San Marino



The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. Its constitution, ratified in 1600, is the oldest national constitution still in effect. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and its decision to offer sanctuary to leaders of the unification movement. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

During World War II, San Marino provided a harbor for more than 100,000 Italians (which was 1000 percent of the then population of the country) and Jews from Nazi persecution. That's right, San Marino took in more than ten times the then-population of the country, in a move that could risk angering NAZI GERMANY, pulled it off and managed to stay neutral. No wonder its citizens are proud of it, they damn well should be.

San Marino abolished death penalty in 1865, becoming the first European country to do so. The last execution was performed in 1468.

The country is led by two Captains Regent, or prime ministers, if you please. They are not that much different from the old Roman consuls. They are chosen every six months.

There was once a San Marino Grand Prix - held in Imola, Italy.