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Day: 26 March 2025

The faces of Monaco: census reveals who really lives in the Principality

by: Elsa Carpenter
26/03/2025

A new profile of Monaco’s residents has revealed a stable yet incredibly diverse population of 145 nationalities from around the world. Monegasques themselves represent a quarter of all residents, but who are the remaining 75% who have made the Principality their home?

In 2024, 38,423 individuals were recorded as official Monaco residents. This is a mere 0.1% increase from the previous year, equating to an increase of just 56 people.

Some 145 different nationalities make up the population, with native Monegasques being the largest group. According to data from the 2024 census, there were 9,262 Monegasques living in the Principality last year, a figure that represents just under 25% of the overall population.

The next largest group to make their home in Monaco are the French, who accounted for 21.8% of the Principality’s residents in 2024. Then come the Italians at 19.5%, followed by the British at 7.6%.

The remaining Top 10 best-represented nationalities in Monaco are the Swiss, Russians, Belgians, Germans, Portuguese and Dutch.

When looking at the data for newcomers to the Principality, the figures collated by IMSEE, Monaco’s statistical agency, indicate that the primary movers since 2022 have been French nationals. Just over 30% of the adults who have moved to Monaco in the last three years are originally from France, 15% are British and 9.4% are Italian.

The average age of a Monaco resident, including Monegasques, was 47.3 years in 2024: 46.6 for men and 47.9 for women. The largest age group was the 50 to 64 category (23.5%), followed by 65 to 79 (18.1%) and 35 to 49 (17%).

Incredibly, nearly one in 10 Monaco residents is over the age of 80, a healthy reflection of data published earlier this year that suggests people from Monaco may be living longer than anywhere else in the world.

Just over half of all adults living in Monaco are married.

Read related:

Monegasques are living longer than any other nationality in the world

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Monaco Communications Department

Hospital expansion modifications and urban development discussed at Mairie assembly

by: Kyriaki Topalidou
26/03/2025

Monaco’s local council gathered on Tuesday 25th March for a wide-ranging meeting led by Mayor Georges Marsan, where a series of pivotal decisions were laid out that touch nearly every corner of civic life in the Principality. From bold updates to the new Princess Grace Hospital to urban renovation projects and increased oversight of public funding, the agenda revealed a clear push toward modernisation while preserving the cultural and community fabric that defines Monaco.

A key element of the meeting, attended by Monaco Life, was the proposed modification to the new Princess Grace Hospital Center (CHPG) project, the expansion of which is set for completion by 2032. The most significant enhancement includes a fourth wing dedicated to psychiatry, expanding from the fifth to the ninth level, with administrative offices positioned on level 10. 

The hospital expansion also introduces a new firefighter access bridge on the mountain-facing north side, providing a second emergency entry point that will allow the hospital to be reclassified as a first-category public establishment. 

Beyond healthcare infrastructure, the meeting addressed multiple critical urban development initiatives. The Condamine Market renovation, set to begin in January 2026, represents another key project aimed at reimagining community spaces.

Internal organisational modifications were also discussed, including the transfer and transformation of administrative positions. These changes will be set in place in order to achieve alignment with legal frameworks.

The public session addressed several important subjects that effect Monaco’s residents. Photo by Kyriaki Topalidou for Monaco Life

Financial support for local associations

The Mairie de Monaco agreed to allocate financial support to various local associations such as the Bonsai Club and the Friends of the Monaco Exotic Garden, but underlined strict accountability, requiring associations to submit financial documentation and provide justifications for extraordinary subsidies.

Additional urban planning matters that were addressed included the approval of a storage room creation under Saint-Martin Avenue for the Villa Charlotte building and discussion of advertising and posting services, including new tariff structures, for the Exotic Garden Botanical Center.

The Exotic Garden Botanical Center, which has existed since 1950 and is currently undergoing significant developments, represents the Mairie’s an ongoing commitment to preserving and enhancing Monaco’s natural heritage.

Wrapping up the council meeting, a solution was proposed for the Saint-Martin space, which has been impacted by extensive renovation work. The plan for the moment involves temporary relocation of activities across various municipal sites and its building completion is set for September 2025.

See also:

La Condamine Market renovation plans revealed: What to expect and when

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Photo of Mayor Georges Marsan by Kyriaki Topalidou for Monaco Life

Sotheby’s unveils The Mediterranean Blue, a 10-carat diamond poised for a record-breaking auction

by: Stephanie Horsman
26/03/2025

Ahead of its auction in Geneva this May, where it is expected to fetch around €18.5 million, The Mediterranean Blue, an exceptionally rare 10.03-carat Fancy Vivid Blue diamond, will embark on a global tour with Sotheby’s, starting at the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation in Abu Dhabi next month.

The journey of The Mediterranean Blue began with the unearthing of a 31.94-carat rough diamond from South Africa’s legendary Cullinan mine in 2023. The mine has a storied history of producing some of the world’s most famous diamonds, including the 530-carat Great Star of Africa and The Blue Moon of Josephine, which sold for a staggering €45 million in 2015.

Boasting the highest possible colour grading for a blue diamond, as certified by the Gemological Institute of America, The Mediterranean Blue is classified as Type IIb, a rare designation given to less than 0.5% of all diamonds. This, combined with its exquisite cushion shape, which took experts months to shape, and VS2 clarity, places the jewel among the most incredible diamonds ever auctioned.

“The Mediterranean Blue represents one of nature’s rarest gems,” says Quig Bruning, Sotheby’s Head of Jewellery for the Americas and EMEA. “Any vivid blue diamond is a discovery worth celebrating, but one as entrancing as this, particularly being over 10 carats, is a newsworthy event. The Mediterranean Blue’s remarkable size, charming cushion cut and ocean-blue colours place it in the rarefied company of some of the most important blue diamonds to come to market in recent years.”

The diamond will go to auction via Sotheby’s Auction House in Geneva on 13th May, where it is expected to achieve €18.5 million. Ahead of the sale, The Mediterranean Blue is heading off on a world tour, and its grand unveiling will take place in the prestigious Bassam Freiha Art Foundation on Abu Dhabi’s Saadiyat Island. After this premiere, it will make stops in Taipei, Hong Kong and New York before arriving in Geneva.

Read related:

Napoleonic treasures with ties to the Principality going under the gavel at Artcurial

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: Sotheby’s New York Press Office

Get your golden tickets now for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the Grimaldi Forum

by: Elsa Carpenter
26/03/2025

Monaco is set for a magical treat later this year as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The New Musical brings its dazzling production to the Grimaldi Forum in December. With spectacular sets, a stellar London cast, and timeless songs from the beloved story, this highly anticipated show promises an unforgettable experience for audiences of all ages.

Christmas might seem a long way away, but preparations are already underway for the 2025 festive season, with the announcement that Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The New Musical will be coming to Monaco in December.

The enchanting world of Charlie Bucket and Willy Wonka will take centre stage at the Salle des Princes in the Grimaldi Forum between 12th and 14th December, bringing Roald Dahl’s beloved story to life in a dazzling production that rivals Broadway and the West End. With magical sets and a stellar cast directly from London, this musical extravaganza is set to be the golden ticket event of the season.

Join Charlie and the other contest winners as they step into the wacky world of the eccentric Willy Wonka, where chocolate waterfalls, nutty squirrels and a mind-bending Great Glass Elevator are everyday norms. Guided by a team of adorably mischievous Oompa-Loompas, this adventure is packed with whimsical surprises and valuable life lessons.

The production combines timeless classic songs from the iconic 1971 film—The Candy Man, Pure Imagination, and I’ve Got a Golden Ticket—with brand-new pieces written by award-winning composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, the masterminds behind Hairspray.

Performed in English with French subtitles, it’s a theatrical treat for everyone to enjoy. Whether a longtime fan of the story or discovering its magic for the first time, this is one show not to miss.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – The New Musical will run for three days only, from 12th to 14th December, at the Grimaldi Forum. Tickets are on sale now, starting at €45. For more information and to reserve a space for this special event, click here.

Read related:

Prince Albert, Princess Charlene unveil Grimaldi Forum expansion at 25th anniversary celebration

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.   

Photo credit: Johan Perrson

A new era for Jimmy’z as Monaco’s iconic nightclub embraces the festival spirit

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/03/2025

There’s a shift happening after dark in Monaco, and it’s starting at Jimmy’z. The legendary club that’s seen half a century of champagne-fuelled nights and celebrity sightings is re-emerging this spring with a new attitude — less velvet rope, more open-air energy.

When Jimmy’z reopens its doors on 28th March, just ahead of the Bal de la Rose weekend, regulars may be surprised to find a different kind of party taking shape. Gone is the exclusive old-school glitz. In its place, a bold new format designed to echo the spirit of international music festivals, but with that unmistakable Monte-Carlo polish.

This transformation isn’t just cosmetic. Under the leadership of Director Antonio Ierone, Jimmy’z has appointed Michel Saurin, known in the music scene as “Mitch”, as the new Electro-Clubbing Music Director. From Saint-Tropez to Hong Kong, he’s brought his sound to some of the world’s most high-profile venues, and now he’s setting out to give Jimmy’z its own distinct sonic identity under the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer banner.

Antonio Ierone is electrifying the scene at Jimmy’z

The 2025 season opens with a strong statement: Claptone, the enigmatic figure of the deep house world, is headlining the first night. The following evening, Jimmy’z plays host to the official Bal de la Rose afterparty with disco legend Cerrone. The message is clear — this isn’t just another nightclub season. It’s a reboot.

This evolution taps into a broader trend reshaping nightlife across Europe’s high-end destinations. Today’s partygoers want more than a velvet seat and a magnum of rosé. They want movement, music that pushes boundaries, and a scene that feels fresh. Jimmy’z seems ready to deliver just that — with a foot in the past and an eye firmly on the future.

Monaco Life is produced by a team of real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok. 

Main photo of Jimmy’z provided by Monte-Carlo SBM

AS Monaco Basketball overcome Zalgiris Kaunas in overtime for vital EuroLeague win

by: Elsa Carpenter
26/03/2025
Monaco Zalgiris

AS Monaco Basketball have begun an important run of EuroLeague games with a solid 96-86 triumph over Zalgiris Kaunas. Despite trailing for much of the game, the Roca Team showed resilience and character, with strong performances coming from captain Mike James, Elie Okobo, Jaron Blossomgame and recent signing Daniel Theis.

The game on Tuesday 25th March, represented an important opportunity for AS Monaco Basketball to shore up their status in the Euroleague rankings and keep the team’s eyes on a Top 4 finish.

The Lithuanians took an early lead, but Monaco rallied in the second quarter, with Daniel Theis and Matthew Strazel helping to close the gap to 44-48 as the teams broke for halftime.

The game remained tight in the second half, with Zalgiris holding a 58-65 lead at the end of the third quarter, but the Roca Team once again fought back in the final period, with Mam Jaiteh playing a key role. A crucial three-pointer from James tied the game at 78-78, and a pair of free throws from Theis tied it again at 80-80, sending the game into overtime.

Here, Monaco dominated, with James leading the charge and Okobo contributing an additional seven points. AS Monaco Basketball ultimately sealed the victory at the Salle Gaston Médecin with a dominant 16-6 extra period. The final result was 96-86 in Monaco’s favour.

“It was a big game tonight,” said Head Coach Vassilis Spanoulis after the game. “We didn’t have the right approach at the beginning with many small mistakes, but in the end, the important thing is the victory. We were only down by four points at halftime, then in the second half, we improved defensively and were really above during overtime. It was a very physical game, and the entire team responded, especially mentally—they didn’t give up. We were rushing at times, heading in headfirst, but in the key moments, the players didn’t panic. I believe in this team and the players who make it up.”

The result was a welcome return to form after Sunday 23rd March’s game against ASVEL in the Betclic Elite, which saw the Roca Team’s impressive 10-game winning streak in the French league come to an end.

The Lyon side confidently beat AS Monaco 94-86, making it the first home defeat for Monaco against Lyon-Villeurbanne since the 2022 Finals.

“The defense wasn’t up to par, especially against ASVEL’s shooting,” said Coach Spanoulis post-game. “We were too slow. Maybe the team was already thinking about the upcoming EuroLeague double week, with four crucial games. ASVEL brought the energy, and I’m not surprised.”

Read related:

German international and NBA player Daniel Theis joins AS Monaco Basketball

 

Monaco Life is produced by real multi-media journalists writing original content. See more in our free newsletter, follow our Podcasts on Spotify, and check us out on Threads,  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: AS Monaco Basket