French is widely spoken and understood, given its close proximity to France, and its large numbers of French nationals who reside and work in Monaco. It is also considered the official and working language of Monaco. Road signs and other literature are usually printed in French. Italian are also understood and spoken. Thanks (in no small part) to Princess Grace, English is widely understood and spoken in this European city.

There is also a Monegasque language ("le Monegu") spoken. Monegasque is mainly spoken by the Monegasque people, who make up a small proportion of the total population in Monaco. The language was threatened with extinction as the number of speakers dwindled over the years, but thanks to a revival by the government of Prince Rainer III, the language is now taught in local schools. Some signboards in Monaco-Ville have been reproduced in both French and Monegasque, in a bid to keep the language going.

Newspapers

The Monaco Times is a local newspaper published in English, with decent coverage of community news and classifieds in Monaco. This publication is available at newsstands and at tourist offices. The Riviera Times is a sister publication by the same publishers, with an extended geographical coverage on events and classifieds. The Riviera Reporter features life in South France, with meaty classifieds for jobs and accommodation. It is a bi-monthly publication that is distributed free at cafes and restaurants. Same-day editions of English newspapers such as The International Herald Tribune, The Financial Times, The Times / Sunday Times, The Daily / Sunday Telegraph are usually available in major bookstores.