1 Place, 5 People And 6 Things That Make Monaco A Real-Life Fairytale

I will never forget a guy I met a few years ago — and not for the reasons you may think.

The guy asked where I go to college, and I replied proudly as I said, "The International University of Monaco.''

With a puzzled look on his face, he asked where that was in America.

To say I was entertained by the boy's reaction would be an understatement.

He had not a single clue that Monaco is a sovereign city-state located on the French Riviera.

To broaden your knowledge of geography a little, Monaco has an area of 0.78 square meters and a population of 36,371, making it the second smallest and the second most densely-populated country in the world.

You can literally see all of Monaco in just an hour!

The principality of Monaco is seen as a luxury paradise all over the world. I mean, why wouldn't it be?

It is the land where the sun always shines and is a tax-free haven for the rich and famous.

Don't believe me? Here's one place, five people and six things that make Monaco the land of fairytales:

The Place

There's no point in dividing Monaco into several places because there isn't much to divide in the first place.

The microscopic country is a perfect getaway, as it offers you easy access to the rest of the cities in the South of France, like Nice and Cap D'Antibes, and the beauty of Europe is that it's less than half an hour by train away.

If you want to escape the French (which I completely understand) or enter the Italian atmosphere in about 40 minutes to Ventimiglia or Bordighera, Monaco is the place to be.

Or, you can go for the easy option and stay in the paradise. While Monaco may be known as a seasonal place, there's definitely no shortage of entertainment.

Explore your taste buds (and wallet) and check out the finest cuisines like Buddha Bar and Café de Paris before going clubbing in the hottest place on the French Riviera, Twiga Monte Carlo.

The People

1. The Run(a)way Models

As "Sex and the City's" Carrie Bradshaw said, "I like my money where I can see it: hanging in my closet."

People in Monaco are more fashion conscious than the entire cast of "Sex and the City" put together.

Walking past the famous Hotel de Paris, you can easily spot the fashionistas from afar.

From their Louboutin stilettos to their multi-coloured Hermès bags, one can only wonder how they keep looking so damn fabulous.

2. The Tourists

As easily as you can spot the locals, you can catch the sight of an army of tourists from afar with cameras, looks of admiration and discomfort as they explore the principality in t-shirts and shorts.

It's a holiday destination after all...

3. The Police

Monaco is one of the most highly-guarded places ever. The chances of you getting killed, raped or robbed are pretty much nonexistent.

Scattered across the whole of Monaco, it's highly unlikely you won't see at least one policeman. They may not look like your popular cops, but there's no doubt you'll feel safe walking home at 3 am, accompanied by thousands of cameras scattered across the town.

4. The Elderly

While Monaco may be a hot spot for the rich and famous, it's also home to many elderly folks who can finally afford to spend the fortunes they've earned.

5. The Students

Luckily for me, the microscopic state has space for a university.

There is a growing, prestigious, fully-taught-in-English business school that offers undergraduate degrees in management and communication, as well post-graduate degrees ranging from sports to luxury management.

The vast number of students brings life from all over the world to Monaco. Whoever said college was boring obviously never went to the International Universiy of Monaco.

The Things

1. The luxury

From the famous Hotel de Paris to The Hermitage, Monaco is the home to the most luxury hotels in Europe.

Or, spoil yourself in the Buddha Bar, where one can enjoy a countless range of cocktails and food.

Or, you can go for a more casual atmosphere at the popular (and only) American chain, Stars 'N' Bars.

2.The Prince's Palace

Home of Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and their newborn twins, the beautiful castle offers an inside look at the descendants of Grace Kelly.

It's a symbol of the past, and a place for the rich and famous in the present.

3. Football

Monaco hosts two major football teams: AS Monaco FC and the women's football club OS Monaco (there's definately no inequality here).

The club is historically one of the most successful in France. Their home matches are played in the Stade Louis II.

4. The Rolex Masters

Not only by name, tennis is the sport for the rich and famous. Once a year, Monaco becomes the key destination place for the most renowned tennis players, like Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic.

In April, it's the perfect place for tennis fans to support their players.

5. Formula One

The Formula One race is the only time of the year when one cannot hear the sound of his or her own voice (and not mind it).

6. Formula E

Monaco is one of the most ecologically sensitive places around.

With Prince Albert giving substantial attention to environmental issues, it's no wonder it has become the ultimate destination for the Formula E season: the FIA championship for electrically powered cars.

All teams have been supplied electric racing cars built by Spark Racing Technology. Who said there was no such thing as environmentally-friendly competition?

But most of all, it's the place where you can enjoy the ocean and sun all year round. It's the place where you can explore the inner you.

There's no place like the land of fairytales, especially if it can be reached by land, sea and the sky.