Republic of San Marino
Southern Europe
Tiny · Medieval · Independent
San Marino (officially Republic of San Marino) is a country located in Southern Europe. Its capital city is San Marino City, with other major cities including Serravalle and Borgo Maggiore. With a population of approximately 34,000, the main language spoken is Italian. The country covers an area of 61 km². The official currency is the euro (€). Traffic drives on the right side.
San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic, founded in 301 AD by Saint Marinus, a Christian stonemason fleeing Roman persecution — it is entirely surrounded by Italy yet has maintained independence for over 1,700 years.
San Marino City serves as the political, cultural and economic heart of San Marino, positioned in Southern Europe. As the seat of government and often the most populous city, it concentrates the country's main institutions, universities and cultural landmarks. Beyond the capital, major cities include Serravalle, Borgo Maggiore — each a hub of regional culture, economy and history. San Marino City occupies the summit of Monte Titano at 756 metres — three medieval towers visible from 20 kilometres across the Adriatic coastal plain of the Marche region — the capital of a republic that claims continuous existence since 301 AD, which would make it the world's oldest republic, a distinction that the country's 34,000 citizens treat as both historical fact and constitutional foundation.
With a population of approximately 34,000, San Marino is a vibrant society with a rich mix of traditions and communities. The official language is Italian, which reflects the country's cultural heritage and connects it with a wide international community. Internationally, San Marino is reached via the dialling code +378. Sanmarinese maintain the world's oldest constitutional republic by combining the tourist economy that draws 3 million visitors per year to a country of 34,000 residents with governance by the unique institution of two Captains Regent elected every six months — co-heads of state who serve simultaneously for a six-month term and cannot be re-elected for three years, a system designed to prevent any individual accumulating political power.
San Marino spans 61 km², in the Southern Europe subregion of Europe. Geographically centred around 43.8°N, 12.4°E, the country offers a diverse range of landscapes shaped by its location, climate and geology. Road traffic follows the right-hand rule, in line with surrounding Europe convention.
The official currency is the euro (€), used for everyday transactions and commerce throughout the country. San Marino's economy is shaped by its geography, natural resources and trade relationships. Business and daily life operate under UTC+01:00, aligning the country with its regional neighbours.
Football holds a special place in the heart of San Marino's national identity. Football in San Marino occupies the unique position of the UEFA member nation that has lost the most international matches — the national team's only draws and victories are celebrated with the intensity of World Cup wins, while motor racing at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola (a few kilometres over the Italian border, but the circuit bearing San Marino's name) placed the tiny republic in motorsport history through the tragic 1994 Grand Prix weekend.
The highest point in San Marino is Monte Titano, rising to 755 metres above sea level. Monte Titano's three towers (Guaita, Cesta, and Montale) are visible from the Adriatic and form the landscape icon of a country where the summit ridge provides panoramic views of the San Marino territory, the Italian Marche coast, and on exceptionally clear days, the Adriatic Sea and Croatian coast — a 360-degree visibility made possible by the isolated peak's position above the otherwise flat Po Valley plain.