San Marino
San Marino is a landlocked microstate in Southern Europe, completely surrounded by Italy.
San Marino is a landlocked microstate in Southern Europe, completely surrounded by Italy. It is officially the Republic of San Marino and is widely described as one of the world’s smallest countries, with a long-standing claim to be the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic. Canada maintains normal international relations with small sovereign states like San Marino.
Geography
San Marino is an enclaved, landlocked state on the northeastern slopes of the Apennine Mountains in central Italy. Its territory covers roughly 61 square kilometres and is dominated by Mount Titano. The country’s capital, also named San Marino, sits near Mount Titano.
History
According to tradition, San Marino was founded in AD 301 by Saint Marinus. It later developed as an independent republic and remained so through the unification of Italy.
Government
San Marino is a unitary parliamentary republic. Its heads of state are two captains regent, and the system is often described as one of the world’s oldest constitutional republics.
Population and language
Recent estimates place the population at roughly 34,000. Italian is the official language, and the population is predominantly Christian, especially Roman Catholic.
Key facts
- San Marino is fully surrounded by Italy and has no coastline.
- It is one of Europe’s microstates and one of the smallest countries in the world by area.
- Italian is the official language, and Christianity, especially Roman Catholicism, is the predominant religion.
- San Marino claims a foundation in AD 301 and describes itself as the world’s oldest surviving republic.
- Its political system is a republic headed by two captains regent who serve as joint heads of state.
San Marino matters to Canadian readers mainly as a European microstate of diplomatic and comparative political interest; Canada maintains normal international relations with small sovereign states like San Marino.
Frequently asked questions
What is San Marino?
What is the capital of San Marino?
How big is San Marino?
What language is spoken in San Marino?
What is San Marino’s form of government?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_MarinoSupports: Basic geography, area, population, and traditional founding date.
- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade — https://www.dfat.gov.au/geo/san-marino/san-marino-country-briefSupports: Enclave status, area, and 2024 population estimate.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/San-Marino-republic-EuropeSupports: Location, government, Mount Titano, and historical overview.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/summary/San-Marino-republic-EuropeSupports: Official name, language, currency, population estimate, and government.
- BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-17842338Supports: Country profile facts including area, language, and the claim of being the oldest surviving republic.
- Michigan State University globalEDGE — https://www.globaledge.msu.edu/countries/san-marinoSupports: Location, government structure, and enclave status.