Monaco - 76.48
36
Qatar meets France
Monaco, a microstate carved out of the French Riviera, is home to the most domestically powerful monarchy in Europe. The prince exerts near absolute control over the executive branch and the directly elected parliament does not have significant power to make changes to government policy. In addition, French interests, wealthy casino owners, and foreign investors have the prince’s ear while Monagasques struggle to have their voices heard politically. The country is heavily reliant on France and would collapse if cut off from French support. Whether it was through legitimately strong economic policy or simply the country’s tax haven status attracting wealthy expats, Monaco has achieved one of if not the strongest economy in the world. In addition, the country has one of the highest life expectancies in the world and is a major source of medical tourism for wealthy Europeans and North Africans. If not for the country’s very low democracy score, Monaco would be more comparable to Germany and Slovenia than to Palau and Mauritius, but the country’s democracy score tied with Kuwait places it much lower.
Human Rights - 83
Monaco has fully abolished the death penalty. Monaco guarantees cohabitation agreements but not same-sex marriage. Monaco does not perform same-sex joint adoptions. Abortion is legal to save the woman’s life and in cases of rape, incest, or fetal impairment, but few abortions are performed in Monaco due to the country’s open border with France.
Democracy - 25
The prince exerts near absolute control over the executive branch. The Monegasque Minister of State, who is responsible for a number of executive duties, is appointed by the prince from a list of three French nationals chosen by the French government. Monegasques have virtually no control over the executive branch of government. Parliament is elected freely and fairly through a mix of proportional representation and direct election but does not have significant power. Monaco does not have a party system of any kind, instead unofficial political associations form among politicians. French interests, as well as the interests of wealthy expats and casino owners, exert significant influence over Monegasque politics.
Freedom - 86
Hate speech and “incitement to hatred” are both punishable by jail time. “Public denunciations” of the royal family are punishable by six months to five years imprisonment, though this law is not enforced. Catholicism is the official religion, though freedom of religion is guaranteed. Monegasque drug laws go generally unenforced. Monaco shall issue gun ownership licenses for semi-automatic rifles and handguns.
Economy - 100
Health - 98
Monaco has a life expectancy of 86.6 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.25%. 36% of Monegasques are obese and the country has no hunger. Monaco’s healthcare system is world-class and free care is provided to all Monegasque and EU citizens. All Monegasques have access to clean, running water. 42% of adult Monegasques smoke regularly.
Corruption - 67
Petty corruption in Monaco is virtually nonexistent. Grand corruption is widespread to the point that Monaco is effectively a plutocracy. Wealthy casino owners and expats are very close with the prince and exert significant control over the government.
Competency - 90
Monaco is heavily reliant on France.
Future - 95
Monaco’s future generally looks bright so long as its tax haven status does not end. Monaco’s tax haven status and the country’s economic policy, as well as legalized gambling in the country, mean that the country’s future is very insured.
Actions Abroad - 90
Monaco is a tax haven. Monaco does not maintain an expeditionary military force. Monaco is very heavily reliant on France. Monaco is generally isolationist and maintains good relations with most nations. Monaco received a ten-point penalty for its tax haven status.
Monaco has no poverty. 4.58% of Monegasques are unemployed. The country has a high economic disparity, largely stemming from a population of wealthy people and an elite class of uber-wealthy people. The minimum wage in Monaco is $11.31 per hour. Monaco has arguably the best healthcare system in the world. The country has three hospitals that provide free care to all Monegasque and EU citizens. Monaco is a medical tourism destination for wealthy Europeans and North Africans. The Monegasque economy is subject to nearly third-world fluctuations, but no 2020 GDP growth data is available. The Monegasque economy grew 7.5% in 2019.