Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of Monaco's sovereignty using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military.

Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of Monegasque sovereignty.

Political sovereignty — 97.6

There are NO foreign military bases, including French or NATO ones, in Monaco. France has been guaranteed defense since 1817 by a bilateral treaty, but there are no military bases or permanent foreign contingents.

Monaco is a sovereign state, but a number of agreements and decisions (EU, UN, ECHR, etc.) are directly integrated into national law; however, national legislation retains legal priority if international norms are not ratified.

Political Stability Index (WGI, 2023): 1.18 (very high; global average -0.06); the country is one of the most stable, the risks of coups or violence are minimal. Government Effectiveness (WGI 2023): 2.02 (99th percentile); public services, public administration, and politics provide the highest levels of trust and effectiveness. EGDI (UN, 2024): 0.48–0.62 (ranked 55th in the world); Local Online Service Index — 0.625 (an increase compared to 2022).

Prince Albert II has been leading the country for 19 years, enjoys the traditional high support of the elites and absolute trust in society (the rating of specific opinion polls is not published, but there are no legitimacy crises/protests).

Monaco is a member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, UNESCO, the IHO (the secretariat is in Monaco), participates in bilateral and international treaties, and has agreements with the EU on a number of issues. In military and monetary policy, it relies on France (a guarantee of defense, the euro as a currency).

Monaco recognizes the jurisdiction of the ECHR and a number of international tribunals. In some cases (finance, personal law, taxation) reserves the right to a limited application of an international solution. Monaco is an absolutely centralized constitutional monarchy, the parliament and the government are governed from the capital, there are no separate regions/municipalities. There are no own special services in the classical form.

The internal control bodies are the national police under the direct control of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Prince; there is no supervision in modern Western formats (parliamentary/external audit), but the level of control is high due to the small size and publicity of the country.

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, coverage is 96%.

Economic sovereignty — 98.1

GDP is $228,000–$256,000 per year (World Bank/TradingEconomics, 2023-2025; the absolute global maximum in this indicator). Monaco has practically no gold reserves of its own: monetary policy, reserves and monetary stability are ensured through an agreement with France and are managed by the Eurosystem/ECB (Monaco is not a member of the EU, but is linked by monetary).

All national reserves are technically integrated into the single reserves of the eurozone. 0% of the national debt — Monaco does not attract external or internal loans, and has a fully balanced (and surplus) budget.

There is no agriculture of its own, food is almost entirely imported (from France and Italy); a high degree of food security is ensured solely through procurement and high purchasing power, Monaco is a member of the FAO, supports international sustainable supply initiatives.

Monaco is 100% dependent on France: electricity, gas and fuel are imported under long-term contracts. By 2025, it is planned to increase the share of renewable energy consumption (solar, wind and hydroelectric power plants, mainly outside the country) to 50%; all energy "investments" are purchases and offtakes from the French market through SMEG.

Monaco does not have its own mineral, fuel, or agricultural resources; the country is completely urbanized and devoid of significant mineral resources or reserves. Water source — import from France/Italy (≈98%), its own small desalination plants and rainwater harvesting systems; environmental projects are funded by Prince Albert II through DIMFE and international funds. The infrastructure is fully integrated with France and the eurozone: all major payment systems (SEPA, Visa, Mastercard, AmEx, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay).

The local market is focused on the premium and international segment. Within the country — 100% euro. All transactions, including large and international transactions, are conducted exclusively in euros, mainly through French banking structures.

Monaco does not have its own central bank and independent monetary policy: the Bank of France/ECB is responsible for the monetary system according to the Currency Agreement with France (Currency Convention 1945, updated 2001).

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 97%.

Technological sovereignty — 64.6

Spending on R&D is 0.04% of GDP (stable from 2005 to 2023, the absolute minimum even among developed countries; Monaco does not have its own large scientific base). There is practically no import substitution: almost all hi-tech solutions (equipment, software, infrastructure) are purchased from international corporations, and there are few local technologies.

Local accelerators support startup units, and almost the entire market is imported. About 44.2% of the population is 25+ with higher education (at the level of developed EU countries); graduates often study abroad.

99% of the population has access to the Internet (2025, DataReportal); fully covered with fiber and 100% of the 5G zone, fast access — up to 10 Gbit/s, residents and businesses are among the most “connected” in the world. Digital identity card, electronic public services (e-Government), digital medical records, integration with social insurance and tax services, chatbot service (Maia), Extended Monaco portal for conducting procedures and obtaining documents online have been launched.

100% of critical components, software, chips, servers, analytical systems, key fintech solutions, and hardware platforms are imported (primarily France, followed by Germany, the United States, Israel, South Korea, and China). Almost 100% of key public services are available online — 120+ services (out of 180 planned): registration, social support, medicine, education, taxes, licenses. There is a constant refinement and integration of the “digital safe", the Smart City system, and e-health.

Biotechnologies in the country are developed only as part of the startup and acceleration environment (MonacoTech labs, niche projects in medicine, but there are no resident biofactories, customers, significant patents), the direction is insignificant for the market. Almost all industrial and service robots, software and components are imported; local developments are experimental or educational MonacoTech startups.

The widespread practice of robotics is only in hotels (service solutions), trade, and logistics. Monaco has no production of chips and microelectronics: the country is completely dependent on imports, there is no critically important domestic capacity, and it is totally dependent on the EU, the United States and China.

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 89% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 71.6

The National CERT-MC operates under the Monegasque Cyber Security Agency (AMSN), a specialized body with CSIRT functions. NCSI ranks 90th (40.26 points, 2023); according to the ITU Index, the level of cyber resilience is average, integration with international trends and regular exercises.

There are no direct IXPs in Monaco: the national Internet exchange is carried out through Monaco Telecom's high-speed connections to French hubs. All traffic is relayed through French ports (Marseille, Paris), which ensures full connectivity, but links the infrastructure to France.

98% of all media (TV, radio, newspapers) are in French; English and Italian content is also produced for the expat community (Italiano ~19% of the population, English — business structures). The traditional language is Monegasque, but only as a cultural element (studied in schools, represented on holidays).

All EU antitrust (DMA/DSA) and fintech regulations apply under French and pan-European law. There is no national regulation against BigTech, but the government uses the competition of banking and IT operators through transparent statements and support for independent solutions.

Up to 80% of local TV and radio broadcasting is its own production (from news to events, shows, analytics), the updated TV Monaco (from 09.2025) combines the content of Monaco Info and TV Monaco, reaching the multilingual level, and is almost completely independent of the French main TV channels.

The country has its own ecosystem of startups — MonacoTech (incubator and accelerator, 19+ startups), Monaco Boost and projects in AI, fintech, Greentech. Public services and Smart City are developing on their own platform, and key solutions are being integrated with global players. 100% of residents and businesses have access to basic public services online (MonaGov portal, digital identity, chatbots, taxes, licenses, education), and digital coverage is considered a record for Europe.

Monaco Cloud is operated by the first sovereign cloud operator in Europe (since 2021, the state is the controlling shareholder). The data of government agencies and fintech are stored on the territory of Monaco, and certification is carried out according to international security standards.

Monaco Telecom controls 100% of the infrastructure (the state holds 45% of the shares), 5G coverage (from 2019), mobile penetration — 143% (dual SIM, international cards). The national independence of the networks is the highest in world practice.

Law No. 1,165 of December 23, 1993 (with updates), control — the Commission for the Protection of Personal Information (CCIN). The law reflects the basic (and reinforced in a number of aspects) principles of the GDPR; a complete registry, a mechanism for complaints, rights to be forgotten, and data localization.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD, and specialized sources, with 98% coverage.

Cultural sovereignty — 77.1

0 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Monaco is on the list of participants, but no facilities have been officially registered yet. Under consideration (tentative list) — Les Alpes de la Méditerranée.

Recognition of musical traditions (Ballets de Monte Carlo, Philharmonic Society, Printemps des Arts), unique artistic initiatives (NMNM, Art Week, Opera Gallery), major festivals, constant cultural cooperation: 40+ cultural events, exhibitions, concerts of international level are organized annually.

The main ones: The Contemporary Art Awards (2025) is a prestigious ceremony with the participation of world artists, the Prince Albert II Awards, many scholarships and special prizes, actively awarded to both locals and global creators, expats and collectors.

The cult of the patron saint is the Sainte Dévote (patron saint of Monaco), cultural and religious rituals (the annual burning of a boat and a night parade, Grimaldi celebrations, rituals in honor of the princely dynasty, the preservation of the Monegasque language is a compulsory subject in school). Annual visits and reports of the Council of Europe on the prevention of racism and the integration of minorities.

Monaco is home to various diasporas (including Italian and British), but the issue of national minorities is not acute; there are international agreements to support access to medicine, education, and culture for residents. 2 museums of modern art (NMNM), 5+ significant cultural centers and venues (Grimaldi Forum, Salle Garnier, Monte Carlo Opera, galleries, Villa Sauber, Catholic and Protestant churches), 40-70 cultural events are held annually, the calendar includes up to 50 theatrical and musical evenings per year.

Permanent participation in the EXPO (national day at Expo Osaka-2025, its own pavilion), art forums in Padua, art festivals Monaco Art Week and fine arts festivals, Private Label Summit, a platform for cultural and economic exchange, sustainable support for UNESCO projects, the largest partner of WHC Marine.

Legislation protects patents and brands (LOI n. 1,058 du 10 juin 1983), develops participation in international foundations (NICE Agreement, Marrakech, etc.), supports cultural and wine-making GI, focuses on the brands "Made in Monaco Art” and “Monte Carlo".

National cuisine: Barbagiuan, fougasse, pissaladière, stocafi, socca; the influence of French, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine is developed, and wine and gastronomic festivals are active. Up to 90% of residents attend at least one cultural or religious event per year (festivals, theater, galleries, concerts), the event saturation is considered one of the highest in Europe, taking into account the density of institutions and the frequency of events.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 96%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 81.2

The human development index is 0.950–0.960 (very high), is in the top 10 in the world (the exact position is not published due to the peculiarities of the statistical methodology and the size of the country). 1.17% of GDP (2022, World Bank), or 7.73% of all government spending (2023, CEIC/World Bank).

This is below the EU average, but it is offset by the high quality of infrastructure and the availability of private education. There is no formal data, but in fact literacy is 99-100% (according to unofficial data from UNESCO and the World Bank; explained by the urban nature, compulsory schooling and the presence of major EU educational standards).

Monegasque schools participate in partner French PISA studies; the results are not allocated to separate country statistics, but the average scores are at the level of the top 15 of the EU in certain areas. It is recognized that graduates take exams and are monitored according to French and EU standards.

The share of STEM in universities is at the EU average (about 28-32%, the EU targets 32% by 2030), the International University of Monaco and the Monaco Institute of Technology conduct programs on AI, cybersecurity, data science, and related technologies. The Institute of International Management, MonacoTech and IUM have dozens of programs, about 60% of the students are foreigners, the training is conducted in English and French, the programs are recognized according to AMBA/AACSB/EQUIS standards.

French is the main language; Italian and English are widely used in everyday life and education. The study of the Monegasque language is officially supported (in schools and at public events), there are up to 10 large cultural communities in residence (French, Italians, British, etc.).

There are 2 universities with their own research groups in the fields of business, technology and medicine, as well as several private laboratories, accelerators and the Monaco Institute of Artificial Intelligence/MonacoTech (startup and research projects on AI, VR, Greentech). The entire system of digital education and public services is integrated into the Extended Monaco platform (“e-Education”, e-learning, digital exams, classrooms for schoolchildren and parents), 100% coverage of students and teachers.

There is the patronage of the Prince, government support for scholarships (especially in STEM and the arts), grants from the MonacoTech/Monaco Innovation Fund, the annual Monaco Tech Academy competition, and funding for exchange programs and collaborative research.

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 94%.

Military sovereignty — 11.9

Military spending is officially recorded as "negligible" — less than 0.2% of GDP, not published separately by the World Bank or SIPRI; France provides the main protection under the treaty. The whole Force Publique (Carabiniers du Prince + Sapeurs-Pompiers): 240-250 people (including 124 in the Carabinieri company, 116 — firefighters/civil defense service).

Weapons include light small arms, armored vehicles, patrol boats, and modern equipment for line, rescue, and parade missions. Heavy equipment, air defense, and aviation are not being purchased — only special equipment for public security and civil defense. There is no own production of weapons, all supplies are through French and foreign manufacturers.

The entire fleet of weapons and equipment (except special equipment) is imported. Border control is carried out jointly with the French police; entry to Monaco is possible only through France. The access and control infrastructure is fully integrated with the French and Schengen systems. There is no reserve: the entire "reserve" consists of duty and shift workers in Force Publique, fire and rescue and medical services.

Strategic defense has been fully delegated to France (under a bilateral agreement, since 1817), and all key decisions on defense, external security, and integration with sub-regional or European structures are made through the French military and special services. The entire fleet of weapons and equipment for the army, special services, firefighters, and police is foreign imports, serviced by French, Swiss, and Italian suppliers.

There are no nuclear weapons, technologies and infrastructure and there are no plans (provided only by France in case of threats in the region). There are no own satellites, space/electronic intelligence services, and the country does not have a military intelligence infrastructure.

All communication/alarm equipment for emergency services is integrated with France's networks. All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the official portals of state—owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and the UN/NGO industry databases —97% coverage.

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths: The world's highest GDP per capita (up to $256 thousand, PPP), no government debt, surplus finances, Europe's leading financial and tourism center. Exceptional state and political stability (WGI Stability +1.18, Effectiveness +2.02), extremely effective governance, small population, transparency of administrative decisions, quick response to public demands.

One of the highest HDI levels (≈0.96, top 10 in the world), actual total literacy, access to the best private and public education, and the almost complete absence of socially disadvantaged groups.

The highest cultural and event coverage (up to 90% of the population annually participate in cultural life), an abundance of international festivals, awards, and unique art projects. 100% Internet penetration and digitalization: record speed, solid 5G/10 Gbps, access to modern government services, digital residency and a “social safe.” National cloud Operator Monaco Cloud; The main services, high standards of data protection and cybersecurity have been fully digitized.

Soft power and sustainable development models: The country participates in the UN and UNESCO, actively defends its own brands in culture, and cooperates in the world's largest exhibitions and forums.

Weaknesses: The complete absence of strategic military (and significant political) sovereignty: defense, external security, monetary and most of the communication policy are delegated to France (including borders, intelligence, the “nuclear umbrella"). There is no own issuing center, monetary policy, and gold and foreign exchange reserves; 100% of settlements are in euros, all payment systems are international, and there are no central banks or reserves.

Lack of own mineral, food and fuel resources; 100% of food and energy is imported (actual raw material vulnerability with extremely high purchasing power). All techno and IT infrastructure, all chips, critical components, biotechnologies, robotics and software are exclusively imported, there is practically no own industrial or scientific sector.

Minimal R&D costs (0.04% of GDP), lack of large research infrastructure, laboratories and real high-tech industries. There are no reserves, no army, no weapons production, no own intelligence services, and no military space; autonomy is only formal.

Overall assessment: Monaco's cumulative sovereignty index is 502.1 out of 700 possible points (above average 71.7%), which places the country in the top 50 in the global top.

Monaco is a country-city with an unprecedentedly high standard of living, humanitarian capital, effective management and maximum integration into European services, while completely devoid of strategic, resource and technological independence; here sovereignty is realized primarily through soft power, extraterritorial protection and service models, rather than industrial resource or defense independence.

The sovereignty profile indicates that Monaco demonstrates the highest possible “certified” sovereignty for an ultra-small but extremely wealthy state. Externally, the country looks completely independent, but in strategic, financial, technological and military matters, its sovereignty has been organically and voluntarily delegated to France and integrative supranational structures.