURTSHIP, MARRIAGE

• Dating Scene= Conservative for European Standards• Courtship= Courting a woman +

family is not rare in Monaco• Marriage= important family

event/ Church weddings, held according to Roman Catholic traditions • Low divorce rate and general

affluence help contribute to a stable average domestic unit in Monaco.

FAVORITE SPORTS

• The Monaco Grand Prix. This Formula 1 car race is held in Monte Carlo.

RECREATION

Famous for attracting wealth and titled tourists since its gambling casino was established at Monte Carlo in 1856. However, gambling now accounts for only about 3.3% of state revenue. Excellent facilities in Boating, Beach, Sports(Tennis, Soccer), Auto Racing and History;

• Exotic Garden (Garden), Exotic Garden and Observatory Cave (Garden) Japanese Garden (Garden) Marlborough Gallery (Art Gallery.Monaco Art et Auction (Art Gallery) Musee National de Monaco (Museum)Museum of Napoleonic (Museum) Sotheby's Monaco (Art Gallery)Zoological Terraces (Garden)

ECONOMY

• Tourism and related businesses are the main components of the Monegasque economy. Tourist industry began when famous casino was opened in Monte Carlo. • Banking and financial activities = 2nd most

important part of the economy/ Investment in real estate and business services/ Foreign companies receive special investment incentives;• NO income tax on its residents and has attracted

corporate and individual investment = significant financial services industry

MAJOR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

• Tourism= majority of commercial activities. Hotels, restaurants, shops, gambling, and services related, provide both employment and revenue for the principality.

• Industrial sector is small but significant, includes pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, flour-milling, and food products; chemical, pharmaceutical, Parma pharmaceutical, and cosmetics industries all after World War II consists of twenty-three separate businesses. Plastics, electronics, printing, textiles, and construction. 

• Estimated value of Monegasque imports at U.S. $415,300 and exports at approximately the same figure.

MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT

• Influence of Monaco's broadcast media extends far beyond the borders of the tiny state. In 1960s Radio Monte-Carlo used powerful transmitters= listeners across much of France/ 1970s broadcasts to Italy began. Radio Monte-Carlo = extensive FM networks in both countries.• No daily newspapers are published in Monaco,

but French papers cover news from the principality.

• The press• Journal de Monaco - government weekly• Television• TV Monte-Carlo (TMC) • Radio• Radio Monte-Carlo (RMC) - French-language news

and talk network

PUNCTUALITY

• Punctuality is highly regarded as a sign of respect in Monaco. If a businessperson will be late for any reason, proper etiquette suggests calling as soon as possible with an explanation.

INDIVIDUALIST SOCIETY

• Monaco's high average income and individual wealth, as well as its very small size, make it a country with minimal class distinctions. The principality's status as a tax haven make it an attractive place to establish residence for wealthy people from all over the world. A significant number of residents are from a variety of nationalities, and several are celebrities, helping to make Monaco synonymous with wealth, power and prestige the world over.

DECISION MAKING STYLE

• For effective cross cultural management it is important to remember that hierarchy in business is strictly observed. Decision making is done at the highest levels, often without consultation with subordinates or other stakeholders.• Managers provide explicit instructions on how

work is to be performed. Employees are expected to adhere to the correct protocol for the situation. Employees generally have specific roles and responsibilities and do not cross over into other areas. Employees are not criticized or praised publicly.

ATTITUDES TOWARDS SELF-DISCLOSURE

• Etiquette in Monaco is influenced by the country's unusual blending of roles as an international tax haven, exclusive resort destination in combination with the Monegasque traditions. The Monegasque are proud of the country's history and residents strive to maintain the quality of life that exists there. The principality attracts people from a variety of nationalities who are nevertheless united by a high level of personal wealth. The rules of etiquette are much like those found in France with an emphasis on respect for privacy.

APPROACHES TO INTELLECTUAL SUCCESS

• Education is generally at high value• Majority has unless finished high school, because

standards are pretty high there. • Generally Monaco has people that value and can

afford high education, but go to different European countries to receive it. Monaco is not a hob for education, but still attracts well educated and wealthy people for several different reasons.

ATTITUDES AND VALUES, RELIGION

• Most Monegasque are Roman Catholic and the church plays an important role in Monegasque traditions, particularly on feast days and special holidays. Church attendance is not as high as a century ago and it is difficult to estimate the exact number of practicing Catholics.• Monaco is quiet international society, attract

people according to their wealth(income).• There is no cultural direction.

POLITICAL ASPECTS

• The Principality has a constitutional, hereditary monarchy. The Prince, currently HSH Albert II, wields overall executive power. Prince Albert II, who succeeded his father Prince Rainier III in 2005, represents Monaco in its relations with foreign powers. He alone can sign and ratify treaties.

• Monaco is not a member of the European Union but because of the large number of French laws which apply there (and because of its full customs and monetary union with France) a number of European directives which apply in France indirectly apply in Monaco.

RELIGIOUS ASPECTS

• Religious Beliefs. Roman Catholicism is the state religion, although freedom of worship is guaranteed by Article 23 of the Constitution. However, 95 percent of the population claims to be Roman Catholic.

• Rituals and Holy Places. There are several traditional festivals and rituals in Monaco. Saint Devote, the patron saint of Monaco, is venerated in a ritual held on 27 January every year. A torchlight procession, a religious ceremony and blessing mark the day that Saint Dévoe is believed to have arrived in Monaco. Other religious rituals and ceremonies are held during Holy Week before Easter, and on the feast days of Saint Roman, 9 August, Saint John, 23 June and Saint Blaise.

IMPORTANT CULTURAL VALUES-WORK EFFECT

• Monaco values its well heeled and slightly conservative image. Dress in the expensive restaurants is coat and tie without exception. Men must wear shirts everywhere except in the beach and pool areas, and dirty looks will greet the church goer who shows up in shorts. Women can go topless at the beach or pools, however. Also, littering can get you not only fined, but arrested.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Monaco is French, but they are several language spoken, such as Italian, English and the national language of the Monegasque people.

• Monegasque, a language derived from both French and Italian, is spoken by native residents of Monaco, although only about 22 percent of the population claims direct Monegasque descent.

POPULATION MAKE-UP

• Monaco has a total population of 32, 543. The major ethnic groups that make up Monaco people includes Italian, Monegasque, French. The French form 47% of Monaco population, Monegasque comprise 16% while Italians also make up 16% of the population.• The life and culture of the Monaco People is

largely influenced by the French and the Italian way of life.

GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE

• Located on the Mediterranean Sea, Monaco is surrounded by France on three sides. Nice, France, is the nearest large city at a distance of 11 miles (18 kilometers). Monaco is rocky and situated on steep hills that drop off into the Mediterranean. Part of the Côte d'Azur, Monaco's terrain and geography are typical of the northwestern area of the Mediterranean.•  Monaco has a warm-summer Mediterranean

climate (Köppenn climate classification: Csa), which is influenced by the oceanic climate and the humid subtropical climate.

WELL-KNOWN CITIZENS

• The principality's mild climate, splendid scenery, and gambling facilities have made Monaco world-famous as a tourist and recreation center for the rich and famous. Monaco is a handy place where you can meet economic exiles such as David and Simon Reuben, the aluminum traders, Michael Tabor, the racehorse owner, and the Barclay brothers, Sir David,Sir Frederick and of course Prince Albert II.

ARTISTS AND MUSICIANS

• The Monte Caro Philharmonic Orchestra -was founded in 1863 and gained a permanent home at Garnier Palace in 1879.• The Little Singers of Monacoo are a children's

choir founded in 1973, when the Palatine Chapel's Chapel Master, Philippe Debat, was ordered by the government to send a choir of only children around the world. . The Monte Carlo Ballet gained international fame in the 1920s when the choreographer Sergey Diaghilev was based there with his Ballets Russes.

KEY CUSTOMS AND COURTESIES NECESSARY FOR SOCIAL AND BUSINESS INTERACTION

• A degree of formality is expected when conducting business in Monaco. Customs and ceremonies preserved in everyday social interactions in the country.•  French business behavior emphasizes courtesy

and a degree of formality. Mutual trust and respect is required to get things done. Trust is earned through proper behavior.. Creating a wide network of close personal business alliances is very important. . If you do not speak French, an apology for not knowing their language may aid in developing a relationship.

GREETINGS

The handshake is a common form of greeting. Friends may greet each other by lightly kissing on the cheeks, once on the left cheek and once on the right cheek. First names are reserved for family and close friends. You have to wait until invited before using someone's first name. You are expected to say 'bonjour' or 'bonsoir' (good morning and good evening) with the honorific title Monsieur or Madame when entering a shop and 'au revoir' (good-bye) when leaving.

GESTURES THAT MIGHT BF OFFENSIVE

• Cocu - Cocu literally means "cuckold.

GESTURES THAT MIGHT BE OFFENSIVE

• This is the most vulgar French gesture. It means "Up yours!" (or worse) and is the French equivalent of holding up your middle finger. 

APPROPRIATE DRESS FOR BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL LIFE

•  Business dress is understated and stylish. Men should wear dark-coloured, conservative business suits for the initial meeting. How you dress later is largely dependent upon the personality of the company with which you are conducting business. Women should wear either business suits or elegant dresses in soft colours. • The French like the finer things in life, so wear

good quality accessories.

EATING CUSTOMS AND FAVORITE FOOD

• Access to fresh, local produce and the sea has led to the development of a local cuisine and appreciation for good food.

• Monaco has many restaurants, and seafood is featured in many dishes. Daily eating habits reflect a Mediterranean heritage, and both French and Italian influences can be found in the local recipes.

• Some traditional Monegasque dishes include brandamincium, salt cod pounded with garlic, oil, and cream surrounded by cardoons, edible Mediterranean plants, in white sauce; barba-Giuan, or "Uncle John," stuffed fritters; and fougasses, flat, crunchy biscuits sprinkled with sugared anise seeds and flavored with rum and orange-flower water.

FORMAL MEETINGS OF MEN AND WOMEN

Monaco is well known for its activity in business where man and woman work together. • The Oceanographic Museum, formerly directed by

Jacques Cousteau, is the most famous institution devoted to marine science in the world.• The Prince Pierre Foundation annually awards the

International Prize for Art, established in 1965, to recognize outstanding achievement in the visual arts.