San Marino, officially the Most Serene Republic of San Marino (Italian: Serenissima Reppublica di San Marino) with the capital city carrying the same name (The City of San Marino), is an independent state situated in southern Europe. It is an enclave state, surrounded only by Italy. Occupying the total area of only 61,2 square kilometres, San Marino is the third smallest country in Europe after Vatican City and Monaco.

Due to its location in the Apennines mountain range on the Adriatic side of central Italy, San Marino is predominantly mountainous with the highest peak Monte Titano at about 750 metres above the sea level.

Southwestern part is formed by the hills of Monte Titano while towards the northeast, Monte Titano gradually verges into the Romagna plain and the tranquil Adriatic sea.

The area of San Marino is not watered by any significant river, only small streams Marano and Aussa and the stream of San Marino cross the country. San Marino lies in the Meditterrean zone with a typical mild and temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters.

People in San Marino

Due to its borders with Italy only, the main features of San Marino population are similar to those of Italy. With a population of more than 29,000 inhabitants, San Marino is occupied by the Sammarinese who form the majority and the Italian, many of whom live in San Marino as foreigners. As a result of a close tie with Italy, the language spoken in San Marino is Italian with the Emiliano-Romangolo dialect and the religion is also Roman Catholicism as it is professed in Italy.

History of San Marino

The state of San Marino was given its name after Saint Marinus, a Christian stonemason, who ran away after being persecuted and then settled in Monte Titano. Marinus in fact initiated the history of San Marino which dates far back to the third century when on 3rd September 301, the Republic of San Marino was officially formed. Since that time, San Marino has managed to maintain its independence mainly due to its inaccessible location and poverty in the past. San Marino as an independent republic resisted even the unification of Italy as well as the Second World War when it served as a place for refugees. Modern times in San Marino's history are marked by joining the Council of Europe in 1988 and the United Nations in 1992.

Culture

The culture of San Marino is very much connected with tourism nowadays since all cultural events and interesting architecture are exactly what attract tourists most to San Marino. Once you visit this small country, you can admire the cultural heritage when visiting typical stone fortresses, Renaissance and Baroque churches and then trying the local cuisine which so unique thanks to special flavours and quality ingredients. In general, San Marino culture is closely connected with Italian culture. Therefore, the country is very proud of spectacular Renaissance and baroque art pieces as well as important sculptures and paintings. However, the traditional crafts are stone carving, mining and ceramics.

What to do in San Marino

Often referred to as "A Small Great State", San Marino is a wonderful place to visit. Thanks to its interesting architecture, location on a hill or rich history, San Marino will certainly make your time exciting. Once you come to this small but great country, you can go sightseeing and admire stone fortresses, museums, historical monuments or churches. Hiking in San Marino's hills will closely show you the interesting landscape with natural beauties. San Marino is also known for its parade of military forces of San Marino who walk in full uniforms in the streets several times a day.