People

Population: 28,503 (July 2004).

Population growth rate: 1.3 % (2004).

Life expectancy at birth: 81.5 years.

Religions: Roman Catholic.

Ethnic groups: Sammarinese, Italian.

Language: Italian.

Nationality: Sammarinese (singular and plural).

People

Population: 28,503 (July 2004).

Population growth rate: 1.3 % (2004).

Life expectancy at birth: 81.5 years.

Religions: Roman Catholic.

Ethnic groups: Sammarinese, Italian.

Language: Italian.

Nationality: Sammarinese (singular and plural).

People

Population: 28,503 (July 2004).

Population growth rate: 1.3 % (2004).

Life expectancy at birth: 81.5 years.

Religions: Roman Catholic.

Ethnic groups: Sammarinese, Italian.

Language: Italian.

Nationality: Sammarinese (singular and plural).

Geography

Country name: Republic of San Marino (local: Repubblica di San Marino).

Capital: San Marino.

Government type: independent republic. Constitution: 8 October 1600; electoral law of 1926 serves some of the functions of a constitution.

Independence: 3 September 301.

Administrative divisions: 9 municipalities (castelli, singular - castello); Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino, Serravalle.

Terrain: rugged mountains, dominated by the Apennines.

Total area: 61.2 km² (about 0.3 times the size of Washington, DC).

Highest point: Monte Titano 755 m.

Climate: Mediterranean; mild to cool winters; warm, sunny summers.

The third smallest independent state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco) also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in 301 A.D. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy. Social and political trends in the republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbor.

San Marino is located in Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy.

Economy

The tourist sector contributes over 50% of GDP. In 2000 more than 3 million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries are banking, wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy, which supplies much of its food.

GDP (purchasing power parity): US$ 940 million (2001).

GDP per capita (purchasing power parity): US$ 34,600 (2001).

Unemployment rate: 2.6 % (2003).

Currency: euro (EUR).

Industries: tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics, cement, wine.