The Monaco has been ruled by the Grimaldi dynasty, a family originating from Genoa in Italy, since the thirteenth century. From 1815 until 1861 the principality was protected by the Kingdom of Sardinia. Then it came under French protection. The Principality of Monaco lies on the Mediterranean coast close to the French Italian border. The Prince Rainier, is Head of State, and he, together with a unicameral, an elected National Council 18 members, jointly holds legislative power. The economy is based on tourism, finance and the revenue from land and property French is the official language.
