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Day: 26 June 2025

2024 in Monaco: fewer cars, more jobs, and the quiet economic evolution

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/06/2025

From a surge in employment to a booming real estate sector, Monaco’s 2024 key figures from IMSEE reveal a Principality continuing its upward economic trajectory – but with some telling shifts.

Each year, the Monaco Statistics Institute (IMSEE) releases ‘Monaco in Figures’, a powerful insight into life in the Principality. With the publication of the 2025 edition, expats and residents alike gain insight into what’s driving the local economy and shaping the social landscape.

Employment and population trends

One of the most striking changes between the past two years is in employment. The number of jobs held in Monaco jumped to 65,493 in 2025, compared to 62,455 in 2023 – an increase of over 3,000 positions. Meanwhile, the number of employers also rose slightly to 6,305, up from 6,234 the year prior. These figures affirm Monaco’s continued appeal as a business hub, particularly in services and finance.

The population remained stable at 39,050 residents in 2025, virtually unchanged from 2024. French nationals remain the largest group (9,286), followed by Italians (8,499) and Monegasques (9,606), while the number of British residents held steady.

Real estate and construction boom

The Principality’s property market continues to heat up. In 2025, 520 real estate transactions were recorded, matching 2024 figures but at a higher combined value of €3.54 billion – a sharp increase from €3.21 billion the year before. The average price per square metre for resale property reached €51,418, a significant uptick from the 2024 average of €50,000, indicating sustained interest in the ultra-premium residential market.

See also: Monaco property market breaks records in Q1 2025, led by landmark completions

Building permits also increased slightly from 28 in 2024 to 30 in 2025, reflecting both renovation activity and new construction, especially in neighbourhoods like Larvotto and Jardin Exotique.

Tourism steady, but not booming

Despite global instability and shifting travel patterns, Monaco welcomed 369,206 overnight visitors in 2025 – nearly identical to the previous year. The hotel occupancy rate remained steady at 55%, highlighting a plateau in tourism recovery post-pandemic.

However, with major events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix and Monaco Yacht Show anchoring the calendar, the sector continues to draw high-spending guests, particularly in luxury accommodations.

Business, mobility and quality of life

Company creation saw a minor rise in 2025, with 780 new businesses established versus 754 in 2024. Transport and mobility infrastructure also improved: public transport usage increased, with 7.6 million passengers on urban buses in 2025, up from 7.2 million in 2024.

The number of students enrolled in Monaco’s schools ticked up slightly to 5,947, and cultural life remained vibrant, with museum attendance holding steady. Meanwhile, the number of vehicles registered in the Principality climbed from 14,338 to 14,730, raising continued questions around congestion and sustainability.

Looking ahead

For expats living and working in Monaco, these figures offer more than a snapshot – they signal where the Principality is investing, growing, and evolving. While real estate and employment continue to rise, Monaco’s stable population and levelling tourism figures hint at a mature market refining rather than reinventing itself.

See also: 

Monaco posts record-breaking €5 billion revenue in first quarter of 2025

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Monaco Energy Boat Challenge 2025: A race to redefine the future of sustainable yachting

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/06/2025

The Monaco Energy Boat Challenge returns from 1st to 5th July with its most ambitious edition yet, where cutting-edge technology, artificial intelligence, and student ingenuity converge in Port Hercule for a week of high-stakes racing and innovation.

In a setting once animated by the thunder of the earliest motorboats, a new era of propulsion is quietly revolutionising Monaco’s waters. Organised by the Yacht Club de Monaco, this 11th edition brings together over 40 universities and international marine industry leaders such as Azimut-Benetti, Ferretti Group, and Sanlorenzo. Together, they are reshaping maritime mobility through real-world competition.

Four racing classes – Energy, SeaLab, Open Sea, and the brand-new AI Class – form the cornerstone of the event. These categories explore propulsion via solar power, hydrogen fuel cells, and electric batteries, many of which now integrate AI technologies to improve performance and autonomy. From qualifying laps and slalom races to endurance trials and a dramatic 16-nautical mile speed record challenge, each race pushes the envelope on efficiency and speed.

Introducing artificial intelligence to the high seas

The 2025 edition marks the debut of a fully autonomous racing class. Vessels equipped with advanced AI will compete independently, testing the limits of automation in marine navigation. This addition signals a future where crewless boats may serve in research or rescue missions, thanks to reliable, intelligent systems born from the challenge’s open innovation ecosystem.

AI’s inclusion also extends to the SeaLab platform, a hub for innovation inside the YCM Marina. Here, visitors can discover prototypes crafted with recyclable materials and natural fibres, electric docking solutions developed with Aqua superPower, and dynamic exhibits that explore energy efficiency through tangible experimentation.

Mentorship, industry links, and future careers

True to the Yacht Club’s mission of shaping future maritime leaders, the Challenge doubles as a mentorship and career forum. Industry giants collaborate with students through networking events, while the Job Forum allows participants to apply directly for internships and employment opportunities. It’s a rare collision of youth and experience, where conversations can spark future enterprises.

Adding to the immersive experience, the Challenge offers an interactive race simulator that places spectators in the virtual cockpit of the competitors, capturing the thrill of real-time racing in Monaco’s iconic port.

A festival of innovation and public engagement

Throughout the week, the event transforms Port Hercule into a public celebration of clean technology. Visitors can witness races from the YCM and Lucciana quays, attend daily Tech Talks and round tables on hydrogen propulsion, and explore Monaco’s broader efforts toward carbon-neutral yachting, including the benchmark SEA Index.

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

 

Photo courtesy YCM

Dazzling heritage: Wannenes unveils rare jewels for Monaco Art Week auction

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/06/2025

A platinum brooch set with a rare pink diamond, a royal parure once worn by Mussolini’s daughter, and a 1925 bracelet from a master jeweller who worked with Van Cleef & Arpels – these are just a few of the treasures up for grabs at the upcoming Wannenes jewellery auction in Monaco.

Timed to coincide with the celebrated Monaco Art Week, Wannenes Casa d’Aste will present its next major sale on Monday 7th and Tuesday 8th July at the Hôtel Metropole. The auction house, known for blending tradition with innovation, promises a catalogue that reads like a glittering journey through the history of jewellery – from Belle Époque marvels to 20th century masterworks.

Important platinum ring set with a Burmese ruby and diamonds, certified unheated, circa mid-20th century.

A historic exhibition of wearable art

The auction features 444 lots, many of which have been curated for their provenance, rarity, and design versatility. Among the crown jewels of the sale is a brooch-pendant by Italian house Cusi (lot 391), showcasing a Fancy Light Pink diamond, a Fancy Intense Yellow diamond, and a fine Colombian emerald – all arranged in a rhomboid cut and set in platinum. With accompanying GIA and SSEF certificates, it’s estimated at €190,000 to €220,000 and is already generating strong pre-sale interest.

Equally captivating is a platinum ring (lot 264) set with a 5.40-carat unheated Burmese ruby, framed by diamonds. Noted for its exceptional clarity and colour saturation, this piece carries a €70,000 to €80,000 estimate.

Iconic names and timeless design

Collectors with an eye for period design will be drawn to lot 430 – a transformable necklace by Auger Paris from the late 19th century. Adorned with sapphires, enamel, and diamonds, it can be reconfigured into brooches or hairpins using original tools still housed in its antique case. Its estimate: €40,000 to €50,000.

Art Deco lovers will appreciate a platinum bracelet (lot 444) by Louis Maruzzi, the Italian-French craftsman who worked with Van Cleef & Arpels. Studded with emeralds, amethysts, and diamonds, this circa-1925 piece is expected to fetch between €18,000 and €22,000.

Jewellery set in gold, silver, sapphires, rubies and diamonds, circa 1940, said to have belonged to Countess Edda Ciano.

There’s even a glimpse of history in lot 135: a gold and silver parure set with cabochon sapphires, rubies, and diamond roses.

Once owned by Edda Ciano, daughter of Benito Mussolini, the 1940s-era suite – complete with earrings, necklace, bracelet and ring – is estimated at €15,000 to €20,000.

Coveted couture: luxury handbags join the showcase

In addition to rare jewels, the Wannenes auction will feature an enviable collection of luxury handbags, elevating the event’s allure for fashion connoisseurs. Among the highlights is a dazzling Hermès Birkin 35 crafted in black crocodile, a timeless statement of elegance and exclusivity.

A vivid Hermès Kelly 28 in fiery orange ostrich leather, perfectly preserved with its original accessories, adds a vibrant pop of colour and rare materiality to the line-up. Collectors will also find a classic Chanel 2.55 bag in quilted black leather, a perennial icon of Parisian chic, and a limited-edition Louis Vuitton Capucines, featuring an artistic twist on the maison’s traditional design. These fashion treasures not only carry the hallmark of their luxury houses but also the potential to become investment pieces, sure to command spirited bidding in Monaco.

A cultural moment in Monte Carlo

The auction’s preview exhibition will run from Friday 4th to Tuesday 8th July at the Hôtel Metropole. Held during Monaco Art Week, the event offers collectors a rare chance to view and acquire high jewellery in a setting that celebrates the Principality’s international standing in the world of art and design.

To see the full catalogue, click here.

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Main photo: Platinum band bracelet with emeralds, amethysts and old-cut diamonds by Louis Maruzzi, circa 1925. All photos courtesy Wannenes

Théâtre Princesse Grace unveils its vibrant 2025–2026 season

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/06/2025

The Théâtre Princesse Grace (TPG) has revealed a diverse and ambitious lineup for its 2025–2026 season, promising a rich blend of classical masterpieces, modern comedy, emerging voices, and philosophical thought. Among the highlights are landmark collaborations and three major productions staged off-site at the Grimaldi Forum.

The TPG will present 28 productions, including three at the Grimaldi Forum, starting with Bérénice—a modern reinterpretation of the Racine classic staged by Flemish director Guy Cassiers with the Comédie-Française troupe. Another major highlight is Le Mariage de Figaro, directed by Léna Bréban and starring Philippe Torreton, which aims to rekindle the play’s enduring social relevance. Cyrano de Bergerac returns with Édouard Baer in the titular role, offering a fresh poetic take on the beloved classic.

Contemporary voices and celebrated casts

Comedy and drama converge with La Vérité, a sharp piece by Florian Zeller featuring a celebrated ensemble cast, and La Veuve rusée, Carlo Goldoni’s classic Italian comedy starring Caterina Murino. Other standout performances include Stéphane Guillon and Jean‑Pierre Darroussin in Inconnu à cette adresse, and the poignant Scènes de la vie conjugalestarring Stanislas Nordey and Romane Bohringer. Audiences will also be drawn to Il ne m’est jamais rien arrivé, a memory-driven exploration of playwright Jean‑Luc Lagarce by Vincent Dedienne.

New perspectives and youthful creativity

TPG continues to champion emerging talent with a diverse programme including stand-up from pan-generational comics Panayotis Pascot and Paul Taylor, and innovative pieces such as Lumière!, which blends science and artistry to explore the history of electricity. New youth-focused works include Je suis trop vert — an ecological comedy — and Personne n’est ensemble sauf moi, which examines invisible disabilities, offering intimate and impactful storytelling. Additional works by new talents from institutions like the Théâtre National de Bretagne will also feature prominently.

Celebrated works and award-winning drama

The season honours acclaimed theatrical pieces, such as 4211 KM, recognized at the Molières in 2024, C’est pas facile d’être heureux quand on va mal, winner of the Molière for best comedy, and Les Liaisons dangereuses, awarded best actress in 2025. The triumphant Du charbon dans les veines, winner of five Molière awards, returns alongside the compelling piece Ring.

Ideas, conversation and reflection

TPG’s role as a cultural forum continues with its ongoing partnership with the Rencontres Philosophiques de Monaco. The theatre will host philosophical workshops and its annual Philo Monaco week, encouraging public engagement with critical ideas.

Practical information

The theatre’s bar foyer welcomes guests from 6 pm on performance evenings. Season tickets go on sale from 7th July via post or email, and at the theatre from 25th August. Single tickets become available from 1st September.

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo source: TPG

 

Back from the brink: measles resurgence sparks global alarm

by: Cassandra Tanti
26/06/2025

A comprehensive report published in The New England Journal of Medicine has raised a red flag about the global resurgence of measles, a disease once thought to be under control in many parts of the world. In their June 2025 review, Drs. Jennifer B. Nuzzo and Saad B. Omer provide a stark overview of how declining vaccination rates, misinformation, and systemic weaknesses are fuelling a dangerous public health crisis.

Measles, one of the most contagious viruses known to science, requires near-universal immunisation to keep outbreaks at bay. Yet, according to the report, global coverage with the first dose of measles-containing vaccine has stagnated at around 83% since 2009, falling well below the 95% threshold required for herd immunity. The COVID-19 pandemic only worsened the situation. In 2021 and 2022, more than 60 million doses were delayed or missed.

The authors note: “The effects of these setbacks are already evident. In 2022, there were more than 9 million measles cases and 136,000 deaths globally — increases of 18% and 43%, respectively, over 2021.” And in 2023, outbreaks were reported in 51 of the 53 countries in the WHO European Region alone.

Fuelled by fear and disinformation

The resurgence is not simply due to access problems. In high-income countries like the United States, vaccine refusal and delay — often driven by misinformation — are becoming increasingly common. “In 2023, there were 58 measles outbreaks in the United States, accounting for 338 cases across 20 states,” the report reveals, adding that “misinformation about vaccine safety and underestimation of disease risks have eroded public confidence.”

This trend has prompted public health experts to warn of a creeping erosion of trust in medical institutions. The report points out that social media has accelerated the spread of anti-vaccine narratives, undermining decades of progress.

Vulnerable populations bear the brunt

While high-profile outbreaks in wealthy nations often make headlines, the greatest burden falls on lower-income countries. Children under the age of five account for the vast majority of measles deaths. “As many as 83% of the 56 million children worldwide who did not receive a single routine vaccine dose in 2021 were concentrated in low- and middle-income countries,” the authors write.

Measles not only causes death and disability in the short term, but it also weakens the immune system for months, leaving children susceptible to other infections. This “immune amnesia” adds further urgency to the call for widespread vaccination.

The path forward

In response to the crisis, the authors urge robust action at every level of society. National governments must invest in routine immunisation programmes and restore trust in vaccines through community engagement. International organisations, meanwhile, must help fund vaccination campaigns and address misinformation.

The authors also advocate for stronger mandates: “Vaccination mandates for school entry have proved effective in maintaining high coverage rates,” the report notes, especially when combined with limited exemptions.

Ultimately, the measles resurgence is a litmus test for public health systems in the post-COVID era. As the authors conclude, “Failure to respond decisively to this crisis risks reversing decades of progress in disease prevention.”

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  Facebook,  Instagram,  LinkedIn and Tik Tok.  

Photo credit: CDC, Unsplash