San Marino

Alternate uses: see San Marino (disambiguation)

History Main article: History of San Marino

San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic still in existence, being founded in 301 by 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 is completely surrounded since that country's unification in the 19th century.

Politics Main article: Politics of San Marino

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 Main article: Municipalities of San Marino[?]

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 Main article: Geography of San Marino

San Marino 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.

Economy 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 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 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.

Miscellaneous topics

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

External links

• San Marino Site (http://www.sanmarinosite.com/) - A portal on San Marino, partly in English