Tuesday, April 22, 2025
78th Festival de Cannes Poster Unveiled
Saturday, April 19, 2025
New Census Reveals Monaco Is Home to 145 Nationalities
There has always been rumours both locally and abroad that
Monaco is made of mainly wealthy individuals from Russia and Dubai, but a
recently released census has quashed all those assumptions.
This
new census sheds fresh light on the extraordinary diversity of the
Principality of Monaco, revealing that this tiny yet iconic country is
now home to citizens of 145 nationalities.
This
data not only highlights the cosmopolitan nature of the world's
second-smallest country but also offers intriguing insights into the
gender and age distribution of its population.
A Global Microcosm
Despite its modest area of just over 2 square kilometers, Monaco boasts an international population that rivals those of major metropolises. According to the new census, the resident population includes people from every continent, with the most represented nationalities being:
French: 28.4%
Monegasque (native citizens): 21.5%
Italian: 18.1%
British: 7.5%
Belgian: 2.9%
Swiss: 2.5%
German: 2.1%
American: 1.8%
Russian: 1.7%
Other nationalities (135 in total): 13.5%
These "other nationalities" span from neighboring European countries to residents from Asia, Africa, Latin America, and Oceania — further reinforcing Monaco’s role as a truly global crossroads.
Gender Breakdown
The census data also shows a near-even gender balance, with a slight majority of female residents:
Women: 52.3%
Men: 47.7%
This distribution reflects broader European demographic trends, particularly in older populations, where women typically have a higher life expectancy.
Age Demographics
Monaco’s population is not only diverse but also skews older, a testament to its high standard of living and healthcare. The census reveals the following age structure:
0–14 years: 12.1%
15–24 years: 9.5%
25–54 years: 40.6%
55–64 years: 15.3%
65 years and over: 22.5%
The largest demographic, adults between 25 and 54, forms the backbone of Monaco’s active workforce, while nearly a quarter of residents are 65 or older, underscoring the principality’s appeal as a retirement haven.
A Principality of Inclusion
Officials from Monaco’s Institute of Statistics and Economic Studies (IMSEE) remarked that the results of this census highlight the Principality’s status as a welcoming and harmonious society.
“This level of international representation is rare in such a small country,” said an IMSEE spokesperson. “Monaco is a model of multicultural coexistence.”
Looking Ahead
With its remarkable blend of cultures, languages, and generations, Monaco continues to stand out not only for its luxury and lifestyle but for its human tapestry. Policymakers and city planners are already looking to the future, exploring how to adapt services and infrastructure to this evolving demographic landscape.
From global citizens to native Monegasques, the principality is proving that even in the smallest of places, diversity can thrive.
Friday, April 18, 2025
Just Jump with Ben Small - An Ibanista Podcast
It felt like a rare glimpse into the real French Riviera: its promises, its problems, and the people who make it truly special.
Ben Small created the Just Jump podcast with one goal in mind: Encourage those who are hesitating with the idea of moving abroad to take action. How do I create a business in France? What do I need to do for my French Visa? How do taxes work in France? Do I need insurance? And the biggest question of them all, can I really create a better life in another country? Whether you are having a dream, making plans or about to move, this podcast is for you.
Sunday, April 13, 2025
All Eyes on Cannes: The Official 2025 Festival Line-Up
Earlier this week the 78th Cannes Film Festival, scheduled from May 13 to 24, 2025, announced a dynamic lineup featuring acclaimed directors and noteworthy debuts.
Competition Highlights
Nineteen films will compete for the prestigious Palme d'Or, showcasing a blend of established auteurs and emerging voices. Notable entries include:
The Phoenician Scheme by Wes Anderson: An action-packed film featuring a star-studded cast.
Eddington by Ari Aster: A pandemic-set dark comedy starring Joaquin Phoenix.
New Wave by Richard Linklater: A film with a star-studded cast including Emma Stone and Tom Hanks.
The Mastermind by Kelly Reichardt: An art heist drama.
Alpha by Julia Ducournau: A provocative film by the Palme d'Or-winning director.
Sentimental Value by Joachim Trier: An emotionally charged film.
Jeunes Mères by the Dardenne brothers: A new entry from the acclaimed Belgian filmmakers.
My Father's Shadow by Akinola Davies Jr.: Nigeria's first-ever official selection at Cannes.
Un Certain Regard and Directorial Debuts
The Un Certain Regard section will feature directorial debuts from prominent actors.
Eleanor the Great by Scarlett Johansson: Her first film as a director.
Urchin by Harris Dickinson: The actor's directorial debut.
Out-of-Competition Screenings
High-profile films set to premiere out of competition include:
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning: Tom Cruise returns in the franchise's grand finale.
Highest 2 Lowest by Spike Lee: An English adaptation of Kurosawa’s "High and Low," starring Denzel Washington.
Stories of Surrender: A film by Bono.
Festival Leadership and Honors
Juliette
Binoche will preside over the jury, marking the first time in 60 years
that women have led the jury in consecutive years. Robert De Niro will
receive the Honorary Palme d'Or at the opening ceremony, recognizing his
illustrious career.
With a dynamic array of genres, themes, and auteurs, Cannes 2025 is poised to be a defining moment in this cinematic year.