San Marino
Encyclopedia : S : SA : SAN : San Marino
- For other uses, see San Marino (disambiguation)}}}.
History
According to legend, Marino left the island of Rab with his lifelong friend Leo and went to the town of Rimini as a stone worker. After persecution because of his Christian sermons, he escaped to the nearby Mt. Titano, where he built a small church and thus founded what is now the city and the state of San Marino. The official date of foundation of the Republic is 3 September AD 301.
During the early phase of the Italian unification process of the 19th century, San Marino served as a haven of refuge for numerous persons who were persecuted because of their support for Italian unity. In memory of this support, the leader of the newly unified Italy accepted the wish of San Marino not to be incorporated into the new Italian state.
San Marino is thought by many to be Europe's oldest existing republic. The head of state is a committee (council) of two captains-regent.
Politics
- More information on politics and government of San Marino can be found at the Politics and government of San Marino series.
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 the following nine municipalities, known locally as castelli or castles (sing. castello, each on a different hill, as depicted on the republic's coat of arms), that are also towns.
- The City of San Marino (Città di San Marino) is the eponymous capital. There are also eight minor municipalities:
- Acquaviva
- Borgo Maggiore
- Chiesanuova
- Domagnano
- Faetano
- Fiorentino
- Montegiardino
- Serravalle
- *Yet the 'larger' town of the Republic is Dogana, that is not an autonomous castello but belongs to the castello of Serravalle.
Geography
San Marino is an enclave in Italy, on the border between the regioni of Emilia-Romagna and Marche. Its topography is dominated by the Apennines mountain range, and it has a rugged terrain. The highest point in the country, Monte Titano, is situated at 749 metres (2,457 ft) above sea level. There are no bodies of water of any significant size.
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.
Economy
Although San Marino is not an official European Union member, it is allowed to use the euro as its currency by virtue of arrangements with the council of the European Union; it is also granted the right to use its 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. Other key industries are banking, 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
There is no significant difference between the demographics of San Marino and Italy.
The state has a population of approximately 29,000, including 1,000 foreigners, most of whom are Italians. About 5,000 Sammarinese live in foreign countries, predominantly in Italy.
The language spoken is Italian, with the Emiliano-Romagnolo dialect, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion.
Culture
Miscellaneous topics
- Communications in San Marino
- Foreign relations of San Marino
- Military of San Marino
- San Marino Grand Prix
- Transportation in San Marino
- Associazione Guide Esploratori Cattolici Sammarinesi
References
External links
- [Index directory and Search Motor of San Marino]
- [Musei di Stato della Repubblica di San Marino]
- [Secretary of State for External Relations and Politics] (In Italian and English)
- [History of San Marino: Primary Documents]
- [Satellite Image of San Marino]
- [San Marino University]
- [Visit San Marino] - Official San Marino Tourism Site Contrada Omagnano
- [Webcam in San Marino]
- [Weather in San Marino]
- [Federazione Balestrieri Sammarinesi]
- [ItalianVisits.com]
- [San Marino Hotels]
- [Sightseeing] 28 photos 12 Google Earth placemarks
- [San Marino Photo Gallery]
- ()[General information of San Marino: Politics, Institutions and very other]
- [Webcam Streaming San Marino]
Other territories and entities: Akrotiri and Dhekelia2 | Åland | Faroe Islands | Gibraltar | Greenland3 | Guernsey | Jan Mayen | Jersey | Isle of Man | Svalbard
Unrecognised countries: Abkhazia | Nagorno-Karabakh2 | South Ossetia | Transnistria | Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus2
Geographical notes: (1) Partly in Asia; (2) Entirely in Asia but having sociopolitical connections with Europe; (3) Entirely in North America but having sociopolitical connections with Europe
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