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Paris, Located on the river Seine, is a major cultural and political centre of Europe and the world's most visited city.
Nicknamed the City of Light (la Ville Lumière) since lighting its main boulevards with gas street lamps in 1828, the city of Paris also has a reputation as a "romantic" city and the "heart of Europe". It is instantly recognised by the 324-metre brown metal Eiffel Tower located on the banks of the Seine.
The city of Paris proper has 2.1 million inhabitants, but its centre of influence extends to cover a "Greater Paris" metropolitan area that has a population of about 11.1 million, over one sixth of the French population. Paris is the third largest metropolitan area in Europe (after Moscow and London).
Paris today is one of the world's major transport destinations. Along with New York, London and Tokyo, it is often listed as one of the four major global cities.
Monaco, an ancient principality steeped in a rich and colorful history, is considered by many to be Europe's most fascinating country. Though the Principality covers but one square mile, it stands as a proud monarchy with his Serene Highness Prince Rainier III as its head of state.
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