Monaco is the world’s most densely populated sovereign state.
The Principality of Monaco occupies only about 2.08 square kilometres, yet it has nearly 39,000 residents. That combination gives it a population density of roughly 18,000 people per square kilometre, far exceeding that of other sovereign states.
Monaco’s density is partly a result of its geography. The microstate lies on the French Riviera between the Mediterranean Sea and steep Alpine foothills, leaving very little flat land for development. Large-scale construction, including land reclamation, has helped the principality accommodate more residents and businesses.
Monaco is often confused with Monte Carlo, but Monte Carlo is only one of Monaco’s quarters. Monaco is the sovereign country; Vatican City is smaller in area, while Liechtenstein and Malta are much less densely populated. Monaco is also the world’s second-smallest sovereign state, after Vatican City.