Difference between revisions of "San Marino" - New World Encyclopedia

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The '''Most Serene Republic of San Marino''' ({{lang-it|Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino}}) is a country in the [[Apennine Mountains]]. It is a [[landlocked country|landlocked]] [[Enclave and exclave|enclave]], completely surrounded by [[Italy]]. One of the [[European microstates]], San Marino has the smallest population of all the members of the [[Council of Europe]].
 
The '''Most Serene Republic of San Marino''' ({{lang-it|Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino}}) is a country in the [[Apennine Mountains]]. It is a [[landlocked country|landlocked]] [[Enclave and exclave|enclave]], completely surrounded by [[Italy]]. One of the [[European microstates]], San Marino has the smallest population of all the members of the [[Council of Europe]].
  
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According to tradition, San Marino is the oldest constitutional [[republic]] in the world still existing: it was founded on [[September 3]] in the year [[301]] by [[Saint Marinus|Marinus]] of [[Rab]], a [[Christian]] [[Stonemasonry|stonemason]] fleeing the [[Persecution of the early Christians|religious persecution]] of [[Roman Emperor]] [[Diocletian]]. San Marino has the oldest written constitution still in effect, dating back to [[1600]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.loc.gov/law/guide/sanmarino.html|accessdate=2007-03-29|title=Guide to Law Online: San Marino|author=Law Library of United States Congress}}</ref>
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According to tradition, San Marino is the oldest constitutional [[republic]] in the world still existing: it was founded on September 3 in the year 301 by [[Saint Marinus|Marinus]] of [[Rab]], a [[Christian]] [[Stonemasonry|stonemason]] fleeing the [[Persecution of the early Christians|religious persecution]] of [[Roman Emperor]] [[Diocletian]]. San Marino has the oldest written constitution still in effect, dating back to 1600.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.loc.gov/law/guide/sanmarino.html|accessdate=2007-03-29|title=Guide to Law Online: San Marino|author=Law Library of United States Congress}}</ref>
  
 
== Geography ==
 
== Geography ==
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==History==   
 
==History==   
 
[[Image:Montale.JPG|thumb|left|300px|Montale tower on  [[Monte Titano]].]]
 
[[Image:Montale.JPG|thumb|left|300px|Montale tower on  [[Monte Titano]].]]
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According to tradition, Marino left the Adriatic island of [[Rab]] (Italian: ''Arbe'') with his lifelong friend Leo and went to the town of [[Rimini]] as a stone worker. After persecution because of his Christian sermons, he escaped to the nearby [[Monte Titano]], where he built a small church and thus founded what is now the city and the state of San Marino. The official date of foundation of the Republic is [[3 September]] [[301]].
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[[Image:Garibaldi a San Marino.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Bust of [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]] in San Marino, the first monument in the world dedicated to the "Hero of the Two Worlds." The work of Stefano Galletti, it was erected in 1882.]]
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The '''history of San Marino''' is both very European and typical for the [[Italian Peninsula]], and yet helps explain its unusual characteristics as the sole remaining Italian [[city-state]].
  
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By the mid-5th century, a community was formed; because of its relatively inaccessible location and its poverty, it has succeeded, with a few brief interruptions, in maintaining its independence. In 1631 its independence was recognized by the papacy.
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===Origins===
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[[Image:Garibaldi a San Marino.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Bust of [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]] in San Marino, the first monument in the world dedicated to the "Hero of the Two Worlds". The work of Stefano Galletti, it was erected in 1882.]]
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[[San Marino]], the world's fifth-smallest state, also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, San Marino was founded in AD 301 (alternative version about A.D. 350 ) when a [[Christianity|Christian]] stonemason named Marinus the Dalmatian, later venerated as [[Saint Marinus]], after whom the country is named, fled from the [[Dalmatia]]n island of [[Rab|Arbe]] to escape the persecutions under [[Diocletian]], and settled in Monte Titano to ply his stonecutting and spread Christianity.  Marinus hid on the peak of Mount Titano (the highest of San Marino's seven hills) and founded a small community following Christian beliefs. The owner of the land, Felicissima, a sympathetic lady of [[Rimini]], bequeathed it to the little Christian community of mountaineers, recommending to them to remain always united.
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During the early phase of the Italian unification process of the 19th century, San Marino served as a haven of refuge for numerous persons who were persecuted because of their support for [[Italian unification]]. In memory of this support, [[Giuseppe Garibaldi]] accepted the wish of San Marino not to be incorporated into the new Italian state. [[Napoleon]] refused to take the country. He commented, "Why, it's a model republic!"
 
  
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The government of San Marino made United States President [[Abraham Lincoln]] an honorary citizen. He wrote in reply, saying that the republic proved that "government founded on republican principles is capable of being so administered as to be secure and enduring."<ref>[[Irving Wallace]], ''The Book of Lists 3''</ref>
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It is certain that the region had been inhabited since prehistoric times, although evidence of existence on Mount Titano dates back only to the [[Middle Ages]]. That evidence comes from a monk named Eugippio, who reports in several documents going back to 511 that another monk lived here. In memory of the stonecutter, the land was renamed "Land of San Marino," and was finally changed to its present-day name, "Republic of San Marino."
  
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During [[World War II]] [[Axis powers of World War II|Axis forces]] retreated through the country and were pursued by the American and British forces. The [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] troops left the country a few weeks later.  
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Later papers from the 9th century report a well organized, opened and proud community: the writings report moreover that the close bishop, already at the time, was ruling this territory.
  
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The [[head of state]] is a committee (council) of two captains-regent. San Marino also holds the record for the world's first democratically-elected [[Communism|communist]] government, which held office between [[1945]] and [[1957]].
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In the [[Lombards|Lombard]] age, San Marino was a fief of the [[Duchy of Spoleto|dukes of Spoleto]], but the free ''[[comune]]'' dates to the tenth century.
 +
In the tenth century the abbots of the monastery were under the civil government, but they soon freed themselves and formed a free ''comune''.  
  
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San Marino was the world's smallest republic from [[301]] to [[1968]], until [[Nauru]] gained independence.
+
The original government structure was composed of a self-governed assembly known as the ''Arengo'', which consisted of the heads of each family (as in the original [[Roman Senate]], the ''Patres''). In 1243, the positions of Captains Regent ''({{lang|it|Capitani Reggenti}})'' were established to be the joint heads of state.  The state's earliest statutes date back to 1263. The [[Holy See]] confirmed the ancient independence of San Marino in 1291.
  
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San Marino became a member of the [[Council of Europe]] in 1988 and of the [[United Nations]] in 1992. It is not a member of the [[European Union]].
+
Because San Marino decided not to engage in any war, it remained fairly peaceful. But to prevent other nations from attacks, it was seen necessary to construct the [[Three Towers of San Marino]]. For more information on the subject, see that article.
  
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===During the feudal era===
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[[Image:San Marino confini castelli.png|thumb|right|250px|Administrative divisions of San Marino]]
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In quick succession the lords of [[Montefeltro]], the [[Malatesta|Malatesta of Rimini]], and the lords of [[Urbino]] attempted to conquer the little town, but without success. The land area of San Marino consisted only of Mount Titano until 1463, at which time the republic entered into an alliance against [[Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta]], Lord of Rimini, who was later defeated. As a result, [[Pope Pius II]] gave San Marino some castles and the towns of [[Fiorentino]], [[Montegiardino]] and [[Serravalle]]. Later that year, the town of Faetano joined the republic on its own accord. Since then, the size of San Marino has remained unchanged.
  
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[[Image:Cesareborgia.jpg|thumb|[[Cesare Borgia]] briefly took the control of San Marino in 1503]]
 +
San Marino adopted its written [[Constitution of San Marino|constitution]] on October 8, 1600. San Marino still faced many potential threats. Thus a treaty of protection was signed in 1602 with the [[Pope Clement VIII|Pope]], which came into force in 1631.
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San Marino has been occupied by foreign militaries three times in its history, each for only a short period of time. Two of these periods were in the feudal era. In 1503, [[Cesare Borgia]] occupied the republic until his death several months later. On October 17, 1739, Cardinal [[Giulio Alberoni]], legate (papal governor) of [[Ravenna]] who in 1739, aiding certain rebels, possibly contrary to the orders of [[Pope Clement XII]], used military force to occupy the country, imposed a new constitution, and endeavored to force the Sanmarinesi to submit to the government of the [[Pontifical States]]. However, [[civil disobedience]] was used to protest this, and clandestine notes sent to the Pope to obtain justice were answered by papal recognition of San Marino's rights, which restored them to independence.
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===Unification of Italy===
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The state was recognized by Napoleon by the [[Treaty of Tolentino]], in 1797 and by the [[Congress of Vienna]] in 1815. On 1825 and 1853 new attempts to submit it to the [[Papal States]] failed; and its wish to be left out of [[Giuseppe Garibaldi|Garibaldi]]'s [[Italian unification]] in the mid-nineteenth century was granted, since it had offered a safe refuge to numerous supporters of unification in earlier years.
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 +
After the unification of the [[Kingdom of Italy (1861–1946)|Kingdom of Italy]] a treaty of 1862 confirmed San Marino's independence. It was revised in 1872.
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 +
===World War II===
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The last occupation of the country was during 1944. San Marino stayed neutral. German forces used the country to retreat through, and they were followed by [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] forces.  The Allied armies only remained in occupation for as long as militarily necessary, which turned out to be only a few weeks, although 60 people were killed. After the war, San Marino became the first country in the world to be ruled by a communist party (the [[San Marinese Communist Party]], in coalition with the [[San Marinese Socialist Party]]) through democratic elections. The coalition lasted from 1945 to 1957.
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===Post-War period and modern times===
 +
San Marino is the only surviving Italian city-state. Like [[Andorra]], [[Liechtenstein]] and [[Monaco]], it appears an [[anachronism]], a reminder of the times when Europe—particularly Germany, Italy and the Pyrenees—was made up of tiny political units, sometimes extending no further than a cannon could fire from a city’s walls.  Apart from the [[Vatican City]] (whose development followed a different course), it is the only one which is completely surrounded by a single other country in Europe. Various treaties of friendship have been signed with Italy since the latter’s unification, but San Marino proudly asserts its independence where possible.
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 +
Women gained voting rights in 1960. Having joined the [[Council of Europe]] as a full member in 1988, San Marino held the rotating chair of the organisation during the first half of 1990.
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 +
San Marino became a member of the [[United Nations]] in 1992. In 2002 it signed a treaty with the [[Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development|OECD]], agreeing to greater transparency in banking and taxation matters to help to combat [[tax evasion]].
  
 
== Politics ==
 
== Politics ==
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{{main|Politics of San Marino}}
 
 
[[Image:San marino map.png|thumb|right|300px|Map of San Marino]]
 
[[Image:San marino map.png|thumb|right|300px|Map of San Marino]]
 
The Politics of San Marino takes place in a framework of a [[parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] [[republic]], whereby the [[captain regent|Captains Regent]] are the [[head of state|heads of state]], and of a pluriform multi-party system. [[Executive power]] is exercised by the [[government]]. [[Legislative power]] is vested in both the government and the [[Grand and General Council]]. The [[judiciary]] is independent of the executive and the legislature.
 
The Politics of San Marino takes place in a framework of a [[parliamentary system|parliamentary]] [[representative democracy|representative democratic]] [[republic]], whereby the [[captain regent|Captains Regent]] are the [[head of state|heads of state]], and of a pluriform multi-party system. [[Executive power]] is exercised by the [[government]]. [[Legislative power]] is vested in both the government and the [[Grand and General Council]]. The [[judiciary]] is independent of the executive and the legislature.
  
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San Marino was originally led by the [[Arengo]], initially formed with the heads of each family. In the 13th century, power was given to the Great and General Council. In [[1243]], the first two [[captain regent|Captains Regent]] were nominated by the Council. This method of nomination is still in use today, [[as of 2007]].  
+
San Marino was originally led by the [[Arengo]], initially formed with the heads of each family. In the 13th century, power was given to the Great and General Council. In 1243, the first two [[captain regent|Captains Regent]] were nominated by the Council. This method of nomination is still in use today, [[as of 2007]].  
  
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The legislature of the republic is the [[Grand and General Council]] (''Consiglio grande e generale'').  The Council is a unicameral legislature which has 60 members with elections occurring every 5 years under a proportional representation system in all nine administrative districts.  These districts (townships) correspond to the old [[parish]]es of the republic.  [[Citizen]]s eighteen years or older are eligible to vote.  Besides general legislation, the Grand and General Council approves the budget and elects the Captains Regent, the State Congress (composed of 10 Secretaries with executive power), the Council of Twelve (which forms the [[judicial branch]] during the period of legislature of the Council), the Advising Commissions, and the Government Unions.  The Council also has the power to ratify treaties with other countries. The Council is divided into five different Advising Commissions consisting of 15 councilors which examine, propose, and discuss the implementation of new laws that are on their way to being presented on the floor of the Council.
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The legislature of the republic is the [[Grand and General Council]].  The Council is a unicameral legislature which has 60 members with elections occurring every 5 years under a proportional representation system in all nine administrative districts.  These districts (townships) correspond to the old [[parish]]es of the republic.  [[Citizen]]s eighteen years or older are eligible to vote.   
 
[[Image:Rice San Marino 0420 600.jpg|thumb|left|300px|The Honorable Fiorenzo Stolfi, Secretary for Foreign and Political Affairs and for Economic Planning of the Republic of San Marino and President of the Council of Europe, meeting with US Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]] in Washington, DC.]]
 
[[Image:Rice San Marino 0420 600.jpg|thumb|left|300px|The Honorable Fiorenzo Stolfi, Secretary for Foreign and Political Affairs and for Economic Planning of the Republic of San Marino and President of the Council of Europe, meeting with US Secretary of State [[Condoleezza Rice]] in Washington, DC.]]
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Every 6 months, the Council elects two Captains Regent to be the heads of state. The Regents are chosen from opposing parties so there is a balance of power. They serve a 6-month term. The investiture of the Captains Regent takes place on [[April 1]] and [[October 1]] in every year. Once this term is over, citizens have 3 days in which to file complaints about the Captains' activities. If they warrant it, judicial proceedings against the ex-head(s) of state can be initiated.
 
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The practice of dual heads of state, as well as the frequent re-election of same, are derived directly from the customs of the [[Roman Republic]]. The Council is equivalent to the [[Roman Senate]]; the Captains Regent, to the [[consul]]s of ancient [[Rome]].
 
The practice of dual heads of state, as well as the frequent re-election of same, are derived directly from the customs of the [[Roman Republic]]. The Council is equivalent to the [[Roman Senate]]; the Captains Regent, to the [[consul]]s of ancient [[Rome]].
  
 
San Marino is a multi-party [[democratic]] [[republic]]. The two main parties are the [[Democratic Christian Party of San Marino]] (PDCS) and the [[Party of Socialists and Democrats]] (PSD, a merger of the [[Socialist Party of San Marino]] and the [[Party of Democrats]]) in addition to several other smaller parties. Due to the small size of San Marino and its low population, it is difficult for any party to gain a pure majority and most of the time the government is run by a coalition. As a result of the June 2001 election, the PDCS and PSS control a majority of seats in the Council.
 
San Marino is a multi-party [[democratic]] [[republic]]. The two main parties are the [[Democratic Christian Party of San Marino]] (PDCS) and the [[Party of Socialists and Democrats]] (PSD, a merger of the [[Socialist Party of San Marino]] and the [[Party of Democrats]]) in addition to several other smaller parties. Due to the small size of San Marino and its low population, it is difficult for any party to gain a pure majority and most of the time the government is run by a coalition. As a result of the June 2001 election, the PDCS and PSS control a majority of seats in the Council.
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=== Municipalities ===
 
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[[Image:San Marino.png|thumb|280px|[[Subnational|Administrative division]].]]
 
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San Marino is divided into the following nine municipalities, known locally as ''castelli'' or ''castles'' (sing. ''castello'', each on a different hill, as depicted on the republic's coat of arms), that are also towns to the world.
 
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*'''[[San Marino, San Marino|The City of San Marino]]''' (''Città di San Marino'') is the eponymous capital. There are also eight minor municipalities:
 
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*'''[[Acquaviva, San Marino|Acquaviva]]'''
 
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*'''[[Borgo Maggiore]]'''
 
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*'''[[Chiesanuova]]'''
 
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*'''[[Domagnano]]'''
 
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*'''[[Faetano]]'''
 
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*'''[[Fiorentino]]'''
 
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*'''[[Montegiardino]]'''
 
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*'''[[Serravalle, San Marino|Serravalle]]'''
 
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The largest town of the Republic is [[Dogana, San Marino|Dogana]], which is not an autonomous castello but rather belongs to the castello of Serravalle.
 
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Each castello, like Italian [[comune|''comuni'']], includes a main town that is the seat of the castello, called ''capoluogo'', and some even smaller localities known as ''[[frazione|frazioni]]''.
 
  
 
===Military===
 
===Military===
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There is also a [[Gendarmerie]] which is technically part of the military forces of the republic. The entire military corps of San Marino depends upon the co-operation of full-time forces and their retained (volunteer) colleagues, known as the ''Corpi Militari Volontari'', or Voluntary Military Force. National defence in the face of an aggressive world power is, by arrangement, the responsibility of Italy's armed forces.
 
There is also a [[Gendarmerie]] which is technically part of the military forces of the republic. The entire military corps of San Marino depends upon the co-operation of full-time forces and their retained (volunteer) colleagues, known as the ''Corpi Militari Volontari'', or Voluntary Military Force. National defence in the face of an aggressive world power is, by arrangement, the responsibility of Italy's armed forces.
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===Foreign relations===
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[[San Marino]] is an active player in the international community. Currently the Republic has diplomatic relations with over 70 countries.
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San Marino is a full member of:
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* [[United Nations]]
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* [[International Court of Justice]]
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* [[United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization]] (UNESCO)
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* [[International Monetary Fund]] (IMF)
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* [[World Health Organization]] (WHO)
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* [[World Tourism Organization]] (WTO)
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* [[Council of Europe]]
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* [[International Committee of the Red Cross]]
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* [[International Criminal Court]] (ICC)
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* [[International Institution for the Unification of Private Law]] (UNIDROIT)
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It also cooperates with [[UNICEF]] and the [[United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees]] and has official relations with the [[European Union]].
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From May 10 until November 6, 1990, San Marino held the semi-annual presidency of the [[Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe]].
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Italy, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Holy See maintain resident embassies in San Marino.
  
 
== Economy ==
 
== Economy ==
 
{{main|Economy of San Marino}}
 
{{main|Economy of San Marino}}
 
[[Image:Borgo_maggiore.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Borgo Maggiore]]
 
[[Image:Borgo_maggiore.jpg|right|thumb|300px|Borgo Maggiore]]
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Although San Marino is not an official [[European Union]] member, it is allowed to use the [[euro]] as its [[currency]] by virtue of arrangements with the council of the [[European Union]]; it is also granted the right to use its own designs on the national side of the [[euro coins]]. Before the Euro, the [[Sammarinese lira]] was coupled to and exchangeable with the [[Italian lira]]. The small number of Sammarinese euro coins, as was the case with the lira before it, are primarily of interest to [[coin collecting|coin collectors]].
+
Although San Marino is not an official [[European Union]] member, it is allowed to use the [[euro]] as its [[currency]] by virtue of arrangements with the council of the European Union; it is also granted the right to use its own designs on the national side of the [[euro coins]]. Before the Euro, the [[Sammarinese lira]] was coupled to and exchangeable with the [[Italian lira]]. The small number of Sammarinese euro coins, as was the case with the lira before it, are primarily of interest to [[coin collecting|coin collectors]].
 
[[Image:Muenze san marino 2e.png|left|200px]]
 
[[Image:Muenze san marino 2e.png|left|200px]]
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The [[tourism|tourist]] sector contributes over 50% of San Marino's [[Gross domestic product|GDP]], with more than 3.3 million tourists visiting in [[1997]]. Other key [[industry|industries]] are [[bank]]ing, [[electronics]], and [[ceramic]]s. The main [[agriculture|agricultural]] products are [[wine]] and [[cheese]].
+
The [[tourism|tourist]] sector contributes over 50% of San Marino's [[Gross domestic product|GDP]], with more than 3.3 million tourists visiting in 1997. Other key [[industry|industries]] are [[bank]]ing, [[electronics]], and [[ceramic]]s. The main [[agriculture|agricultural]] products are [[wine]] and [[cheese]].
  
 
San Marino's [[postage stamp]]s, which are only valid for mail posted within the country, are mostly sold to [[philately|philatelists]] and also form a source of income. San Marino is a member of the [[Small European Postal Administration Cooperation]].
 
San Marino's [[postage stamp]]s, which are only valid for mail posted within the country, are mostly sold to [[philately|philatelists]] and also form a source of income. San Marino is a member of the [[Small European Postal Administration Cooperation]].
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Under the European Union customs agreement, San Marino continues to levy taxes, the equivalent of an import duty, on imported goods. Also, a general VAT was introduced, in replacement of the Italian VAT.
 
Under the European Union customs agreement, San Marino continues to levy taxes, the equivalent of an import duty, on imported goods. Also, a general VAT was introduced, in replacement of the Italian VAT.
  
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== Demographics ==
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=== Transport ===
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{{Main|Demographics of San Marino}}
 
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There is no significant difference between the demographics of San Marino and Italy.
 
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The state has a population of approximately 29,000, including 1,000 foreigners, most of whom are Italians.  About 5,000 Sammarinese live in foreign countries, predominantly in Italy.
 
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The language spoken is [[Italian language|Italian]], with the [[Emiliano-Romagnolo]] dialect, and [[Roman Catholicism]] is the predominant religion. {{see|Demographics of Italy}}
 
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== Transport ==
 
 
[[Image:San-Marino-Gondola-1283.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Aerial tramway to Monte Titano.]]
 
[[Image:San-Marino-Gondola-1283.jpg|thumb|left|300px|Aerial tramway to Monte Titano.]]
 
{{Main|Transport in San Marino}}
 
{{Main|Transport in San Marino}}
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San Marino's railway network consisted of a single line, connecting the country with the Italian rail network at [[Rimini]]. Unable to access the capital, [[San Marino, San Marino|San Marino City]] (which has a mountain-top location), the terminus station was located at the village of [[Valdragone]]. The railway was opened on 12 June [[1932]].<ref>See page 85 of [http://ifef.free.fr/provo/if2005-6.pdf this on-line PDF magazine] for full details. No English translation is currently available - can you help?.</ref>
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San Marino's railway network consisted of a single line, connecting the country with the Italian rail network at [[Rimini]]. Unable to access the capital, [[San Marino, San Marino|San Marino City]] (which has a mountain-top location), the terminus station was located at the village of [[Valdragone]]. The railway was opened on 12 June 1932.<ref>See page 85 of [http://ifef.free.fr/provo/if2005-6.pdf this on-line PDF magazine] for full details. No English translation is currently available - can you help?.</ref>
  
 
It was an advanced system for its time, being an electric railway, powered by overhead electric cables. The trains drew power from these cables by means of a pantograph system. The railway was well built and well used, and in all probability would have been a long-term feature of Sammarinese public transport, but it was almost completely destroyed during the fighting in this region during [[World War II]]. Today there is no operational railway in San Marino.
 
It was an advanced system for its time, being an electric railway, powered by overhead electric cables. The trains drew power from these cables by means of a pantograph system. The railway was well built and well used, and in all probability would have been a long-term feature of Sammarinese public transport, but it was almost completely destroyed during the fighting in this region during [[World War II]]. Today there is no operational railway in San Marino.
  
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There is a 1.5 km [[aerial tramway]] connecting the [[city]] of [[San Marino, San Marino|San Marino]] on top of [[Monte Titano]] with [[Borgo Maggiore]], a major town in the republic, with the second largest population of any Sammarinese settlement. Indeed, for the tourist visitor the aerial tramway gives the best available views of Borgo Maggiore, as the cars sweep low over the rooftops of the main town square. From here a further connection is available to the nation's largest settlement, [[Dogana, San Marino|Dogana]], by means of local bus service.
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There are 220 km of [[highway]]s in the country, the main road being the [[San Marino Superhighway]]. Roads are well used by private car drivers. Sammarinese authorities license private vehicles with distinctive licence plates which are white with blue figures with the coat of arms, usually a letter followed by up to four numbers. Many vehicles also carry the international vehicle identification code (in black on a white oval sticker), which is "RSM."
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[[Image:San-marino-international-bus.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Sammarinese international bus service link with Rimini, Italy.]]
 
  
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There are no airports in San Marino, but there is an international [[heliport]] located in Borgo Maggiore. Most tourists who arrive by air land at [[Federico Fellini International Airport]] close to the city of [[Rimini]] and then make the transfer by bus.
  
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Two aerial tramway cars, known as gondolas, and numbered '1' and '2', operate in opposition on a cable, and a service is provided at roughly fifteen minute intervals throughout the day. A third vehicle is available on the system, being a service car for the use of engineers maintaining the tramway.
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Two rivers flow through San Marino, but there is no major water transport, and no major port or [[harbour]].
  
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There are 220 km of [[highway]]s in the country, the main road being the [[San Marino Superhighway]]. Roads are well used by private car drivers. Sammarinese authorities license private vehicles with distinctive licence plates which are white with blue figures with the coat of arms, usually a letter followed by up to four numbers.  Many vehicles also carry the international vehicle identification code (in black on a white oval sticker), which is "RSM".
+
== Demographics ==
 +
{{Main|Demographics of San Marino}}
 +
There is no significant difference between the demographics of San Marino and Italy.  
  
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A limited licensed taxi service operates nationwide. There are seven licensed taxi operating companies in the republic<ref>Licensed taxi companies are listed on the [http://www.visitsanmarino.com/default.asp?id=114 Government tourism website].</ref>, and Italian taxis regularly operate within San Marino when carrying passengers picked up in Italian territory.
+
The state has a population of approximately 29,000, including 1,000 foreigners, most of whom are Italians. About 5,000 Sammarinese live in foreign countries, predominantly in Italy.
  
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There is a regular [[bus]] service between [[Rimini]] and the city of San Marino, popular with both tourists and [[tourist industry]] workers commuting to San Marino from Italy. This service stops at approximately twenty advertised locations in Rimini and within San Marino, with its two terminus stops at Rimini railway station and San Marino coach station, respectively.
+
The language spoken is [[Italian language|Italian]], with the [[Emiliano-Romagnolo]] dialect, and [[Roman Catholicism]] is the predominant religion. {{see|Demographics of Italy}}
  
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There are no airports in San Marino, but there is an international [[heliport]] located in Borgo Maggiore. Most tourists who arrive by air land at [[Federico Fellini International Airport]] close to the city of [[Rimini]] and then make the transfer by bus.
 
  
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Two rivers flow through San Marino, but there is no major water transport, and no major port or [[harbour]].
 
  
  
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===Sport===
 
===Sport===
 +
San Marino, along with [[Italy]], enjoys [[football (soccer)]] as its most popular sport.
  
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[[San Marino]], along with [[Italy]], enjoys [[football (soccer)]] as its most popular sport.
+
The [[Campionato Sammarinese di Calcio|San Marino Championship]], founded under the auspices of the FSGC ([[San Marino Football Federation]]), is the premier footballing competition in San Marino. The fifteen teams that take part in the competition are split into two groups of eight and seven teams. The top three from each section at the end of the regular season progress into a semi-knockout style Championship Playoff. Prior to 2007, the playoff champion earned a spot in the preliminary rounds of the [[UEFA Cup]].  In 2007, [[UEFA]] granted San Marino a spot in the 1st Qualifying Round of the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]].   
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The [[Campionato Sammarinese di Calcio|San Marino Championship]], founded under the auspices of the FSGC ([[San Marino Football Federation]]), is the premier footballing competition in San Marino. The fifteen teams that take part in the competition are split into two groups of eight and seven teams. The top three from each section at the end of the regular season progress into a semi-knockout style Championship Playoff. Prior to 2007, the playoff champion earned a spot in the preliminary rounds of the [[UEFA Cup]].  In 2007, [[UEFA]] granted San Marino a spot in the 1st Qualifying Round of the [[UEFA Champions League|Champions League]].  2007 league champions [[S.S. Murata]] was the first team to represent San Marino in the Champions League when they participated in the [[UEFA Champions League 2007-08|2007-08 competition]], losing to Finland's [[Tampere]] team. San Marino also has a representative in the Italian system, with [[San Marino Calcio]] playing in the third tier of Italian football, [[Serie C2|Serie C2/B]]. San Marino play their home matches in the Sanmarinese at the [[Stadio Olimpico (Serravalle)|Stadio Olimpico]] of [[Serravalle, San Marino|Serravalle]].
 
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The [[San Marino national football team|San Marino national team]] played its first unofficial international match in [[1986]], in which it suffered a 0-1 defeat to the Canadian [[Olympic Games|Olympic]] team. Its first competitive outing was on [[November 14]], [[1990]], a 0-4 loss against [[Switzerland national football team|Switzerland]] in the [[European Football Championship|European Championship]] qualifier. These defeats set the tone for most of the following outings of the team, who are regarded as whipping boys in the qualifying sections of the European Championship and the [[Football World Cup|World Cup]].
 
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[[Image:GP Imola2005 SchumiAlonso.jpg|thumb|left|300px|2005 San Marino Grand Prix]]
 
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They had a brief moment of glory when they faced [[England national football team|England]] in a World Cup qualifier on [[November 17]], [[1993]] and took the lead through [[David Gualtieri]] after just 8.3 seconds - still the fastest goal in World Cup competition [http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3952361]. Despite this goal, only San Marino's third at international level, the microstate went on to lose 7-1.
 
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Until recently, San Marino's international record was one of almost total failure, with famous draws against [[Turkey national football team|Turkey]] and [[Latvia national football team|Latvia]] being the only partial successes in an international career that contains over 70 defeats. However, on the [[29 April]] [[2004]], San Marino recorded their first ever win, with a 1-0 victory over Liechtenstein in an international friendly. [[Andy Selva]] scored the only goal in a close game that finally gave this tiny republic a footballing victory.
 
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On September 6, 2006, San Marino suffered their biggest ever defeat, losing 13-0 to world giants [[Germany national football team|Germany]] in the Stadio Olimpico. It was also the largest goal margin defeat in European Championship Qualifying history.
 
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In the same competition on February 7th 2007, they came within 8 seconds of the best result in their history. They were level at 1-1 with the [[Republic_of_Ireland_national_soccer_team| Republic of Ireland]] after 94 minutes when [[Stephen Ireland]] scored within 8 seconds of the final whistle. The goal scored by San Marino was their European Qualifying first goal since losing 4-1 to [[Austria_national_football_team|Austria]] in 1998.
 
  
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As of May 2007, San Marino is 195th in the FIFA world rankings.
+
One of the [[Formula One]] races, the [[San Marino Grand Prix]], is named after the state, although it does not actually take place there.  It takes place at the [[Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari]] in the Italian town of [[Imola]], about 100 km northwest of San Marino, along the [[Via Emilia]]. The race was etched in infamy after two fatal accidents occurred at the [[1994 San Marino Grand Prix|1994 Grand Prix]], when [[Ayrton Senna]] and [[Roland Ratzenberger]] were [[killed]].
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−
One of the [[Formula One]] races, the [[San Marino Grand Prix]], is named after the state, although it does not actually take place there.  It takes place at the [[Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari]] in the Italian town of [[Imola]], about 100 km northwest of San Marino, along the [[Via Emilia]].
 
−
The race was etched in infamy after two fatal accidents occurred at the [[1994 San Marino Grand Prix|1994 Grand Prix]], when [[Ayrton Senna]] and [[Roland Ratzenberger]] were [[killed]].
 
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The race was removed from the calendar for [[2007 Formula One season|2007]].
 
  
 
San Marino has a rather successful professional [[baseball]] team, [[San Marino (baseball team)|T & A San Marino]], which play in the top division of Italian professional baseball, the [[Serie A1 (baseball)|Serie A1]].  It has participated in the [[European Cup (baseball)|European Cup tournament]] for the top European professional baseball teams several times, hosting the event in 1996, 2000 and 2004, and scheduled to host in 2007.  It won the championship in [[2006 in baseball|2006]].
 
San Marino has a rather successful professional [[baseball]] team, [[San Marino (baseball team)|T & A San Marino]], which play in the top division of Italian professional baseball, the [[Serie A1 (baseball)|Serie A1]].  It has participated in the [[European Cup (baseball)|European Cup tournament]] for the top European professional baseball teams several times, hosting the event in 1996, 2000 and 2004, and scheduled to host in 2007.  It won the championship in [[2006 in baseball|2006]].
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==Notes==
 
==Notes==
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== External links ==
 
== External links ==
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{{commonscat|San Marino}}
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*{{wikitravel|San Marino}}
 
 
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sm.html CIA World Factbook: San Marino]
 
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sm.html CIA World Factbook: San Marino]
 
* {{dmoz|Regional/Europe/San_Marino}}
 
* {{dmoz|Regional/Europe/San_Marino}}
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{{credit|San_Marino|155578418|Foreign_relations_of_San_Marino|144851860|History_of_San_Marino|168208222}}
  
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Geography]]
 
[[Category:Europe]]
 
[[Category:Europe]]

Revision as of 05:57, 10 December 2007

Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino
Most Serene Republic of San Marino
Flag of San Marino Coat of arms of San Marino
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: Libertas (Latin)
"Liberty"
Anthem: "Inno Nazionale della Repubblica"
Location of San Marino
Location of  San Marino (circled in inset)
on the European continent (white)
Capital San Marino
43°56′N 12°27′E
Largest city Serravalle
Official languages Italian1
Government Republic
 - Captains Regent Alessandro Mancini
Alessandro Rossi
Foundation  
 - Date September 3 301 
Area
 - Total 61 km² (223rd)
23.5 sq mi 
 - Water (%) negligible
Population
 - January 2005 estimate 28,117
 - Density 481/km²
1,225/sq mi
GDP (PPP) 2001 estimate
 - Total $904 million
 - Per capita $34,600
HDI  (2003) n/a (unranked)
Currency Euro (€) (EUR)
Time zone CET (UTC+1)
 - Summer (DST) CEST (UTC+2)
Internet TLD .sm
Calling code +378
1 SAN MARINO. UNECE.

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino (Italian: Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino) is a country in the Apennine Mountains. It is a landlocked enclave, completely surrounded by Italy. One of the European microstates, San Marino has the smallest population of all the members of the Council of Europe.

According to tradition, San Marino is the oldest constitutional republic in the world still existing: it was founded on September 3 in the year 301 by Marinus of Rab, a Christian stonemason fleeing the religious persecution of Roman Emperor Diocletian. San Marino has the oldest written constitution still in effect, dating back to 1600.[1]

Geography

Much of the Republic can be seen from the top of Mount Titano

San Marino is an enclave in Italy, on the border between the regioni of Emilia Romagna and Marche. It covers an area of 60.5 km², which is about the size of Syracuse, New York.

Its topography is dominated by the Apennines mountain range, and it has a rugged terrain. The highest point in the country, Monte Titano, is situated at 749 metres (2,457 ft) above sea level. There are no bodies of water of any significant size.

The climate is Mediterranean, with warm summers and mild winters.

San Marino is the third-smallest country in Europe, with only Vatican City and Monaco being smaller.


History

Montale tower on Monte Titano.
Bust of Giuseppe Garibaldi in San Marino, the first monument in the world dedicated to the "Hero of the Two Worlds." The work of Stefano Galletti, it was erected in 1882.

The history of San Marino is both very European and typical for the Italian Peninsula, and yet helps explain its unusual characteristics as the sole remaining Italian city-state.

Origins

San Marino, the world's fifth-smallest state, also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, San Marino was founded in AD 301 (alternative version about A.D. 350 ) when a Christian stonemason named Marinus the Dalmatian, later venerated as Saint Marinus, after whom the country is named, fled from the Dalmatian island of Arbe to escape the persecutions under Diocletian, and settled in Monte Titano to ply his stonecutting and spread Christianity. Marinus hid on the peak of Mount Titano (the highest of San Marino's seven hills) and founded a small community following Christian beliefs. The owner of the land, Felicissima, a sympathetic lady of Rimini, bequeathed it to the little Christian community of mountaineers, recommending to them to remain always united.

It is certain that the region had been inhabited since prehistoric times, although evidence of existence on Mount Titano dates back only to the Middle Ages. That evidence comes from a monk named Eugippio, who reports in several documents going back to 511 that another monk lived here. In memory of the stonecutter, the land was renamed "Land of San Marino," and was finally changed to its present-day name, "Republic of San Marino."

Later papers from the 9th century report a well organized, opened and proud community: the writings report moreover that the close bishop, already at the time, was ruling this territory.

In the Lombard age, San Marino was a fief of the dukes of Spoleto, but the free comune dates to the tenth century. In the tenth century the abbots of the monastery were under the civil government, but they soon freed themselves and formed a free comune.

The original government structure was composed of a self-governed assembly known as the Arengo, which consisted of the heads of each family (as in the original Roman Senate, the Patres). In 1243, the positions of Captains Regent (Capitani Reggenti) were established to be the joint heads of state. The state's earliest statutes date back to 1263. The Holy See confirmed the ancient independence of San Marino in 1291.

Because San Marino decided not to engage in any war, it remained fairly peaceful. But to prevent other nations from attacks, it was seen necessary to construct the Three Towers of San Marino. For more information on the subject, see that article.

During the feudal era

File:San Marino confini castelli.png
Administrative divisions of San Marino

In quick succession the lords of Montefeltro, the Malatesta of Rimini, and the lords of Urbino attempted to conquer the little town, but without success. The land area of San Marino consisted only of Mount Titano until 1463, at which time the republic entered into an alliance against Sigismondo Pandolfo Malatesta, Lord of Rimini, who was later defeated. As a result, Pope Pius II gave San Marino some castles and the towns of Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle. Later that year, the town of Faetano joined the republic on its own accord. Since then, the size of San Marino has remained unchanged.

Cesare Borgia briefly took the control of San Marino in 1503

San Marino adopted its written constitution on October 8, 1600. San Marino still faced many potential threats. Thus a treaty of protection was signed in 1602 with the Pope, which came into force in 1631.

San Marino has been occupied by foreign militaries three times in its history, each for only a short period of time. Two of these periods were in the feudal era. In 1503, Cesare Borgia occupied the republic until his death several months later. On October 17, 1739, Cardinal Giulio Alberoni, legate (papal governor) of Ravenna who in 1739, aiding certain rebels, possibly contrary to the orders of Pope Clement XII, used military force to occupy the country, imposed a new constitution, and endeavored to force the Sanmarinesi to submit to the government of the Pontifical States. However, civil disobedience was used to protest this, and clandestine notes sent to the Pope to obtain justice were answered by papal recognition of San Marino's rights, which restored them to independence.

Unification of Italy

The state was recognized by Napoleon by the Treaty of Tolentino, in 1797 and by the Congress of Vienna in 1815. On 1825 and 1853 new attempts to submit it to the Papal States failed; and its wish to be left out of Garibaldi's Italian unification in the mid-nineteenth century was granted, since it had offered a safe refuge to numerous supporters of unification in earlier years.

After the unification of the Kingdom of Italy a treaty of 1862 confirmed San Marino's independence. It was revised in 1872.

World War II

The last occupation of the country was during 1944. San Marino stayed neutral. German forces used the country to retreat through, and they were followed by Allied forces. The Allied armies only remained in occupation for as long as militarily necessary, which turned out to be only a few weeks, although 60 people were killed. After the war, San Marino became the first country in the world to be ruled by a communist party (the San Marinese Communist Party, in coalition with the San Marinese Socialist Party) through democratic elections. The coalition lasted from 1945 to 1957.

Post-War period and modern times

San Marino is the only surviving Italian city-state. Like Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco, it appears an anachronism, a reminder of the times when Europe—particularly Germany, Italy and the Pyrenees—was made up of tiny political units, sometimes extending no further than a cannon could fire from a city’s walls. Apart from the Vatican City (whose development followed a different course), it is the only one which is completely surrounded by a single other country in Europe. Various treaties of friendship have been signed with Italy since the latter’s unification, but San Marino proudly asserts its independence where possible.

Women gained voting rights in 1960. Having joined the Council of Europe as a full member in 1988, San Marino held the rotating chair of the organisation during the first half of 1990.

San Marino became a member of the United Nations in 1992. In 2002 it signed a treaty with the OECD, agreeing to greater transparency in banking and taxation matters to help to combat tax evasion.

Politics

Map of San Marino

The Politics of San Marino takes place in a framework of a parliamentary representative democratic republic, whereby the Captains Regent are the heads of state, and of a pluriform multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the government. Legislative power is vested in both the government and the Grand and General Council. The judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

San Marino was originally led by the Arengo, initially formed with the heads of each family. In the 13th century, power was given to the Great and General Council. In 1243, the first two Captains Regent were nominated by the Council. This method of nomination is still in use today, as of 2007.

The legislature of the republic is the Grand and General Council. The Council is a unicameral legislature which has 60 members with elections occurring every 5 years under a proportional representation system in all nine administrative districts. These districts (townships) correspond to the old parishes of the republic. Citizens eighteen years or older are eligible to vote.

The Honorable Fiorenzo Stolfi, Secretary for Foreign and Political Affairs and for Economic Planning of the Republic of San Marino and President of the Council of Europe, meeting with US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice in Washington, DC.

The practice of dual heads of state, as well as the frequent re-election of same, are derived directly from the customs of the Roman Republic. The Council is equivalent to the Roman Senate; the Captains Regent, to the consuls of ancient Rome.

San Marino is a multi-party democratic republic. The two main parties are the Democratic Christian Party of San Marino (PDCS) and the Party of Socialists and Democrats (PSD, a merger of the Socialist Party of San Marino and the Party of Democrats) in addition to several other smaller parties. Due to the small size of San Marino and its low population, it is difficult for any party to gain a pure majority and most of the time the government is run by a coalition. As a result of the June 2001 election, the PDCS and PSS control a majority of seats in the Council.

Military

File:Cerimonia Guardia di Rocca.jpg
The Guard of the Rock in dress uniform during the investiture of the new Captains Regent in the Piazza della Libertà.

San Marino has one of the smallest military forces in the world. Its different branches have varied functions including: performing ceremonial duties; patrolling borders; mounting guard at government buildings; and assisting police in major criminal cases.

Although once at the heart of San Marino's army, the Crossbow Corps is now an entirely ceremonial force of about 80 volunteer soldiers. The Crossbow Corps since 1295 has provided demonstrations of crossbow shooting at festivals. Its uniform is mediaeval in design, and although it is a statutory military unit, it has no actual military function today.

Three members of the Guard of the Rock

The Guard of the Rock is a front-line military unit in the San Marino armed forces, a state border patrol, with responsibility for patrolling borders and defending them. In their role as Fortress Guards they are also responsible for the guarding of the Palazzo Pubblico in San Marino City, which is the seat of national Government. In this role they are the forces most visible to tourists, and known for their colourful ceremony of Changing the Guard. Under the 1987 statute the Guard of the Rock are all enrolled as 'Criminal Police Officers' (in addition to their military role) and act to assist the police in investigating major crime. The uniform of the Guard of the Rock is distinctively red and green in color.

A member of the Guard of the Council

The Guard of the Council Great and General commonly known as The Guard of the Council or locally as the 'Guard of Nobles', formed in 1740, are a volunteer unit with ceremonial duties. Due to its striking blue white and gold uniform, it is perhaps the most well-known part of the Sammarinese military, and appears on countless postcard views of the republic. The functions of the Guard of the Council are to protect the Captains Regent, and to defend the Great and General Council during its formal sessions. They also provide a ceremonal bodyguard to government officials on festivals of both state and church.

There is also a Gendarmerie which is technically part of the military forces of the republic. The entire military corps of San Marino depends upon the co-operation of full-time forces and their retained (volunteer) colleagues, known as the Corpi Militari Volontari, or Voluntary Military Force. National defence in the face of an aggressive world power is, by arrangement, the responsibility of Italy's armed forces.

Foreign relations

San Marino is an active player in the international community. Currently the Republic has diplomatic relations with over 70 countries.

San Marino is a full member of:

It also cooperates with UNICEF and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and has official relations with the European Union.

From May 10 until November 6, 1990, San Marino held the semi-annual presidency of the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe.

Italy, the Sovereign Military Order of Malta and the Holy See maintain resident embassies in San Marino.

Economy

Borgo Maggiore

Although San Marino is not an official European Union member, it is allowed to use the euro as its currency by virtue of arrangements with the council of the European Union; it is also granted the right to use its own designs on the national side of the euro coins. Before the Euro, the Sammarinese lira was coupled to and exchangeable with the Italian lira. The small number of Sammarinese euro coins, as was the case with the lira before it, are primarily of interest to coin collectors.

200px

The tourist sector contributes over 50% of San Marino's GDP, with more than 3.3 million tourists visiting in 1997. Other key industries are banking, electronics, and ceramics. The main agricultural products are wine and cheese.

San Marino's postage stamps, which are only valid for mail posted within the country, are mostly sold to philatelists and also form a source of income. San Marino is a member of the Small European Postal Administration Cooperation.

The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of Italy, which supplies much of its food.

Taxation

Guaita

The corporate profits tax rate in San Marino is 19 percent. Capital gains are subject to a five percent tax; interest is subject to a 13 percent withholding tax.

In 1972, a valued added taxation (VAT) system was introduced in Italy, and was applied in San Marino, in accordance with the 1939 friendship treaty. In addition, a tax on imported goods, to be levied by San Marino, was established. Such taxes, however, were not, and are not, applied to national products. Until 1996, goods manufactured and sold in San Marino were not subject to indirect taxation.

Under the European Union customs agreement, San Marino continues to levy taxes, the equivalent of an import duty, on imported goods. Also, a general VAT was introduced, in replacement of the Italian VAT.

Transport

Aerial tramway to Monte Titano.

San Marino's railway network consisted of a single line, connecting the country with the Italian rail network at Rimini. Unable to access the capital, San Marino City (which has a mountain-top location), the terminus station was located at the village of Valdragone. The railway was opened on 12 June 1932.[2]

It was an advanced system for its time, being an electric railway, powered by overhead electric cables. The trains drew power from these cables by means of a pantograph system. The railway was well built and well used, and in all probability would have been a long-term feature of Sammarinese public transport, but it was almost completely destroyed during the fighting in this region during World War II. Today there is no operational railway in San Marino.

There are 220 km of highways in the country, the main road being the San Marino Superhighway. Roads are well used by private car drivers. Sammarinese authorities license private vehicles with distinctive licence plates which are white with blue figures with the coat of arms, usually a letter followed by up to four numbers. Many vehicles also carry the international vehicle identification code (in black on a white oval sticker), which is "RSM."

There are no airports in San Marino, but there is an international heliport located in Borgo Maggiore. Most tourists who arrive by air land at Federico Fellini International Airport close to the city of Rimini and then make the transfer by bus.

Two rivers flow through San Marino, but there is no major water transport, and no major port or harbour.

Demographics

There is no significant difference between the demographics of San Marino and Italy.

The state has a population of approximately 29,000, including 1,000 foreigners, most of whom are Italians. About 5,000 Sammarinese live in foreign countries, predominantly in Italy.

The language spoken is Italian, with the Emiliano-Romagnolo dialect, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion.


Culture

The Three Towers of San Marino are located on the three peaks of Monte Titano in the capital. They are depicted on both the Flag of San Marino and its coat of arms. The three towers are: Guaita, the oldest of the three (it was constructed in the eleventh century); the thirteenth-century Cesta, located on the highest of Monte Titano's summits; and the fourteenth-century Montale, on the smallest of Monte Titano's summits, still privately owned.

San Marino has a famous cake known as La Torta Di Tre Monti ("Cake of the Three Mountains/Towers"), similar to a layered wafer cake covered in Chocolate.

Sport

San Marino, along with Italy, enjoys football (soccer) as its most popular sport.

The San Marino Championship, founded under the auspices of the FSGC (San Marino Football Federation), is the premier footballing competition in San Marino. The fifteen teams that take part in the competition are split into two groups of eight and seven teams. The top three from each section at the end of the regular season progress into a semi-knockout style Championship Playoff. Prior to 2007, the playoff champion earned a spot in the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Cup. In 2007, UEFA granted San Marino a spot in the 1st Qualifying Round of the Champions League.

One of the Formula One races, the San Marino Grand Prix, is named after the state, although it does not actually take place there. It takes place at the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in the Italian town of Imola, about 100 km northwest of San Marino, along the Via Emilia. The race was etched in infamy after two fatal accidents occurred at the 1994 Grand Prix, when Ayrton Senna and Roland Ratzenberger were killed.

San Marino has a rather successful professional baseball team, T & A San Marino, which play in the top division of Italian professional baseball, the Serie A1. It has participated in the European Cup tournament for the top European professional baseball teams several times, hosting the event in 1996, 2000 and 2004, and scheduled to host in 2007. It won the championship in 2006.

Notes

  1. ↑ Law Library of United States Congress. Guide to Law Online: San Marino. Retrieved 2007-03-29.
  2. ↑ See page 85 of this on-line PDF magazine for full details. No English translation is currently available - can you help?.


References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

External links


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