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The Republic of San Marino is one of the smallest nations in the world. Located in southern Europe, it is completely surrounded by Italy.
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| National motto: Libertas (Latin: "liberty") | ||||
| Official language | Italian | |||
| Capital | San Marino | |||
| Captains Regent | Paolo Bollini and Marino Riccardi | |||
| Area - Total - % water | Ranked 190th 61 km² 0% | |||
| Population - Total (2000) - Density | Ranked 189th 27,336 448/km² | |||
| Independence | September 3, 301 | |||
| Currency | Euro (€, EUR or 978), San Marino euro coins | |||
| Time zone | UTC +1 | |||
| National anthem | Inno Nazionale | |||
| Internet TLD | .sm | |||
| Calling code | 378 (0549 from Italy) | |||
Main article: History of San Marino
San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic still in existence, being founded in A.D. 301 by a skilled builder referred to as Saint Marinus. 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 has been completely surrounded since that country's unification, in the 19th century. In 1996 San Marino and Sweden ended a war status that has lasted between them since 1648 (under the Peace of Westphalia).
Main article: Politics of San Marino
The Consiglio Grande e Generale, 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.
San Marino is divided into 9 municipalities, known locally as castelli, that are also cities. See List of cities in San Marino.
Main article: Geography of San Marino
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 only Vatican City and Monaco being smaller.
Main article: Economy of San Marino
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 lira was coupled to and exchangeable with the Italian lira. 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.
Main article: Demographics of San Marino
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.
Main article: Culture of San Marino
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