Country Profile: San Marino
San Marino is a landlocked microstate located in Southern Europe, entirely surrounded by Italy. Known as one of the world's oldest republics, it boasts a rich cultural heritage and a population of approximately 35,095 as of 2024. The economy is characterized as high-income, with a strong financial sector and a reliance on tourism and services. Governed as a parliamentary republic, San Marino has a unique political landscape with a history closely tied to that of Italy.
Geography
San Marino is situated in Southern Europe, as an enclave in central Italy, and it ranks as the third-smallest state in Europe, covering an area of 61 square kilometers. The terrain is mountainous, dominated by the Apennines, with the highest point being Monte Titano at 739 meters. The country has no coastline, making it landlocked.
- 61 sq km: Total area
- 37 km: Length of land boundaries with Italy
- 739 m: Height of the highest point (Monte Titano)
- 16.7%: Percentage of land used for forests (2023)
People and Society
As of 2024, San Marino has an estimated population of 35,095, with a gender ratio favoring females slightly. The society is predominantly Sammarinese, with Italian as the official language. The majority of the population practices Roman Catholicism, and the literacy rate is impressively high at 99.9%.
- 84.2 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
- 14.2%: Population aged 0-14 years
- 97.8%: Urban population (2023)
- 6.2: Infant mortality rate (deaths per 1,000 live births, 2024)
- 31.9 years: Average age of mothers at first birth (2019)
Economy
San Marino operates a high-income economy, heavily reliant on tourism, banking, and services. The GDP (PPP) in 2022 was approximately $2.393 billion, showing a notable growth rate of 7.9%. The country has a strong financial sector supported by low taxation and high foreign investments, but it also faces growing public debt.
- $70,900: GDP per capita (2022 est.)
- 37.6%: Contribution of industry to GDP (2022)
- 5.3%: Inflation rate (2022)
- 103.2%: Public debt as a percentage of GDP (2022)
Government
San Marino is a parliamentary republic with a unique governance structure featuring two captains regent as co-heads of state. The legislative authority lies within the Great and General Council, which consists of 60 members elected directly by the citizens. The legal system is based on civil law influenced by Italian law.
- 18 years: Legal voting age
- 30 years: Residency requirement for naturalization
- 2025: Next expected election for captains regent
Military and Security
San Marino maintains its own military corps, although defense is primarily the responsibility of Italy. Military service is voluntary, starting at a minimum age of 18, with no conscription in place.
- 18: Legal age for voluntary military service
- 2024: Year when citizens aged 16-60 may be called for military service
Energy
San Marino boasts a complete electrification rate of 100% across its population as of 2022. The country's energy sector is relatively small, as it relies mainly on imports for its energy needs.
- 100%: Electrification rate of the total population (2022)
Environment
San Marino faces environmental challenges such as air pollution and decreasing rural farmlands due to urbanization. It participates in several international environmental agreements, focusing on biodiversity and climate change.
- 45.1%: Percentage of municipal solid waste recycled (2016)
- 9.8: Particulate matter emissions (micrograms per cubic meter, 2019)
Transportation
San Marino has limited transport infrastructure, featuring a single airport expected to be operational by 2025. The civil aircraft registration country code is T7, highlighting its status as a microstate.
- 1: Number of airports anticipated by 2025
Communications
The communications sector in San Marino includes a state-owned broadcaster and a well-developed mobile cellular network with a penetration rate of 122 subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. Internet access is broad, with approximately 87% of the population using the internet in 2023.
- 41,000: Number of mobile cellular subscriptions (2022)
- 87%: Percentage of the population using the internet (2023)
- 12,000: Fixed broadband subscriptions (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,095 | Estimated for 2024 |
| Area | 61 sq km | Total land area |
| GDP (PPP) | $2.393 billion | Estimated for 2022 |
| GDP per capita | $70,900 | Estimated for 2022 |
| Public debt | 103.2% of GDP | Public debt percentage in 2022 |
| Life expectancy | 84.2 years | As of 2024 |
| Literacy rate | 99.9% | As of 2022 |
| Urban population | 97.8% | As of 2023 |
| Infant mortality rate | 6.2 deaths/1,000 | As of 2024 |
| Electrification | 100% | Total population electrified (2022) |
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