San Marino (country)

I

Introduction

San Marino (country), republic in southern Europe, an enclave in northern Italy, south of the city of Rimini. Officially known as the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, this tiny state has a total area of only 61 sq km (23 sq mi), making it one of the smallest republics in the world. The capital is also called San Marino.

II

Land and Population

Situated in the central Apennines, between the Romagna and the Marche regions of Italy, San Marino has a terrain dominated by the three-peaked Mount Titano (739 m/2,424 ft). The country is watered by several streams, including the Ausa, Marano, and San Marino. The climate is mild with an average annual rainfall of 686 mm (27 in).

San Marino has a population of 29,615 (2007 estimate), with a population density of about 494 per sq km (1,278 per sq mi). The people are predominantly Roman Catholic. The official language is Italian, but for the majority the mother tongue is Emiliano-Romagnolo, a Romance language similar to Italian. Most inhabitants are bilingual in Standard Italian. Nine out of ten San Marinese are urbanized. The largest town is Serravalle, in the north, which has almost one third of the population. The capital is San Marino, with a population of 4,601 (2003 estimate), which is located on the slopes of Mount Titano. Another significant population centre is Borgo Maggiore, on the mountain’s lower slope.

A

Education

Higher education in the republic is provided by the University of San Marino (1985).

III

Economy

The economy of San Marino was traditionally based on agriculture, forestry, and stone-quarrying. Since 1945 these have declined in importance as tourism has grown. The tourism industry now provides 60 per cent of national revenue. Light industry, such as electronics, is also of growing importance. Manufactured goods include textiles and clothing, wine, cheeses, cement, leather goods, synthetic rubber products, and ceramics.