Located entirely within the country of Italy, the independent Republic of San Marino is one of the smallest states in the world. The country has a strong tradition of democratic government dating back to at least the 12th century. The country's medieval architectural treasures and its sporting events make it a popular tourist destination. The capital is also called San Marino. The country has no large cities. GeographySan Marino lies on the eastern slope of the Apennine mountain system in central Italy. Italy surrounds San Marino on all sides. The landscape is dominated by Monte Titano, a small limestone mountain standing 2,424 feet (739 meters) in the center of the country. Tree-lined hills radiate out from the mountain to the southwest. A grass-covered plain slopes gently to the northeast. San Marino has a total area of only 24 square smiles (61 square kilometers), making it the third smallest state in Europe, after Vatican City and Monaco. People and cultureThe people of San Marino are ethnically and culturally similar to the neighboring Italian people. Italian is the official language. About 90 percent of the people are Roman Catholic. Each year tourists visit San Marino's celebration of medieval culture known as Giornate Medioevali (Medieval Days). The country also hosts the annual Formula One San Marino Grand Prix, an international automobile race. The traditional crafts of San Marino include ceramics, wrought iron, and furniture. EconomyGiven its small size, San Marino has only limited natural resources and modest manufacturing and agriculture. Tourism accounts for a large portion of the country's income. More than 3 million people visit San Marino annually. The sale of postage stamps is also important. About 40 percent of the people work in manufacturing and construction. The major industries include the production of wine, meat, dairy products, general appliances, musical instruments, and printing ink. HistoryAccording to tradition, San Marino was founded at the beginning of the 4th century AD by Saint Marinus. Marinus had been mistreated for being a Christian and he sought a safe place to avoid such treatment. San Marino has remained true to this tradition. Throughout its history, it has welcomed people escaping religious and political oppression. By the 12th century San Marino had developed into a self-governing community. By the middle of the 15th century, it had become a republic. With only a few brief exceptions, San Marino has remained independent and neutral ever since. During the late 19th century, San Marino served as a safe haven for revolutionary leaders, including Giuseppe Garibaldi, who were fighting to unify Italy. The country took in many Italian Jews and other victims of persecution during World War II (1939–45). In the 1990s San Marino sheltered thousands of people escaping violence in the nearby Balkan nations. The country joined the United Nations in 1992. Population (2000 estimate), 26,800. |