Constitutional monarchy in Western Europe, bordering the Mediterranean Sea on the southern coast of France, near the border with Italy. It has maintained political independence throughout most of its history since the 10th century, being under the protection of France since 1619.
The region was part of the diocese of Nice until 1868 when the Abbey Nullius of Saints Nicholas and Benedict was established. The diocese of Monaco, directly dependent on the Holy See, was established on March 15, 1887. Elevated to an archdiocese on July 30, 1981. See also,