My 100th Country

Carabiniers, Monaco

This postcard is of the 100th country to join my collection, Monaco. It was sent to me in secret and as a surprise by my Bulgarian friend, Zdravko. A carabinier is a type of infantry soldier that derives its name from the weapon that they used to carry, the carbine. The Compagnie des Carabiniers du Prince is a small elite force of soldiers maintained to protect the Prince of Monaco and his palace. There are 119 soldier in the company and they include foreigners. How does a country go to war with 119 soldiers, you might ask… Well, it doesn’t. With France at its back, it wouldn’t be advisable to take on Monaco at any rate. Great postcard, great country too. Thanks a million Zdravko!