San Marino

Alternate uses: San Marino (disambiguation)

The Republic of San Marino is one of the smallest nations in the world. It is completely surrounded by Italy, in southern Europe.

Repubblica di San Marino

(In Detail)
National motto: Libertas (Latin: "liberty")
Official language	Italian
Capital	San Marino
Captain Regents	Giovanni Lonfernini and Valeria Ciavatta
Area  - Total  - % water	Ranked 190th 61 km² 0%
Population  - Total (2000)  - Density	Ranked 189th 27,336 448/km²
Independence	September 3, 301
Currency	Euro
Time zone	UTC +1
National anthem	Inno Nazionale
Internet TLD	.SM
Calling code	378

History

San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic still in existence, being founded in 301 by Saint Marinus - Marin , skilled builder from Dalmatia, region of Adriatic sea in today's Croatia. The tiny nation was recognised by Napoleon's France in 1797, and by the other European nations at the 1815 Congress of Vienna.

Although a sovereign nation, it is strongly dependent on Italy, by which it is completely surrounded since that country's unification in the 19th century.

Politics

The Consiglio Grande e General, or Grand and General Council, is elected by popular vote every five years. This parliament selects two of its members to serve as Regents for periods of six months. The two regents and the cabinet form the executive branch of the government.

The Council also elects the Consiglio dei XII (Council of Twelve), which forms the judicial branch during the period of legislature of the Council.

Municipalities

San Marino is divided into 9 municipalities, known locally as castelli. These are:

• Acquaviva
• Borgo Maggiore
• Chiesanuova
• Domagnano
• Faetano
• Fiorentino
• Monte Giardino
• San Marino
• Serravalle

Geography

San Marino is an enclave of Italy, on the border between the regioni of Emilia-Romagna and Marche. Its topography is dominated by the Apennines mountain range, and has a rugged terrain. The highest point in the country, Monte Titano, is situated at 749 m above sea level. There are no waterbodies of any significance.

The climate is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters.

San Marino is the third-smallest country in Europe, with Vatican City and Monaco being the only ones smaller.

Economy

Although San Marino is not an official Euro member, it is allowed to use it as its currency by virtue of arrangments with the council of the European Union and was also granted the right to use their own designs on the national side of the euro coins. Before the Euro, the Sammarinese lire was coupled to and exchangeable with the Italian lire. The small number of Sammarinese euro coins, as was the case with the lire before it, are primarily of interest to coin collectors.

The tourist sector contributes over 50% of San Marino's GDP, with more than 3.3 million tourists visiting in 1997. The key industries are banking, wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. The main agricultural products are wine and cheese.

San Marino's postage stamps, which are only valid within the country, are mostly sold to philatelists and also form a source of income.

The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of Italy, which supplies much of its food.

Demographics

Being completely surrounded by Italy, there is no significant difference between the population of San Marino and Italy, and many Italians live in San Marino.

The language spoken is Italian, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion.

Culture

• Music of San Marino

Miscellaneous topics

• Communications in San Marino
• Transportation in San Marino
• Military of San Marino
• Foreign relations of San Marino

External links

• San Marino Site - A portal on San Marino, partly in English

Referenced By