San Marino

San Marino, said to be the oldest republic in the world, was founded in approximately 301 CE, with organized state functions being recorded in the 13th century, the first constitution written in 1600, and full independence recognized by other states and the Holy See in 1631. Following the 19th-century unification of the monarchical states on the Italian Peninsula into the modern Italian state, San Marino (RSM) remained independent. It is the fifth smallest country in the world in area (61.2 km²) and has a population of 32,500. Tourism is the country’s largest industry, and San Marino’s small size has contributed to its success in tourism and economic development.

RSM is easily accessible by bus or car from the nearby coastal resort of Rimini, Italy. The nearest ...