Landscape of San Marino
Flag of San Marino

San Marino

Europe

San Marino is a small, landlocked republic completed surrounded by Italy. The population is only 33,000 people, but the nation has a rich history. It claims to be the world’s oldest republic and was founded in 301.1 The country draws over 2 million tourists per year, mostly to tour the three fortresses located on Mount Titano.1 Despite its small size, it is one of the richest countries in the world based on GDP per capita, and the government budget has produced a surplus each year for decades.2 1 https://www.britannica.com/place/San-Marino-republic-Europe
2 http://www.worldatlas.com/webimage/countrys/europe/sm.htm

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About San Marino

Geographically the third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco), San Marino also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in A.D. 301. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of the European Union, although it is not a member; social and political trends in the republic track closely with those of its larger neighbor, Italy.

Quick Facts

Population
32,448 (July 2013 est.)
Area
61 sq km
ISO Code
SM
Continent
Europe
Government
republic
Active Causes
12
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Geography & Environment

Climate

Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers

Terrain

rugged mountains

Natural Resources

building stone

Environmental Issues

air pollution; urbanization decreasing rural farmlands

People & Society

83.12 years
Avg. Life Expectancy
96%
Literacy Rate
94% of total population (2010)
Total Urban Population

Languages

Italian

Religions

Roman Catholic

Health Expenditure

7.1% of GDP (2010) of GDP

Education Expenditure

NA of GDP

Economy

$36,200
GDP per Capita (PPP)
7%
Unemployment Rate
NA%
Below Poverty Line

Economic Overview

San Marino's economy relies heavily on tourism, the banking industry and the manufacture and export of ceramics, clothing, fabrics, furniture, paints, spirits, tiles, and wine. The manufacturing and financial sectors account for more than half of San Marino's GDP. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy. The economy benefits from foreign investment due to its relatively low corporate taxes and low taxes on interest earnings. The income tax rate is also very low, about one-third the average EU level. San Marino does n...

Causes in San Marino

Environment

The government of San Marino states that it seeks to preserve the environment for future generations, and because of their small population density, the country does not experience pollution or smog problems.1

Family

94% of Sammarinese families live in urban areas, and families tend to be smaller, with women having an average of 1.5 children.1 There are many legal protections to promote gender equality in all spheres of life and protect people from spousal abuse.2 Abortions are permitted only to save the life of the mother, which leads many women to go to neighboring Italy for this service.2

Human Rights

Freedom of assembly, speech, and press are respected, and it is illegal to discriminate based on religion.1

Education

Education is free and required for all up to age 16, and there is one university located in San Marino.1 91% of all youth are enrolled at secondary education schools.2

Poverty

Still recovering from economic downfall in 2008, unemployment has been decreasing and was at 8.5% at the end of 2016.1 To ensure employment for all who desire it, the government maintains a policy that it will seek to find public sector jobs for all who cannot find work in private industries.2

Religion

Nearly 90% of people in San Marino are Roman Catholic, but freedom of religion is respected. Small minorities practice other forms of Christianity.1

Clean Water

100% of the population has access to piped water in their homes.1

Economy

The economy relies on tourism, banking, and small scale manufacturing of ceramics and fabrics.1 In recent years, there has been an economic downturn because of less demand from Italy, its chief trading partner, and the government has been attempting to increase foreign investments in their banks and diversify trading partners.1

Government

San Marino is a parliamentary republic that elects members to the Great and General Council every five years. In turn, the council elects two captains-regent to be the heads of state for a six month period.1 There are extremely low levels of corruption, and San Marino has convicted lawmakers accused of laundering money and paying bribes.2 Although not a member of the EU, its foreign policy closely follows EU and Italian standards.3

Health

All tax-paying citizens receive free, comprehensive health care and family allowances.1 The life expectancy is 83 years.2

Children

San Marino’s criminal responsibility age is only 12 years old, but they will allow sentences to be reduced for those under the age of 18.1

Animals

San Marino is home to many small mammals like badgers, rabbits, fox, and weasels. There are a few small rivers that also carry a limited variety of freshwater fish.1

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