Monaco's Department of International Cooperation (Direction de la Cooperation Internationale) flies the flag for Monegasque humanitarian aid.

With a budget this year of 10 million euros, the government department is involved in hundreds of humanitarian projects around the world. Established in 2007, its budget has risen by 25% every year. It supports action in 20 countries in Africa, Asia and South America, where most of the funds support health:

• 52% health
• 21% preservation of natural resources
• 15% education and training
• 12% microfinance and loans

Current projects have given 870,000 Africans access to health care and 150,000 now drink clean water. New clinics have been opened to provide medical care.

Head of the Department Frederic Platini says that decisions on projects are taken by a committee and depend on local authorities and diplomats to identify requests. A key aim is to provide help for sustainable projects that will continue to operate after initial funding has ended. In future more emphasis will be placed on microfinance, and an agreement with CFM Monaco is about to be signed to bring on board banking experts.

The Principality is treating 870,000 Africans