Virtually all of the republic's inhabitants speak Italian and are Roman Catholic. About half of San Marino citizens are residents abroad, mainly in Italy, the United States, and France. Of note in San Marino are the Basilica of Santo Marino; towers (14th-16th cent.) built on each of the three peaks of Mt. Titano; the Gothic government house; and several museums of art. There is a bust of Abraham Lincoln, who in 1861 accepted the honorary citizenship of the republic.

San Marino's manufactures include building materials, textiles and wearing apparel, ceramics, electronics, and food products. Tourism, however, is the country's economic mainstay, and banking is also important. The sale of postage stamps and duty-free consumer goods are also sources of income. Agricultural products include wheat and other grains, fruit, cheese, and olives. Cattle and hogs are raised. Building stone, textiles, leather goods, wine, and ceramics are exported. The country imports many manufactured goods and much of its food, mostly from Italy. The republic receives an annual subsidy from Italy in return for having renounced certain rights, such as establishing a broadcasting station and growing tobacco. Although San Marino mints its own coins, Italian and Vatican City currency is in general use. There are highway and rail connections with Italy.

Legislative power in San Marino is vested in the popularly elected grand council ( Consiglio Grande e Generale ), which is made up of 60 members elected to five-year terms; every six months the council appoints two regents ( Capitani Reggenti ), who in conjunction with the 10-member council of state form the executive.

Country

Surface Area:
61.2 square km

Population:
28,503 (July 2004 est.)

Located in:
Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Capital City:
San Marino

Head of State:
cochiefs of state Captain Regent Giuseppe Arzilli and Captain Regent Roberto Raschi

Prime Minister:
Fiorenzo STOLFI

Independent since:
3 September 301

Currency:
€uro