世界上最古老的共和国—圣马力诺简介(英文)

世界上最古老的共和国—圣马力诺简介（英文）Overview

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.

San Marino is said to be the world's oldest surviving republic.

Tradition has it that the country 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 - the world oldest surviving republic

An 1862 friendship and cooperation treaty with Italy, which has since been revised and expanded, reinforced San Marino's independence.

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.

Postage stamps and coins - keenly sought by collectors - are important sources of revenue.

As one of Europe's tax havens, San Marino has traditionally attracted a large inflow of cash from non-residents, but in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008-9 this status has come increasingly under threat, and the republic has pledged to make its banking system more transparent.

Facts

Full name: Republic of San Marino

Population: 31,500 (UN, 2011)

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: $50, 670 (World Bank 2009)

International dialling code: +378

Leaders

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.

Media

Press

La Tribuna Sammarinese - daily

SanMarinoNotizie - online news

TV, Radio

San Marino RTV - state-run

Timeline

A chronology of key events:

AD 301 - According to tradition, San Marino is founded by Marinus, a Christian stonemason seeking refuge from religious persecution on Mount Titano.

1243 - The first Captains Regent - acting as joint heads of state - are appointed.

1463 - The Pope awards the towns of Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle to San Marino. The town of Faetano joins the republic in 1464, defining its present-day borders.

1503 - Cesare Borgia occupies San Marino for several months until his death.

1599 - San Marino's constitution, which provides for a parliamentary government, is laid out in the Statutes of 1600.

1631 - Papacy recognises San Marino's independence.

1739 - Cardinal Alberoni's forces occupy San Marino. But after a civil