This Country Profile provides a basic overview of the legal history and institutional structures of the Principality of Monaco (Principaute de Monaco), based on research produced by GlobaLex at NYU Law School and the Library of Congress. Under Monaco’s Constitution, Islamic law (sharīʿa or fiqh) has no legal status.
Country Background
Monaco is located in Western Europe, near the border with Italy. It is bounded by the Mediterranean Sea and France. The capital is Monaco. The official language is French. The country's population in 2016 was approximately 30,500 people. Monaco is officially a Roman Catholic country, and over 90% of the population is Roman Catholic.
Constitution & Legal Structure
Monaco is referred to as a constitutional monarchy, in which sovereignty belongs to the people and the head of state is the Sovereign Prince of Monaco. Monaco has been governed under a constitutional monarchy since the ratification of its Constitution in 1911. The system of government is based on principles of separation and checks and balances and has three branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The executive branch consists of a Minister of State as the head of government, who presides over a five-member Council of Government. The Minister of State is a French or Monegasque citizen appointed by the prince from among candidates proposed by the French government. The legislative branch consists of the National Council, which is elected by the people. The judicial branch is headed by the Supreme Court of Monaco. Although not part of the European Union, Monaco does participate in certain EU policies, including customs and border control, and is also part of the eurozone.
Constitutional Status of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no constitutional status in Monaco.
Jurisdiction(s) of Islamic Law
Islamic law has no official jurisdiction of operation in Monaco.
Dominant School of Islamic Law
Monaco has no official school of Islamic law.
Sources of Law for Legal Research
Official Publications
Unofficial Databases
References:
For an extended list of legal resources for this country, see the Library of Congress’s Research Guide, and for a narrative review, see the GlobaLex Foreign Law Research Guide (most updated version, where available). The Constitution is available in the LOC Guide in its original language and at Constitute in English translation. For full versions of past constitutions, amendments, and related legislation, see HeinOnline World Constitutions Illustrated or Oxford Constitutions of the World [subscription required for each].