Country profile: San Marino

Landlocked San Marino is one of the world's smallest countries. Surrounded by Italy, it is an echo from an era when city-states proliferated across Europe.

Mount Titano, part of the Appennine range, dominates San Marino's landscape. Three defensive fortresses perch on Titano's slopes, looking out to the Adriatic coast.

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Tourism dominates the economy of the 61 square kilometre (23.6 square miles) republic, which plays host to more than three million visitors every year.

Fortresses perch on San Marino's Mount Titano

Postage stamps and coins - keenly sought by collectors - are important sources of revenue. As one of Europe's tax havens, San Marino attracts a large inflow of cash from non-residents.

Tradition has it that San Marino was founded in the fourth century AD by a devout Christian stonemason called Marinus, who took refuge there and set up a small community. Its rugged isolation helped the enclave to develop and keep its independence.

San Marino is said to be the world's oldest surviving republic. An 1862 friendship and cooperation treaty with Italy, which has since been revised and expanded, reinforced San Marino's independence.

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Full name: Republic of San Marino
Population: 31,400 (UN, 2006)
Capital: San Marino
Area: 61.2 sq km (23.6 sq miles)
Major language: Italian
Major religions: Christianity
Life expectancy: 77 years (men), 84 years (women)
Monetary unit: euro
Main exports: Wine, ceramics, furniture, craft goods
Internet domain: .sm
GNI per capita: $45,130 (World Bank 2007)
International dialling code: +378

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San Marino's constitution provides for a parliamentary style of government. The 60-member Great and General Council is elected every five years. It is headed by two captains-regent, who are elected by the council every six months and act as heads of state for that period.

The 10-member Congress of State is elected by the Great and General Council and exercises executive power.