San Marino

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino (Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino) is the third smallest country in Europe. Founded on September 3, 301, San Marino is surrounded by Italy and is roughly the size of Washington, DC. At the heart of this beautiful country is Monte Titano (Mount Titano), a geographic feature that provides stunning scenic views. San Marino claims to be the oldest republic in the world. The Sammarinese people believe that Marinus the Dalmatian (Saint Marinus), a stonemason from Croatia (then Rab), founded the country after fleeing from Rimini to Monte Titano. While Italy was under the occupation of Napoleon, San Marino remained free of his rule. The fact that San Marino's reputation was one of neutrality, combined with the country's aide to Giuseppe Garibaldi in the mid 1800s, ensured that San Marino remained an independent state once Garibaldi united the Kingdom of Italy. The government of San Marino is lead by two heads of state called Captains Regent, positions established in 1243. The Grand and General Council (Consiglio Grande e Generale della Repubblica), the legislative branch of San Marino's government, elects the Captains Regent to serve a six-month term. While tourism is a major source of income for San Marino, the country also has thriving banking and manufacturing industries. San Marino is proud to be a debt-free country with one of Europe's lowest unemployment rates. Tourists enjoy the historical sites of the Three Towers of San Marino, along with other exhibits, such as the Medieval Days festival in July. In addition, travelers enjoy tax free shopping at many of San Marino's outlets and stores.

• • Mahalo's tips on How to Get a Passport
• U.S. State Department information on Entry Requirements
• Lonely Planet: San Marino
• VirtualTourist: San Marino Travel Guide

• Guardia del Consiglio… (Guard of the Great and General Council) in English | in Italian

• Segreteria di Stato per gli Affari Esteri e Politici (Secretary of State) in English | in Italian

• Universita' degli Studi... (University of the Republic of San Marino ) in English | in Italian

• Ufficio Programmazione Economica...(Office of Economic Planning...) in English | in Italian

• Museo dell'Emigrante della Repubblica di San Marino (Museum of the Emigrant)

• The official government sites below are only in Italian

• Segreteria di Stato per la Pubblica Istruzione (Secretary of Education)

• Segreteria Di Stato Per Gli Affari Interni (Ministry of Internal Affairs...)

• Consiglio Grande e Generale della Repubblica (Grand and General Council)

• Istituto Sicurezza Sociale (Social Security Institute)

• Azienda Autonoma di Stato per i Servizi Pubblici (State Office of Gas, Electricity...)

• Ufficio di Stato Brevetti e Marchi (State Patent and Trademark Office)

• Archivio di Stato della Repubblica di San Marino (State Archives)

• Image: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/maps/sm-map.gif
  • Creative Commons image by "CIA World Factbook"
• Wikipedia: Geography of San Marino | The Three Towers of San Marino
• EmbassyWorld: Maps of San Marino
• NationMaster.com: Sammarinese Geography Stats
• Google Maps: Monte Titano (Mount Titano)

• Wikipedia: Dogana | Borgo Maggiore | Serravalle | Faetano | Fiorentino | Dogana
• Mapsofworld.com: Serravalle | Borgo Maggiore | Fiorentino | Acquaviva

• Serravalle
  • CastelliToscani.com: Castle of Serravalle
  • Wikipedia: Stadio Olimpico (Olympic Stadium)
  • Rumbletum.org: Serravalle