15 ° C
Profile

Day: 31 March 2022

2021 in numbers: births, deaths and marriages 

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/03/2022

In a year significantly marked by the Covid-19 pandemic, Monaco saw its lowest birth rate among nationals since 1985, while the number of Monegasques who died reached an all-time high.

Monaco’s statistics body IMSEE released its annual demographic analysis on Thursday 31st March, showing in numbers the impact of the pandemic on the population of Monegasque nationality.

There were 96 births in Monaco in 2021, marking a birth rate of 10%, the lowest since 1985. The average age of mothers was 33.6 years, while the average number of children per woman sat at 2.5 between 2019 to 2021.

On the other end of the spectrum, 101 Monegasques died last year, the highest level ever observed. It compares to 89 deaths in 2020, and 81 the previous year.

This may have something to do with the fact that the Monegasque population remains quite old, with half aged over 46.9, and one in two women at least 51 years. Nearly 15% of the Principality’s native Monegasque population is aged over 75.

Still, life expectancy remains high, with an average of 84.9 years for men, and 88.7 for women.

Looking at marriages, IMSEE noted that there were 85 nuptials involving at least one Monegasque citizen, slightly lower than the average for the past 10 years. Meanwhile, the average age of marrying couples remains high, with 32.4 years for men, and 30.9 for women.

“The number of divorces in 2021 is not yet definitively known, given the inherent delays in legal procedures,” according the report.

As of 31st December 2021, the Principality had 9,611 Monegasque nationals. “After a year in 2012 marked by a sharp increase linked to the entry into force of new legislation, the annual population growth then stabilized. It was relatively low in 2021, with +0.4%,” says IMSEE.

There were eight people who obtained Monegasque nationality in 2021, three men and five women.

 

 

Photo by Benedetta Pizzonia, Monaco Life

 

 

 

 

ROKiT Venturi makes historic partnership with CBD innovator

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/03/2022

Monaco-based E racing team ROKiT Venturi has broken the mould once again, this time partnering with Craft 1861, the creator of CBD-based wellness products and technology.

The deal, announced on Thursday 31st March, makes ROKiT Venturi the first ever motorsport racing team to partner with an industry from the CBD sector.

CBD, otherwise known as cannabidiol, is a natural compound found in hemp plants and promotes wellness without the intoxicating and psychoactive effects.

As the team’s Official Wellness Partner, Craft 1861 will play a supporting role in both the physical and mental wellbeing of the team, monitoring team performance throughout the 2021/22 FIA Formula E World Championship and beyond.

“Craft 1861 is an innovator in the field of CBD innovation and we are proud to be part of their global brand development journey,” said Susie Wolff, CEO of ROKiT Venturi Racing, in a statement. “Craft 1861’s focus on the creation of sustainable product innovation without compromising on quality is something we really identify with as a team and, by partnering with ROKiT Venturi Racing, Craft 1861 will be engaging with the eco-conscious dynamic and progressive Formula E audience demographic.”

Photo source: ROKiT Venturi Racing

According to Craft 1861, its products interact with the body’s metabolic and neural receptors that regulate pain, the immune system, memory, stress response and other functions, to sharpen human performance in high-pressure environments, such as in Formula E.

From the Rome E-Prix onwards, Craft 1861’s branding will appear on the front wing and headrest of the team’s new black livery as driven by Edoardo Mortara and Lucas di Grassi, on driver racing suits, and on team clothing.

“We are thrilled to partner with ROKiT Venturi Racing Formula E team,” said Eric Lujan, Founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Craft 1861. “Our company is proud to be the first CBD company in Formula E. We offer CBD hemp products to those focused on wellness and a healthy lifestyle, which is the perfect match for the rising millennial FE fan.”

In mid-February, ROKiT Venturi Racing announced that the team had partnered with alcohol brand Stoli elit Vodka as its principal sponsor.

 

SEE ALSO:

Stoli vodka group becomes Venturi’s major sponsor

Rokit Venturi Racing ends season with victory in Berlin

 

 

 

Corsica Ferry to accommodate 1,600 Ukrainian refugees

by: Stephanie Horsman
31/03/2022

The Prefecture of the Bouches-du-Rhône has announced that a ferry has been made available to Ukrainian refugees in the port of Marseille from 29th March.

Up to 1,600 Ukrainian refugees will find themselves in new accommodation as a Corsica Ferry boat is made ready to welcome them aboard.

Specific arrangements have been made so that they receive “the best conditions”, the prefecture said in a press release.

The President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte-d’Azur region, Renaud Muselier, supported this unique housing offer as a response to Nice Mayor Christian Estrosi’s plea. The mayor had asked for the “establishment of regional solidarity, to help his territory on the front line.”

In mid-March, Mayor Estrosi stated that, as the vast majority of refugees entering France are coming through at the border between Italy and the Alpes-Maritimes, the local system was becoming “overwhelmed” with the 1,000 or so new arrivals.

Communities and employers in the region will be asked to join this ferry project to find education, training and employment solutions for refugees.

Over 3.6 million people have fled the conflict in Ukraine since the Russian forces invaded their country on 24th February. Poland has taken in most of the refugees. At the last count made by the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), more than two million Ukrainians, mostly women and children, are in Poland.

French Prime Minister Jean Castex said on 22nd March that 26,000 Ukrainians have entered France since the start of the war, many in transit to other places. The EU has granted any Ukrainian fleeing a temporary protection visa for six months, renewable up to three years. This temporary measure, a first for the EU, includes a residence permit, access to jobs and housing, medical care and education for children.

 

SEE ALSO: 

How to keep Ukrainian women safe, and fill a job shortage

 

Photo by Vidar Nordli on Unsplash 

 

 

 

Monaco comes to the aid of drought-stricken Madagascar

by: Cassandra Tanti
31/03/2022

Building on two decades of support, Monaco has signed a new cooperation agreement with Madagascar that will help support the country during its worst drought in four decades.

Monaco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation Isabelle Berro-Amadeï is currently on an official working visit to Madagascar until 2nd March, strengthening the Principality’s 20-year support for the island through projects that include access to decent work, education and child protection, food security and health.

Attention has now shifted to the drought that has caused unprecedented famine in the southern region of the island for two consecutive years, propelling more than 1.3 million people in a situation of food insecurity.

According the government, the signing of this cooperation agreement by Isabelle Berro-Amadeï and her Malagasy counterpart Richard Randriamandrato “testifies to the commitment of the Prince’s Government to remain at the side of the Madagascar people”.

“The Principality of Monaco has never ceased, even in times of crisis, to support its Malagasy partners,” said Minister Berro-Amadeï. “It intends, by signing this Framework Agreement, to ensure its unwavering support of the Malagasy State in the implementation of its national policies, to meet the challenges of the country, which is facing an unprecedented multidimensional crisis – climate, food, health and social.”

Meanwhile, the Sectoral Agreement in the field of health was also renewed by Ms. Berro-Amadeï and the Malagasy Minister of Public Health, Professor Zely Arivelo Randriamanantany, at the National Centre for the Fight against Malaria, in Antananarivo.

Bilateral cooperation between Madagascar and Monaco was initiated in 2000, with a Consulate in Monaco to Madagascar inaugurated in 2002, and two permanent staff on site in the country to ensure the coordination of programs.

Since 2009, more than €20 million of Official Development Assistance has been allocated by Monaco to contribute to the socio-economic development of Madagascar, ranked 8th out of 180 countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

 

 

 

Photo source: Government Communication Department 

 

 

 

 

Weekend ski report: 1st – 3rd April

by: Luke Entwistle
31/03/2022

We may be exiting the winter season, but skiers have a great choice of resorts for some Spring skiing. Snow is expected to fall throughout the region over the weekend as temperatures plummet.

Isola 2000 – There are currently 23 ski slopes and 14 ski lifts open at Isola. Visitors can expect there to be between 100 and 80 cm of spring snow. The weekend is expected to be largely overcast, although there is a chance of snow over the weekend. Between 2-6 cm of snow could fall on Sunday. Although we are now in April, temperatures at the resort are plunging. Skiers can expect highs of 3°C and lows of -9°C. The col de la Bonette and la Lombarde roads are closed until the end of the winter season.

Auron – There are currently 20 ski slopes and 13 ski lifts open at the resort, with between 85-75 cm of standing snow. It will be chillier than last weekend with highs of 4°C and lows of -5°C. Conditions at the resort will be changeable throughout the weekend. Although there is a chance of sun, there is also the omnipresent possibility of snow throughout the weekend, with a chance of up to 13 cm of snow on Sunday. There will also be some strong winds, reaching up to 52 km/h on Saturday. In terms of access, Route de la Tinée, Route de la Bonette, Piste de la Moustière, Piste de Demandols all remain closed.

Les Deux Alpes – There is a huge choice of runs at the resort with 64 ski slopes and 37 ski lifts currently open. There is 65cm of hard standing snow, which could be supplemented by some fresh snowfall on Sunday. Friday and Saturday are expected to be largely foggy, whilst temperatures are expected to be way down on last weekend with lows of -10°C and highs of just -1°C.

La Colmiane – Although the resort closed this week, it will be opening exceptionally for this weekend. It will also be possible to practise some summer activities including, mini-golf, high ropes courses and zip-wiring. Similarly to elsewhere in the region, conditions will be changeable, whilst winds could be high, reaching up to 81 km/h on Saturday. There will also be a decent chance of snow, especially on Sunday. Like elsewhere, temperatures have also plummeted with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C.

Greolieres les Neiges – The winter season has come to an end at the resort as the ski lifts closed on Monday. Greolieres is now preparing activities for Easter and the Summer season.

Limone Piemonte – There are currently 7 runs open and 5 ski lifts. Snow levels vary from 40 to 10 cm. From 28th March there is only access to the “sole” zone. It will be a largely overcast weekend with precipitation in the form of snow or rain possible throughout the weekend. Temperatures at the resort are considerably down on last weekend with lows of -2°C and highs of 7°C. Passage through the Roya valley currently isn’t possible due to the collapsed bridge at Tende. Drivers must instead pass through Ventimiglia and the journey from Monaco is currently approximately three hours. Alternatively, it is possible to drive to Tende and take a 20/30 minute train to Limone Centre. The train runs 12 times a day between 07:00 and 18:45, with the journey from Monaco taking approximately 1 hour 45 minutes.

Valberg – The winter season has come to an end at the resort as the ski lifts closed on Sunday. The resort is now preparing for the Spring season.

Note: Snow tyres must be worn on the roads up to the ski resorts.

 

 

Photo source: Auron webcam