The Kingdom of Genovia (pronounced "zhä'no'vë'ä" in the films by native Genovians, but often as "jä'no'vë'ä" by outsiders) is a fictional country from the film and novel The Princess Diaries. The sequel film, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement, marks the first time Genovia is seen properly on screen.
Genovia is a tiny country situated between France and Italy (France and Spain in the films). Its form of government is a constitutional monarchy, headed by the House of Renaldi. The movie and book tell the story of Princess Mia Thermopolis, who is the unknowing future heir to the throne, as the only daughter of the late crown prince and his divorced wife. In the period the story is set, the prince's widow mother (the Queen Mother) serves as regent until Mia comes of age.
Genovia is clearly based on the country of Monaco, which is also subject to a founding treaty. In Genovia, the throne will be turned over to other rulers such as Lord Nicholas Devereaux or the Von Trokens if certain obligations of the royal family are not met, whereas Monaco would become a republic.
The Genovian flag is a tricolor of green, white, and blue bands with the royal coat of arms in the white section.
The country has a small parliament in which all the members wear long British-style full-bottomed wigs. The head of government is the Prime Minister.
Genovia is famous for its pears, and the Genovian Pear is a major export.
