Country Profile: San Marino
San Marino, the third-smallest state in Europe, claims to be the world's oldest republic, founded in A.D. 301 by a Christian stonemason named Marinus. This landlocked enclave is located in southern Europe, completely surrounded by Italy, and has a total area of just 61 square kilometers. With a population of approximately 35,095 as of 2024, the economy benefits from strong sectors such as tourism and finance while maintaining a unique political system defined as a parliamentary republic. Social and political trends in San Marino are closely aligned with its larger neighbor, Italy.
Geography
San Marino is a landlocked microstate in southern Europe, nestled within Italy. It boasts a rugged mountainous terrain dominated by the Apennines, with its highest point being Monte Titano at 739 meters. The climate is Mediterranean, featuring mild winters and warm, sunny summers.
- 61 sq km - total area, making it about one-third the size of Washington, D.C.
- 0 km - San Marino has no coastline as it is entirely surrounded by Italy.
- 37 km - total land borders with Italy, which it shares.
- 38.3% - percentage of land used for agriculture as of 2022.
People and Society
The population of San Marino is estimated at 35,095 in 2024, with a median age of 46.1 years. The society is predominantly Sammarinese and Italian, with Italian being the official language and Roman Catholicism being the main religion. Urbanization is high, with around 97.8% of the population living in urban areas.
- 100% - literacy rate among the population as of 2022.
- 84.2 years - life expectancy at birth in 2024.
- 9 births/1,000 population - birth rate for 2024.
- 1.54 children - total fertility rate in 2024.
Economy
San Marino operates as a high-income, non-EU European economy heavily reliant on its financial sector and tourism. Notably, it uses the Euro and has low taxation, facilitating significant foreign investments. In 2022, the real GDP was approximately $2.393 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 7.9%.
- $70,900 - real GDP per capita in 2022.
- 37.6% - share of industry in GDP composition for 2022.
- $3.616 billion - value of exports in 2022.
- 103.2% - public debt as a percentage of GDP in 2022.
Government
San Marino is a parliamentary republic with a unique governance structure that includes two co-chiefs of state known as Captains Regent. The legal framework is influenced by civil law, and the government is elected every five years through universal suffrage.
- 60 - total number of seats in the unicameral legislature, known as the Great and General Council.
- 18 years - minimum voting age for citizens.
- 30 years - residency requirement for naturalization.
- 3 September 301 - traditional founding date of San Marino, marking its independence.
Military and Security
San Marino maintains a small military force known as the San Marino Military Corps, which comprises various units responsible for the nation’s defense. Notably, the defense responsibilities are largely handled by Italy, and there is no conscription in place.
- 18 - legal minimum age for voluntary military service.
- 16-60 years - age range for citizens who may be called up for military service.
- 1 - planned civil aircraft registration country code prefix is T7.
Energy
San Marino has achieved full electrification, with 100% of its population having access to electricity as of 2022. The energy sector is closely tied to sustainability and environmental standards.
- 100% - electricity access for the total population in 2022.
Environment
Environmental concerns in San Marino include air pollution, urbanization affecting rural farmland, and occasional water shortages. The state is a party to various international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.
- 38.3% - agricultural land usage as of 2022.
- 9.85 micrograms/cubic meter - particulate matter emissions in 2019.
Transportation
San Marino has limited transportation infrastructure but maintains essential services with a single airport and civil aircraft operations. The microstate’s proximity to Italy facilitates access and mobility.
- 1 - total number of airports planned for 2025.
Communications
The telecommunications sector is well-developed, with a high number of mobile cellular subscriptions compared to fixed lines. Internet access is widespread, with a significant percentage of the population using it.
- 87% - percentage of the population using the internet as of 2023.
- 41,000 - total mobile cellular subscriptions in 2022.
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,095 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 61 sq km | Total area |
| GDP (PPP) | $2.393 billion | 2022 estimate |
| Real GDP per capita | $70,900 | 2022 estimate |
| Birth rate | 9 births/1,000 | 2024 estimate |
| Life expectancy | 84.2 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy rate | 100% | 2022 estimate |
| Urban population | 97.8% | 2023 estimate |
| Public debt | 103.2% | 2022 estimate |
| Electricity access | 100% | 2022 estimate |
Explore more about this country: