Overview of San Marino

Profile

The nation covers a total area of 61.2 km², centered on Mount Titano at an elevation of 749 meters in a mountainous landscape. Completely surrounded by Italy, it is a republic with its own parliament and two co-equal heads of state (Captains Regent), using Italian as its official language. The main industries are tourism, finance, and light industries such as ceramics. Adopting the euro as its currency, uniquely designed euro coins and stamps are highly popular among collectors. The UNESCO World Heritage Site 'San Marino Historic Centre and Mount Titano' with its medieval townscape and low taxation attract millions of tourists annually.

Official name: Republic of San Marino
Common name: San Marino
Numeric code: 674
Alpha-3 code: SMR
Alpha-2 code: SM
Population: 34,000 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 550 people/km²
Primary languages: Italian
Major religions: Roman Catholic
National anthem: Inno Nazionale della Repubblica (Antico Inno Patrio)
Calling code: +378
Internet TLD: .sm

History

Founded by Saint Marinus who established a community on Mount Titano in 301 AD, independence was recognized by the Pope in 1631. Since then, it has maintained independence with minimal war damage.

According to founding legend, stonemason Marinus fled persecution under Roman Emperor Diocletian and established a community in 301 AD. During the Middle Ages, it survived conflicts between city-states and acquired its current territory in 1463. In 1631, Pope Urban VIII's recognition of independence brought international acknowledgment. During the Italian unification movement, it sheltered Giuseppe Garibaldi and deepened friendship, establishing a customs union with the Kingdom of Italy in 1862. During World War II, it declared armed neutrality and survived with minimal damage. It joined the United Nations in 1992. It continues to this day with a long republican tradition and neutral foreign policy.

Geography & climate

Rugged limestone hills centered on Mount Titano with steep terrain, gentle farmland to the north, and mixed cliffs and forests to the south.

Mediterranean climate (Csa/Csb)

Area: Europe / 61.2 km²
Capital: City of San Marino
Largest city: Serravalle
Coastal status: No
Bordering countries: Italy

Natural resources

Limestone, High-quality clay, Spring water, Fertile hillside soil, Vineyards, Olive, Forest vegetation, Views as tourism resource, Cultural landscape, Wind power potential

Politics

Government: Diarchic parliamentary republic

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal): 23.1 hundred million US dollars (2023)

GDP (PPP): 18.7 hundred million international dollars (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Italian

Time zone: Central European Time (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Sammarinese, Italian, Other European, Latin American, Filipino

Life expectancy

83.5 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Soccer, Baseball, Crossbow archery, Motor sports, Road cycling