Note: The cache is not at the listed coordinates.
Living in the smallest state in the country is a source of pride for many Rhode Islanders. However few people know that Rhode Island is actually much larger than a number of entire nations. This cache is the first in a series representing the world's ten smallest countries, all of which are significantly smaller than the Ocean State. These puzzle caches aren't designed to be the most difficult, but hopefully you'll learn something about each country along the way. In most cases, the information provided at the beginning of each cache page will not be particularly helpful in solving the puzzle.
Monaco
Monaco, the 2nd smallest nation in the world, is centered around Monaco Rock, a monolith which throughout history has been of great protective and strategic value to the inhabitants of the land. The nation, comprising only 2.02 km2 (smaller than Central Falls!), is located along the western Mediterranean Sea, and otherwise completely surrounded by France. The area is thought to have been first settled around 400,000 BC by early humans, and later by the Phocaeans, who named it Monoikos. After the Gallic Wars, the area came under Roman rule, and over the next few centuries changed hands numerous times. In 1215, a fortress was constructed atop the Rock of Monaco by a group of Genoese settlers. Amid civil upheaval in Genoa in 1297, the Grimaldi family took refuge in Monaco, before seizing the fortress and assuming control over the region. Monaco secured official recognition of its sovereignty from Spain in 1633, and from France in 1641, and has remained under the rule of the Grimaldi family ever since. From 1815-1860, Monaco was a protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia, and following civil unrest in two Monegasque towns, was reduced in size by 95% in exchange for four million francs from the French government. In 1918, a treaty written into the Treaty of Versailles established that Monegasque political, military, and economic interests would be aligned with those of the French.
During World War II, Monaco was invaded and occupied by the Italian Army, a move which was welcomed by much of the Monegasque population, which was of Italian descent. After Mussolini’s fall, the German Army briefly occupied Monaco, and began the deportation of its Jewish population. Under orders from Prince Louis II, the Monaco police began warning individuals prior to their arrest by the Gestapo. The country was liberated in late 1944, and through various constitutional amendments, has remained fully independent since. Monaco’s mild climate, attractive scenery, and world-renowned gambling facilities have made it one of Europe’s greatest tourism hubs.
The Puzzle
In the spirit of The Big Bang Theory, it's time for some fun with flags!
*Note: GZ might shift slightly over time, but please let me know if it has moved significantly.*
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.
FTF goes to ritell!