Country Profile: San Marino

San Marino, the world's oldest republic, is a landlocked enclave located in southern Europe, entirely surrounded by Italy. With a population of approximately 35,291, it boasts a high-income economy characterized by a robust financial sector, low taxation, and significant foreign investment. Governed as a parliamentary republic, San Marino has a unique political structure, where the executive power is shared by two Captains Regent, and its legal system draws influences from Italian civil law.

Geography

San Marino is situated in southern Europe and is the third-smallest state on the continent, after the Holy See and Monaco. The country's terrain is dominated by rugged mountains, particularly Monte Titano, its highest point at 739 meters. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild to cool winters and warm summers, making it an attractive destination.

Area: 61 sq km
Landlocked: Yes
Elevation: Highest point is Monte Titano at 739 m
Natural resources: Building stone
Urban population: 97.8% of total population (2023)

People and Society

The population of San Marino is estimated at 35,291 in 2025, with a slightly higher number of females than males. The Sammarinese people predominantly speak Italian and are largely Roman Catholic. The country has a high literacy rate of 99.9% and a life expectancy of 84.2 years.

Population: 35,291 (2025 est.)
Urbanization rate: 0.41% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Median age: 46.3 years
Birth rate: 9.04 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Infant mortality rate: 6.1 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
Life expectancy: 84.2 years (2024 est.)

Economy

San Marino's economy is categorized as a high-income, non-EU European economy primarily driven by services, particularly tourism, banking, and manufacturing. The real GDP per capita was estimated at $70,900 in 2022, reflecting a growing economy despite increasing public debt, which stood at 103.2% of GDP. The country benefits from a favorable tax regime that attracts foreign investments.

GDP (PPP): $2.393 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate: 7.9% (2022 est.)
Public debt: 103.2% of GDP (2022 est.)
Exports: $3.616 billion (2022 est.)
Imports: $3.169 billion (2022 est.)
Major industries: Tourism, banking, textiles, electronics, ceramics

Government

San Marino operates as a parliamentary republic with a unicameral legislature known as the Great and General Council. The government is led by two co-chiefs of state, the Captains Regent, who serve a six-month term. The legal system is influenced by Italian civil law, and citizens gain nationality by descent.

Government type: Parliamentary republic
Capital: San Marino
Legislature: Great and General Council (60 seats)
Suffrage: Universal suffrage at age 18
Last election: June 9, 2024

Military and Security

San Marino's military duties are minimal as defense responsibilities are managed by Italy. Citizens can volunteer for military service from the age of 18, but there is no conscription. The military includes several corps responsible for internal and external security.

Military service age: 18
No conscription: Yes, but citizens can be called to serve
Military forces: San Marino Military Corps, including Fortress Guard Command
Responsibility for defense: Italy

Energy

San Marino enjoys full electrification, with 100% of the population having access to electricity. This focus on energy accessibility contributes to the well-being of its citizens and supports various sectors of its economy.

Electricity access: 100% (2022 est.)

Environment

San Marino faces environmental challenges, including urbanization that is decreasing rural farmland and issues with air pollution and water shortages. It is a party to numerous international environmental agreements aimed at sustainability.

Urban population: 97.8% (2023)
Agricultural land: 38.3% (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions: 9.8 micrograms/m³ (2019 est.)
Municipal waste recycled: 45.1% (2016 est.)

Transportation

San Marino has one airport and utilizes a civil aircraft registration prefix of "T7." The country’s transport infrastructure is well-integrated with its Italian surroundings, facilitating easy movement.

Airports: 1 (2025)

Communications

The communications sector in San Marino is well-developed, with a high percentage of internet penetration at 87% of the population. It has a mix of fixed and mobile telephony services.

Internet users: 87% of population (2023)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 16,000 (2022)
Mobile cellular subscriptions: 41,000 (2022)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	35,291	2025 est.
Area	61 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$2.393 billion	2022 est.
Real GDP per capita	$70,900	2022 est.
Public debt	103.2% of GDP	2022 est.
Life expectancy	84.2 years	2024 est.
Birth rate	9.04 births/1,000	2025 est.
Urban population	97.8%	2023
Electricity access	100%	2022 est.
Literacy rate	99.9%	2022 est.