A
Although being the secondsmallest independent state，only 0.7 square mile in the world，Monaco benefits from an excellent climate and beautiful settings between the Mediterranean Sea and France.Monte Carlo is its only city and capital.
Attractions
Every May Monaco has car racing events such as the Monaco Grand Prix.In the main harbour，expensive yachts and boats make Monaco a good destination for the rich and famous.Monaco's pleasant climate and environment as well as the absence of taxes contribute to this situation.Tourism contributes about 25% of the government income.Museums，zoos and gardens are tourist attractions，so are the beaches，the royal palace and the opera house.
History
Monaco was built by the Phoenicians who occupied the area from the 10th to the 5th century B．C.The House of Grimaldi has ruled Monaco since 1297 and the first Prince Rainier got the throne (王位) in 1304.Later，Monaco was under the protection of Rome，France，Spain，and Sardinia.In 1612 when Honore Ⅱ was granted the title of prince by the French crown，he signed a treaty of friendship with France，and the country has remained independent from that time on.
People and Religion
Half of the residents of Monaco are the French with many Americans，Italians，the British and Belgians making up the other half.Although the official religion of Monaco is Roman Catholic，there is religious freedom in this Frenchspeaking country.
Government
Prince Rainier Ⅲ rules the country with a minister of state who is French.A National Council with 18 members must approve laws.Its legend was further spread by the marriage of Prince Rainier Ⅱ to the American actress Grace Kelly in 1956.
【语篇解读】 本文为一篇说明文。从景点、历史、人口、宗教和政府等方面介绍了摩纳哥。
1．Which of the following is true about Monaco according to the text?
A．It is on the Mediterranean Sea.
B．It has two cities including its capital.
C．It is the smallest country in the world.
D．Its economy mainly depends on agriculture.
A [细节理解题。根据第一段中的“Monaco benefits from an excellent climate and beautiful settings between the Mediterranean Sea and France.”可知，摩纳哥毗邻地中海和法国。故此题选A。]
2．Monaco has kept independent till now under the protection of ________．
A．France B．Spain
C．Sardinia D．Rome
A [推理判断题。根据第三段中的“Later，Monaco was under the protection of Rome，France，Spain，and Sardinia.”以及“In 1612 when Honore Ⅱ was granted the title of prince by the French crown，he signed a treaty of friendship with France，and the country has remained independent from that time on.”我们可以推断出，在1612年协议签订之后，摩纳哥就在法国的保护之下了。故此题选A。]
3．What can we learn from the text?
A．The residents of Monaco are mainly Americans.
B．Prince Rainier Ⅱ married an American actress.
C．Half of the residents in Monaco speak English.
D．The minister of Monaco was appointed by the prince.
B [细节理解题。根据最后一段中的“Its legend was further spread by the marriage of Prince Rainier Ⅱ to the American actress Grace Kelly in 1956.”可知，雷尼尔二世亲王和一个美国女演员结婚了。故此题选B。]
