San Marino

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino (its official title) is entirely surrounded by Italian territory, in the Apennine mountains 220 km north of Rome and is the oldest and one of the smallest republics in the world. The capital is San Marino, a picturesque town on Monte Titano, the highest mountain (755 metres) with three peaks; on each peak is a tower, dating to the middle ages and a feature of San MarinoÕs flag. The total area of the republic is 61 square kilometres.

San Marino's constitution dates back to AD 1600, and the electoral law of 1926 also serves some constitutional functions. The popularly elected 60-member Great and General Council serves as the legislative body, from which two captains-regent are elected to 6-month terms as executives. The Congress of State serves as cabinet.

According to tradition, San Marino dates back to the 4th century AD. The earliest authentic reference to it appears in an 8th Century text mentioning a castle on the mountain. The small settlement that grew up around it was at times under the protection of the papacy and the Montefeltro dukes of Urbino. Numerous attempts were made to terminate its independence, but each time it was protected by the uneasy balance of power among the Italian republics. In 1862, San Marino concluded a treaty of friendship with Italy; the treaty has been renewed several times. San Marino remained neutral in World War II but was damaged by Allied bombing. The republic has been governed by a Christian Democrat-led coalition since 1988. In 1992 it became a member of the United Nations.

	Border with Italy	Border guard	Farm house	Government Palace
	Palace guard	City gate	Narrow street	Monte Titano view
	View from fortress	Monte Titano	View from Palace	San Marino view

Enter your search termsSubmit search form   Web WorldPics

Click on the map to select a continent...