Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino

Political Status: Independent republic dating from the early Middle Ages; under multiparty parliamentary regime.

Area: 23.6 sq. mi. (61 sq. km.).

Population: 30,368 (2006C), of whom 26,432 were listed as native Sammarinese; 31,200 (2008E), not including some 13,000 Sammarinese residents abroad.

Major Urban Center (2005E): SAN MARINO (4,800).

Official Language: Italian.

Monetary Unit: Euro (market rate December 1, 2009: 1 euro = $1.51US).

Captains Regent: Massimo CENCI (New Socialist Party) and Oscar MINA (San Marino Christian Democratic Party); elected in March 2009 by the Grand and General Council for six-month terms beginning April 1, replacing Ernesto BENEDETTINI (San Marino Christian Democratic Party) and Assunta MELONI (Popular Alliance).