Where is San Marino located? San Marino: history, science and culture, political system and economy Useful information for tourists.

Useful data for tourists about San Marino, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of San Marino, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions of San Marino.

Geography of San Marino

The Republic of San Marino is one of the smallest states on Earth, located in Southern Europe, surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy.

The relief of the country is low-mountainous. The highest point is Mount Titano (755 m). The territory of the country is characterized by terraces and small ravines with steep overhanging edges.

State

State structure

San Marino is an independent country with a republican form of government. The heads of state are two captain-regents appointed by the Grand General Council. Captain regents serve as head of state and exercise executive power. The Grand General Council performs the functions of the country's parliament.

Language

Official language: Italian

The population speaks a Romance dialect of Italian.

Religion

93% of the population belong to the Roman Catholic Church.

Currency

International name: EUR

1 euro is equal to 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 euros, as well as coins of 1 and 2 euros and 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents.

Foreign currency can be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, post offices and airports. When exchanging money, a commission is charged. In San Marino, credit cards and traveler's checks are widely used.

San Marino Map

Popular Attractions

San Marino Tourism

Popular hotels

Tours and attractions in San Marino

San Marino is the oldest state in Europe, bordering Italy on all sides, and also one of the smallest countries in the world. The rich cultural and historical heritage of the state, picturesque natural landscapes, a lot of interesting sights, a unique atmosphere and medieval flavor attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world.

Of course, the heart of this tiny country is its capital of the same name - San Marino, in which most of all the sights are concentrated. This is a beautiful cozy city with narrow medieval streets and many interesting places. The hallmark, as well as the main attraction of San Marino (both the city and the whole country), is the magnificent medieval complex "Three Towers of San Marino" - the tower-fortresses of Guaita, Chesta and Montale, located on the three peaks of Monte Titano. In the capital, it is also worth visiting the main temple of the city - the Basilica of San Marino, the Palazzo Publico (Government Palace) and Freedom Square, the Church of St. Francis, the Church of St. Quirinus, the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary and the Montalbo Cemetery. The numerous museums of San Marino are also interesting - the State Museum, the Museum of Curiosities, the Museum of Torture, the Wax Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, the Pinacoteca, the Museum of Modern Weapons, the Museum of Philately and Numismatics, the Reptile Museum (Aquarium), the Ferrari and Abarth museums. In the city you will find many excellent restaurants and cafes, as well as a variety of shops and shops with souvenirs (exquisite local embroidery and unique postage stamps are especially popular).

In Borgo Maggiore, it is worth visiting the ancient fortress dating back to the 12th century, the church of San Antimo and the Museum of Natural History. No less interesting are the church of St. Andrew in Serravalle, the church of San Michele Arcangelo and the ancient fortress in Domagnano, the church of St. Andrew and the castle of Monteserreto in Acquaviva, as well as the church of St. Paul in Faetano and the chapel of San Marino in Baldacerrone. The magnificent Museum of Aviation, located near the border, is definitely worth a visit.

Despite its tiny size, San Marino is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

Tips

It is customary to give a tip in the amount of 10-15% of the order amount, sometimes they are already included in the bill. When serving at the counter, tips are not accepted. In hotels, it is allowed to leave up to 1 euro per piece of luggage for a doorman, up to 10 euro per room for a maid.

Visa

Office Hours

Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 13.30 and from 15.00 to 16.00. Exchange offices are most often open from 9.00 to 13.00 and from 14.00 to 16.00-17.00.

In the period from 14.00 to 15.30-16.00 almost all shops are closed for a siesta. And in the first half of August, when the hottest days come, many work on a shortened schedule.

Purchases

Value Added Tax (IVA) ranges from 9-13% (in hotels and services, usually added as a separate item to the bill, but often not allocated) to 12-19% on clothing and luxury goods (usually already included in the price of goods ). VAT refunds are available for purchases in a single store for an amount exceeding 155 euros (meaning the amount before tax, while the issued receipts indicate the amount with tax). When buying, you must present your passport and paint the purchase for individual items on the receipt, indicating the price and amount of tax. Receipts are attached to the goods at customs upon exit, after which the stamped receipts must be mailed to the store to receive a receipt for the amount of tax. A number of stores participate in the tax-free sales system ("tax-free"). In such stores, you need to get a special check, which can be cashed in a separate office at the airport or at another border crossing point.

Safety

On the streets there are pickpockets who come here from neighboring Italy, and petty thieves. It is better not to show large sums of money, jewelry and valuables in public places.

Emergency Phones

Ambulance - 113.
Fire department - 116.
Police - 112.

The content of the article

SAN MARINO, The Republic of San Marino (officially the Most Serene Republic of San Marino) is a state in Southern Europe. It is located on the Apennine Peninsula in the northeastern foothills of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines and is surrounded by the territory of Italy (the Marche and Emilia-Romagna regions). Geographical coordinates: 43° 46´ N, 12° 25´ E the length of the borders is 39 km. From the southwest to the northeast, the country stretches for 12.6 km, and from the southeast to the northwest - for 8.6 km. Area 61.2 sq. km.

Population 32,140 (July 2011 est.). Many Sanmarines live in Italy and France, as well as in North America.

Nature.

The relief of the country is low-mountainous. The highest point is Mount Titano (755 m.); it offers a panorama of the surrounding plains and the coast of the Adriatic Sea, which is 19 km away. The lowest point is Torrente Ausa (55 m.). The territory of the country is characterized by terraces and small ravines with steep overhanging edges.

Groundwater gives rise to small rivers and streams flowing into the Adriatic Sea. Short rivers overflow rapidly during periods of rain and snowmelt, and in dry summers they partially dry up, which complicates the problem of water supply. Three relatively large rivers flow through the territory of San Marino - Ausa, Marano and San Marino (a tributary of the Italian river Marrechia). In the San Anastasio Valley there are ferrous sulphurous mineral springs.

The climate of the country is subtropical Mediterranean: long, rather dry, hot and sunny summers, especially on the plains, and warm, rainy winters, when cyclones often sweep over the territory of San Marino. In winter, snow sometimes falls, sometimes quite significant, with drifts. The average temperature of the warmest month - July in the country is + 25 ° C, the coldest - January - minus 1–4 ° C. The number of frosty days in the year is 15–20.

In winter, the Adriatic coast is exposed to the cold north and northeast wind (“boron”), which causes snowfalls and cloudy weather in winter. Sometimes a northeasterly wind ("Grekale") blows. In summer, breezes blow on the plains, and mountain-valley winds blow in the mountainous part of the republic. The average annual rainfall is 890 mm.

Fertile brown subtropical and humus-calcareous soils, Mediterranean red soils predominate. There are also mountain brown forest soils and soils of lower altitudinal zones. Sanmarines fight erosion by afforestation of slopes and terracing, and also regulate mountain streams.

Vegetation cover is heavily modified by man. Ancient oak and chestnut forests have been almost completely cut down, hard-leaved evergreen trees and shrubs (holm and cork oaks, thickets of maquis and gariga), seaside pine have been preserved. The altitudinal zonality of vegetation is characteristic. On the lower parts of the slopes and in the foothills, cultivated landscapes (olive plantations, fields, vineyards, orchards) prevail, which in the north in places up to a height of 500–600 m are combined with preserved groves of holm and cork oak, Aleppo pine, pine and shrubs. At an altitude of more than 500 m, forests of oak and chestnut begin with an admixture of maple, elm and ash.

The flora of San Marino has about 4 thousand species. Of the evergreens, cork oak, lemon, cypress, pine, laurel, myrtle, pomegranate and olive, pistachio and magnolia, feral strawberry trees, viburnum laurel, boxwood, needle, southern buckthorn, southern juniper, blue-green agaves, prickly pear grow here. Blackberries and mulberries grow in abundance. Quite a lot of bright colors. Of the fruit trees, olives, figs and chestnuts are of the greatest importance.

Of the animals in San Marino, rodents (squirrels, dormice, field mice and rats), chamois, roe deer, badger, marten and weasel have been preserved. There are wild boars, hares, rabbits and foxes. Lots of cicadas. Pikes, tenches, chubs, trouts and graylings are found in rivers and streams.

Political system.

San Marino is considered the oldest republic in the world. The official date of its founding is September 3, 301. The current constitution was adopted on October 8, 1600, but since then it has been repeatedly amended and supplemented. Since ancient times, the Arengo, a meeting of heads of families, has been considered the highest body of the republic; later, when it became difficult for such a large circle of people to make laws, his legislative powers were transferred to the Great General Council. However, Arengo retains the power to change codes of laws and file petition bills. By tradition, this is done on the first Sunday after April 1st and October 1st. The Council is obliged to consider these petitions within six months.

From the beginning of the 17th century Arengo was actually deprived of power and did not gather for more than three hundred years. Only on March 25, 1906, this body regained its powers and decided that the members of the Great General Council should be elected by popular secret ballot. San Marino currently has universal suffrage for citizens over the age of 18 living in the country. Women gained voting rights in 1960.

The parliament of the republic is the Great General Council. It consists of 60 members who are elected by popular vote for a five-year term under a proportional system. The Council exercises legislative, administrative and judicial power. Its competence includes the adoption of laws and regulations, the ratification of treaties and agreements, appointment to public office and diplomatic posts. In addition, he has the right to pardon, amnesty and rehabilitation, grants citizenship, honorary titles and orders, controls the state budget. The Grand General Council elects the Captains Regent, the Congress of State, the Council of 12, Government Comptrollers and Regency Comptrollers.

The functions of the head of state are performed by two captain-regents. They are elected by the Grand General Council from among their members every 6 months, take up their duties on April 1 and October 1, represent the Sanmarine state and are heads of the executive branch. According to custom, one of them should come from the city, the other from the countryside. The position is considered an honorary duty for which no salary is paid. At the end of their tenure, captains-regents are required to submit a report on their activities, and every citizen can publicly announce a complaint about an unjust decision. To investigate their activities, there is a special judicial body - the Regency Consortium.

The Captains Regent preside over the Grand General Council, the Council of 12 and the Congress of State. They work strictly collectively and are obliged to make all decisions jointly, each of them has the right to veto the decisions of the other. The captain-regent can be re-elected to this post only after 3 years.

The government of the republic is the State Congress, consisting of 10 members. This body was formed in 1945 as a result of the merger of the Economic Assembly and the Foreign Affairs Council. According to the law of May 15, 1945, he exercises executive power jointly with the captains regents. All members of Congress are elected by the Grand General Council for a term of 5 years. Two secretaries of state play a special role - for internal affairs and for external and financial affairs.

Judicial proceedings - civil and criminal - are partly carried out in Italian magistrates. Appeals are first sent to an Italian judge. The Council of 12 is considered the highest judicial body in the country. Its powers are defined by law 1923 and included civil, criminal and administrative functions. The council also serves as a "third instance" court. He received the right to give permission to foreign citizens to purchase real estate in the territory of the republic, to recognize legal entities and allow them to change ownership rights. An administrative tribunal was established in 1989. Small cases are handled by the local court. Prison sentences of more than 6 months are served in Italian prisons.

The territory of the republic is divided into 9 districts - "castles". Each of them is managed by a commission headed by a captain elected by it from among its members for 2 years.

Political parties.

After World War II, San Marino developed a multi-party system.

Christian Democratic Party(CDA) is the largest in the country. Founded April 9, 1948 on the model and under the influence of the Italian CDA; proclaims the values ​​of democracy, freedom, pluralism and solidarity. The party was created by San Marino Catholics, supported by the church leadership and adheres to the center-right orientation. It is a member of the European People's Party and the International of Christian Democratic Parties. Until 1957, the CDA was in opposition against the country's left-wing government, in 1957–1973 it ruled San Marino in coalition with the Social Democrats, and in 1973–1977 with the Socialists. In 1978-1986, the Christian Democrats again went into opposition. In 1986-1992, the CDA formed governments together with the communists, and since 1992 again with an alliance with the socialists. In the June 2001 general election, the party won 41% of the vote and won 25 out of 60 seats in the Grand General Council. Leader - Giovanni Lonfernini (Captain Regent in 2003-2004).

Sanmarine Socialist Party(SMSP) - Formed in 1892. Proclaimed its commitment to the principles of international socialism, the intention to modernize the political system of the country and improve the socio-economic conditions of life for the citizens of San Marino. The SMSP is guided by the values ​​of representative democracy, freedom and human rights, solidarity (especially between different generations and in relation to the socially weak), social justice and equal opportunities. He advocates reforms with the aim of constantly improving social and democratic institutions and rejects ready-made social models. The Sanmarine socialists call for the development of a "modern economy" based on "dialectical cooperation" between different parts of society, non-discrimination, equal opportunities for workers and all citizens, a combination of individual competition and the growth of social welfare. They seek to provide jobs for all. SMSP is part of the Socialist International.

In 1945–1957, the socialists ruled the country in coalition with the communists; in 1955, the right wing broke away from them, forming the Social Democratic Party (reunited with the SMSP in 1987; the Socialist Unity Party, which separated from the Social Democrats in 1976, merged with the SMSP in 1990). In 1957-1969 the SMSP was in opposition. In subsequent years, she was part of the ruling coalition along with the Christian Democrats (1969-1977), the Communists and Social Democrats (1978-1986) and again with the CDA (since 1992). In the general elections, the Socialists were supported by 24.2% of voters who voted. The party has 15 seats in the Grand General Council.

Democratic Party(PD) - formed in the early 2000s on the basis of the Progressive Democratic Party, which, in turn, arose in 1990-1991 as a result of the transformation of the Sanmarine Communist Party that existed since 1921. It is an organization of a social democratic persuasion, which proclaimed itself the result of the unification of "leftist forces and personalities from various cultural and political circles", based on the values ​​​​of freedom, solidarity, equality and peace and inspired by the "culture of European democratic reformism". PD strives for an "open and responsible society" and the modernization of the country. To this end, it considers necessary the accession of San Marino to the European Union, the adoption of a new constitutional charter of the rule of law and the reform of public services. In the field of economics, Democrats advocate the introduction of new technologies, equal rights for workers and entrepreneurs, free initiative, the demonopolization of key industries and an increase in employment. The party believes that possible forms of privatization should be the result of public consent. Proposes to encourage the development of a system of social insurance, economic self-organization, cooperatives and forms of activity not aimed at making profits. Insisting on the improvement of the "welfare state", the PD, at the same time, calls for strict control over public spending.

People's Alliance of Sanmarine Democrats(NASD) is a centrist party founded in 1993. The political philosophy of the NASD is based on the concept of the crisis of the "traditional model of the party" and the intention to create "an association of free individuals, without party cards, with simple rules, around high values ​​... and a realistic program." He advocates the reform of state institutions with a clearer separation of powers, the expansion of the practice of referendums, etc. NASD - for the combination of a "healthy market economy" with the principles of solidarity and the dignity of work. The state, according to the party, should abandon the leadership of the economy and focus on providing the necessary services based on economic efficiency criteria.

Sanmarine communist revival(SLE) – left-wing political party, founded in 1991 on the basis of the left wing of the former Sanmarine Communist Party. In ideology and political line, it is similar to the Italian Communist Renaissance Party. (see ITALY).

Sanmarine National Alliance(SMNA) is an extreme right-wing party that united former neo-fascists. Similar in ideology and political line to the Italian National Alliance ( cm. ITALY).

Smaller political parties are also active: "Socialists for Reform", "Ideas in Motion" and etc.

Armed forces.

The Republic of San Marino does not have an army in the modern sense of the word. There are several special military units with special functions. From the 13th–14th centuries there is a once famous, and now a traditional corps of archers (currently - 80 people). Created after 1740 and armed with sabers, the Guards of the Great General Council are obliged to protect the captains-regents and members of parliament during meetings, as well as during civil and religious holidays. The division of the fortress guard (formed in 1543) disposes of the artillery; under the 1987 law, it also performs the functions of police bailiffs. In addition, this part is responsible for the protection of the state border, public buildings and ministries; she is traditionally armed with guns with bayonets. Citizens of San Marino and foreigners who had lived on the territory of the republic for at least 6 years, aged 16 to 55, were to become members of the city militia (“militia”), established in 1600. Every family that had at least two men of a suitable age had to put half of them into the militia. It is commanded by a captain and armed with muskets and bayonets, playing a rather ceremonial role. Since 1843, the militia has had a group of 50 military musicians.

In 1842, a gendarmerie corps was formed in San Marino, performing police duties (combating crime, maintaining public order, protecting the safety and property of citizens, and implementing state laws and regulations). There is also a corps of urban civilian police, whose officers monitor traffic and perform functions in the civil, commercial, industrial, tax and fiscal areas.

The country's military spending in fiscal year 2000-2001 amounted to $700,000.

Foreign policy.

San Marino adheres to the principles of neutrality and non-alignment and is not a member of military-political blocs. Since 1992 a member of the UN. Included in a number of its specialized organizations. Member of the European Council. It has diplomatic relations with many states (it was fully established with the Russian Federation in 1993).

Special relations exist between San Marino and Italy, with which the republic is in a customs and postal union. In accordance with the 1953 agreement, Italy undertook to pay San Marino an annual monetary compensation for refusing to issue its own banknotes and organizing a customs service, as well as for the obligation not to allow the construction of gambling houses and radio and television stations on its territory (the last agreement was canceled in 1987) .

Population.

More than 16% of the country's population is under 15 years old, 67% from 15 to 64 years old. The average age of the inhabitants of the republic is 39.6 years. Population growth in 2003 was almost 1.4%, birth rate - 10.49 per 1000 people, mortality - 7.86 per 1000 people, infant mortality rate - 5.97 per 1000 newborns. The average life expectancy is 81.43 years.

OK. 80% of the population are Sanmarinians, 19% are Italians. More than 13 thousand citizens live abroad, primarily in Italy. The official language is Italian; The population speaks a Romance dialect of Italian. 93% of the population belong to the Roman Catholic Church.

There are more than 30 settlements in San Marino. The capital of the country, the city of San Marino (4.4 thousand inhabitants) is located on the western slope of Mount Titano just below its top. The city has government buildings, architectural monuments and museums. Business operations are carried out in Borgo Maggiore (5.2 thousand), located 185 meters below the capital. The largest settlement is Serravalle (7.9 thousand). The number of inhabitants in all other settlements does not exceed 1000 in each.

Economy.

Until the late 1950s, the country's economy was underdeveloped. The agricultural sector and tourist services dominated. The main occupations of the inhabitants were agriculture, cattle breeding, winemaking and gardening. Stone-cutting and sulfur mining played the most important role in industry. There were small factories for the production of dishes, soaps and perfumes and souvenirs. Bread, tobacco, salt and manufactured goods were imported from Italy, where San Marino, in turn, supplied wool, cattle, wine, silk, fruit, cheese and building stone. In the 1960s, industry began to develop: industrial enterprises were built, which employed more than 100 workers.

According to estimates for 2001, the country's GNP amounted to 940 million dollars (real growth in 2001 - 7.5%), which corresponded to 34,600 dollars per capita. The inflation rate was 3.3%.

GDP by sectors of the economy in 2009 was distributed as follows: agriculture - 0.1%; industry - 39.2%; services - 60.7% (2009).
Unemployment, which in 2001 stood at 2.6%, rose to 5.5% in 2011.

In 2009 GDP per capita was $36,200, real GDP growth rate was 0.8% (2011)
More than 50% of San Marino's GDP comes from the tourism sector. In 2000, more than 3 million tourists visited the country, many of whom specially come to the republic from the beaches of the Adriatic coast to admire the sights of the ancient republic. Of the services, banking is also developed.

The industry produces clothing, electronics, ceramics, ceramic tiles, furniture, paints and varnishes, cement, fabrics, paper, leather, furs, confectionery, wines and liquors. 59% of electricity is generated from hydro resources, 41% comes from thermal energy, a significant part of electricity has to be imported from Italy.

17% of the territory is cultivated for agricultural purposes. Wheat, corn, grapes and fruits are grown mainly. San Marino is famous for its wine. Animal husbandry is developed (cattle, pigs). Main livestock products: cheeses, meat, leather. Silkworms and bees are bred.
Building stone, lime, woolen fabrics, chestnuts, wheat, wine, baked goods, leather, ceramics, varnishes, tiles, furniture and cement are exported. A variety of consumer goods and foodstuffs are imported. The main trading partner is Italy.

The expenditure side of the state budget in 2000 was estimated at $400 million, the revenue side was $400 million. San Marino is included in the euro zone and does not have its own currency and paper money, although it issues its own coins and postage stamps, selling which constitutes an important source of income. Other sources of income are revenues from state monopolies, income taxes and annual contributions from Italy. These contributions are made up of customs duties on goods passing through Italian territory and destined for San Marino, as well as a fee for the obligation not to issue their own currency, not to grow tobacco and not to open gambling houses. The agreement allows Italy to maintain a state monopoly on cigarettes and playing cards.

There are no airports in the country. A one and a half kilometer suspension railway connects the capital with Borgo Maggiore. The length of roads is 220 km. (all paved). Bus and car connections are maintained between San Marino and Italy. In summer, helicopters fly between San Marino and Rimini.

San Marino, surrounded on all sides by Italian territory, has been a free economic zone since 1956 with a very low level of taxation. The Republic of San Marino was among the 32 "first black list" countries as a "tax haven" along with Liechtenstein, Monaco, Liberia, Guatemala, Panama, the Philippines and Uruguay, as well as a group of Caribbean and Pacific island nations.
After the end of the G20 summit in London in 2009, at which it was decided to tighten measures against the so-called "tax havens" and publish a list of countries that contribute to the concealment of financial fraud, the Republic of San Marino sent to the Secretary General of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) Angel Gurria is a letter of commitment to cooperation, where he undertakes to amend his legislation regarding banking secrecy.
Starting in October 2009, a repatriation tax amnesty resulted in the outflow of funds from San Marino to Italy worth more than $4.5 billion. This outflow, combined with the money laundering scandal at San Marino's largest financial institutions, coupled with the global economic downturn, led to a deep recession, a growing budget deficit and a rise in external debt. The level of industrial production has declined, especially in the textile industry and exports, 90% associated with Italy, which suffered from the economic crisis.
The government took steps to combat the economic downturn, including subsidizing business loans.

In September 2009, the OECD removed San Marino from its list of tax havens, and in 2010 the country signed tax information exchange agreements with most EU countries.

Society and culture.

The standard of living corresponds to that which exists in the most prosperous regions of Italy. Literate 96%. There are secondary educational institutions whose certificates are recognized by Italian universities. From the middle of the 19th century there is free schooling. Since 1691 the Beluzzi College has existed. There are a number of social programs.

San Marino had over 18,000 telephone subscribers and over 3,000 mobile phones in 1998. There were 3 radio stations and 1 television station. In 1997, there were 16,000 radios and 9,000 televisions in the country.

The foundations of the material culture of the Sanmarinians have been preserved since the Middle Ages. Two-story houses with a gable tiled roof (Latin type of housing) are typical. The national cuisine is characterized by an abundance of spices and roots, eating many wild plants. Breakfast usually consists of a cup of coffee, a sandwich with cheese or marmalade, lunch consists of snacks, first and second courses. In this case, the appetizer is most often prepared from pasta seasoned with tomato, and the first course is a thick soup of beans, beans and vegetables with bread soaked in it. Cold salads are often served with stews.

The folk clothes of the Sanmarinians differ little from the traditional clothes of the inhabitants of Northern Italy. Men wore short trousers, pulled together below the knee with a colored cord, white cotton shirts, as well as short jackets or sleeveless jackets, black hats or berets were put on their heads. The women's elegant costume consisted of a long, wide ruffled or pleated skirt (usually dark colors), a shirt similar to a Roman tunic with wide sleeves and ruffles at the shoulder and wrist, as well as a bodice. They wore outerwear, which could be longer or shorter. Women also wore a bright apron and a large headscarf of dark colors. Currently, folk costume can be found only on holidays.

Sanmarinians celebrate the anniversary of Arengo (March 25), the inauguration of captains-regents, the Day of the Liberation of the Republic (February 5), the Day of the Fall of the Fascist Regime (July 28), etc., as well as numerous religious holidays. Almost all holidays are accompanied by street songs, dances, music, poetry reading.

San Marino is famous for its medieval fortifications and churches, decorated with frescoes, paintings and statues. Sanmarine civil engineers of the 16th century became famous. Giovanni Battista Beluzzi and G. Genga, painter, sculptor and architect of the 19th century Emilio Retrosi.

Story.

Ancient period.

The ancient history of San Marino does not differ from the history of the neighboring regions of Italy. Ancient people appeared on the Apennine Peninsula c. 500 thousand years ago. Approximately 7-6 thousand years BC. agricultural settlements began to appear on the Adriatic coast, and in 3500–2500 BC. in Northern Italy, the center of metallurgy of the late Bronze Age developed. In the 13th-9th centuries. BC. this area was in the zone of distribution of the culture of "fields of burial urns". The oldest population was driven out by the Italic tribes, one of which - the Umbrians - settled east of the Apennine mountains. Later, Etruscan settlements appeared in the area. In northern Italy, the "Iron Age" was established. In the 5th c. BC. south of the Po River, the Celtic tribe of the Senons settled. Finally, in the 3rd c. BC. Umbria was conquered by the Romans and became part of the Roman state. The Italian city of Ravenna, located to the north, was in the 5th century. AD the last capital of the Western Roman Empire.

The founder of San Marino is considered to be a Christian stonemason Marin, originally from Loparo on the Dalmatian island of Arbe (modern Rab Island in Croatia). At the end of the 3rd c. he, as the legend says, came to Rimini to work on the construction of the port. He quickly earned authority in the local Christian community, and Bishop Gaudentius appointed him a deacon. Fleeing from the persecution of the Roman authorities, who under the emperor Diocletian (c. 245 - c. 313/316) launched a fierce persecution of Christians, Marin went to look for a safe place where he could build a church and freely conduct a Christian cult. He managed to find such a place on Mount Titano, where he settled. Soon other Christian settlers began to join the Marin. A settlement arose, and the noble Roman woman Felicita, in whose possession the mountain was, gave it to the settlers for eternity, since Marin cured her children. Marin was the spiritual father and priest of the community. According to legend, it originated in 301.

After the death of the founder, the community did not disintegrate. Its members have made a decision to live, in accordance with Marin's covenant: "I leave you free from other people." The oldest evidence of the existence of a religious monastery is the record of the monk Eugippius (5th-6th centuries), which mentions the monk Basilicius from Mount Titano. Marin was canonized, and the settlement was named after him.

In the 9th century the settlement was probably under the patronage of the Duke of Urbino, but then regained its independence. According to the Placitum feretranum charter (885) stored in the State Archives of San Marino, no one, including the church, had the right to dispose of the inhabitants of the mountain and make claims against them. Apparently, already at that time a general meeting of the inhabitants was gathering - the future Arengo.

In the 10th century the wars in northern Italy prompted the inhabitants to begin to fortify their settlement. The "Diploma of Berengaria" (951) and the bull of Honorius II (1126) mention the existence of the fortified town of San Marino. In the 10th-11th centuries. it became an urban republic with its own laws. Its main body was Arengo, and the executive functions belonged to two consuls (future captains regents). Their list has been maintained since 1244. In 1253 the first statutes were adopted. Population growth has prompted residents to expand the territory they occupy. They bought two castles from neighboring monasteries and counts - Pennarossa and Casole, as evidenced by sources dating back to 1200. The first handwritten collection of laws adopted by Arengo dates back to 1295.

In the 12th-13th centuries, along with the Arengo, new bodies of the republic appeared - narrower in composition: the Council of 60 and the Council of 12. It was they who began to deal with current political issues.

medieval republic.

The fierce struggle between the German emperors and the papacy in the 13th century, which engulfed northern Italy, was also reflected in San Marino. For centuries, the republic had to fight off neighboring bishops who sought to tax the Sanmarinians and subordinate them to their judicial power. The victorious opponents of the papacy, the Ghibellines, expelled their opponents, the Guelphs. The inhabitants of Sanmarin entered into an alliance with the Ghibelline Bishop Ugolinus, and in 1247 Pope Innocent IV excommunicated them from the church. The excommunication was lifted from them two years later in Perugia. It did not intimidate the Sanmarinians; on the contrary, it gave them the will to fight.

The republic entered into an alliance with Guido, the Duke of Ghibelline, Montefeltro, and then with his son Federico, against the Guelph Republic of Rimini, which was ruled by tyrants from the Malatesta family. The struggle between them continued until the conclusion of peace in Romagna in 1299.

San Marino had to endure conflicts with the papacy under Popes Martin IV (1281–1285), Nicholas IV, Boniface VIII (1294–1303) and John XXII (1316–1334). Church authorities for 75 years cursed the republic four times.

In 1291, Bishop Hildebrand, appointed governor of Romagna by Pope Nicholas IV, tried to force the people of Sanmarin to recognize themselves as subjects of the pope and pay him taxes and dues. The residents refused, citing their history and independence. The dispute was resolved by the famous jurist Palamede from Rimini, and his verdict was in favor of San Marino. The lawyer stated that the privileges of freedom were granted by St. Marina.

In 1296 the church governors again tried to subdue the republic. The Sanmarines appealed to Pope Boniface VIII, and this time the papal legate confirmed the sentence of Palamede and confirmed the complete freedom and independence of San Marino.

The peace did not last long. In 1303, the Sanmarinians captured several envoys of the church who entered the territory of the republic, and the confrontation flared up with renewed vigor. Success in the war accompanied San Marino. Thanks to its well-trained military forces, the Republic forced Bishop Uberto to sign peace in 1320.

Threats from outside prompted the Sanmarinians to strengthen the fortification of the city. When in the 13th century there was a danger of its encirclement by the troops of Malatesta, the construction of two more fortress towers "Chesta" ("Fratta") and "Montale" was started on the mountain, along with the already existing "Guaita". From the end of the 13th century a second ring of fortress walls 1 m thick was being built. In the 14th century. new works were carried out to strengthen the fortresses. Cardinal Anllico in 1371 mentioned that the city is located "on a high rock", on top of which "three powerful fortresses rise", inspiring "fear and reverence" to anyone who wants to take them.

In the 14th century the union between San Marino and the Dukes of Montefeltro was dissolved. Bishop Benvenuto and the genus Malatesta offered the Sanmarinians ecclesiastical forgiveness, exemption from taxes on Sanmarinian property abroad, and the right to trade freely. In exchange, they demanded that the Republic withhold support from their rival rulers of Urbino. The inhabitants rejected these conditions, and the struggle with the Malatesta family continued until 1366. The rulers from this family tormented San Marino for the next hundred years. In 1441-1451, in the midst of a new confrontation between Malatesta and Montefeltro, a third, thicker city wall was built, and today surrounds the city. It was built already taking into account the appeared artillery.

In the end, Malatesta's position weakened when it turned out that the rulers of Rimini had deceived their ally, King Alphonse of Aragon of Naples, and deprived him of a large sum of money. Relations between Malatesta and the papacy also deteriorated. Taking advantage of this, in 1461 the Sanmarinians entered into an alliance with Pope Pius II and the king of Naples and resumed the war. In 1463, it ended in a heavy defeat for Sigismund Malatesta: the republic captured the castles of Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle, and the castle of Faetano voluntarily joined San Marino. Since then, the borders of the country have not changed. In 1491, the Sanmarinians carried out a reform of the legislative provisions.

Fight for independence.

In 1503, the troops of Duke Cesare Borgia invaded the republic, who sought to capture the states of Central Italy. Borgia installed his viceroy Hercules Spavaldo in power. The occupation did not last long, as the Sanmarinians entered into an alliance with the inhabitants of the Duchy of Urbino, who also rebelled against the invaders. In 1542, during the reign of Pope Paul III, he attempted to capture San Marino with a detachment of 500 people under the command of Fabiano de Montesansavino. However, the intention to take the inhabitants of the city by surprise failed, and the detachment retreated. The representative of the German emperor Charles V in Rome offered the republic privileges and urged it not to trust the papal ministers in Romagna. In 1556, the mercenary of Pope Paul IV, Guidobaldo Rivera, occupied San Marino for a while, but was soon expelled.

When in 1631 the family of the dukes of Urbino ceased, its possessions passed to the papacy. The Papal States now surrounded the Republic on all sides. In the same year, an agreement was concluded between her and the papacy, according to which the country accepted the patronage of Pope Urban VIII, and he in return recognized its independence and exempted it from customs duties when goods were exported from it to the Papal States.

During this period, the decline of the Republic of San Marino began. Arengo met for the last time on January 9, 1571. The statutes issued at the end of the 16th century deprived him of the authority to elect members of the Councils of 60 and 12. From now on, the councilors themselves co-opted new members into their composition, as needed. All power was exercised by the Council of 60, or the Great General Council, which officially consisted of 20 nobles, 20 peasants and 20 townspeople. In fact, it included representatives of the urban and rural nobility and the oligarchy. Residents showed increasing indifference to public affairs, many prominent citizens emigrated from the country. The cultural level of the population of San Marino was falling.

In 1739, the republic was subjected to the most severe threat in all the time of its existence. Sanmarines P. Lolli and M. Belzoppi, instigated by the papal legate of Romagna, Cardinal Alberoni, organized an anti-government conspiracy, but were arrested. The cardinal demanded their release, and when they were refused, he arrested the citizens of Sanmarin in Romagna and blocked the borders of the republic in order to prevent the delivery of food. In October 1739, Alberoni's troops, with the support of the clergy and papal supporters, captured San Marino. The inhabitants of the republic were herded into the cathedral to take the oath to the pope, but they refused. The houses of the most prominent citizens of the republic were looted. The regent captains Giuseppe Onofri and Gerolamo Gozzi were deposed, arrested and replaced by a gonfalonier and two keepers. However, they continued to call on the population to resist. A popular uprising broke out. At the same time, the Sanmarinians secretly sent envoys to the pope, seeking the restoration of independence. An inspector was sent from Rome - Cardinal Enrico Enriquez, and then the pope ordered Cardinal Alberoni in February 1740 to leave the territory of San Marino. “You can choke on this republic like a nail,” said one of the papal condottieri. These events awakened the Sanmarinians again from social lethargy, and the poet Carducci delivered his famous speech on "eternal freedom".

The Napoleonic Wars changed at the beginning of the 19th century. international position of San Marino. Walking along the border of the country in 1797, Napoleon paid tribute to its republican traditions and declared: "San Marino should be preserved as an example of freedom." He sent his representative Monge to Mount Titano to assure the inhabitants of the republic of his friendship. In 1805, the French emperor received San Marino envoy Antonio Onofri, who arrived in Milan to sign an agreement to expand the trade treaty between San Marino and the Cisalpine Republic. The Sanmarines were offered to expand their territory at the expense of neighboring Italian regions, but A. Onofri refused, saying: “We don’t need someone else’s. The Republic is content with its poor honesty.” The emperor also promised to provide San Marino with grain and artillery pieces, but this promise was never fulfilled.

The fall of Napoleon did not affect the status of the country: the Congress of Vienna in 1815 confirmed its independence and the inviolability of its borders.

In the 19th century San Marino served as a refuge for Italian revolutionaries and republicans. In the late 1830s, a branch of the Mazzinist society "Young Italy" was founded here. In 1849, after the fall of the Roman Republic, Giuseppe Garibaldi retreated to the territory of San Marino with 2 thousand soldiers of his legion. The country's authorities agreed to help the wounded and persecuted, but demanded that the Sanmarinians be spared the hardships of the war. Giving in to this demand, Garibaldi announced the dissolution of the legion. The fact that an Italian revolutionary took refuge in San Marino angered Austria. Austrian and papal troops began to surround the republic. However, Garibaldi and 250 of his supporters managed to leave the country 15 minutes before the encirclement was completed. They were conducted by Sanmarinian Nikola Zani. Austria and the papal government did not forgive the Republic for its willfulness. In 1851, San Marino had to endure a blockade by the Austrian troops, and in 1854 the papal authorities proposed to the Duke of Tuscany that San Marino be occupied militarily as "a place of refuge for the liberals." The threat was averted only due to the fact that the French Emperor Napoleon III sent his envoy to the country and offered her his protection. The situation was aggravated by political unrest in the republic itself in 1853-1854, which was blamed on the young followers of Garibaldi.

In 1859, regimes hostile to the republic in neighboring Italian states fell, and it was now surrounded by a single Italian kingdom. In 1862, Italy concluded a treaty of friendship and trade with San Marino, recognizing and guaranteeing the country's independence. This treaty was renewed in 1872 and 1897.

Social movements and political reforms.

The period 1865–1885 was comparatively favorable for the economy of the republic. The treasury of San Marino was significantly replenished, not least due to the trade in awards and titles. Measures were taken to develop economic infrastructure, build roads and public buildings. But at the end of the 19th century. the time has come for an economic downturn against the backdrop of an agrarian crisis in Europe. State funds were drastically reduced, many workers were left without work. The difficult social situation increased criticism of the oligarchic government, especially from the youth. Demands for political reforms intensified.

Among the Sanmarinian opposition, adherents of Garibaldi and Mazzini initially prevailed. In 1882, a monument to Garibaldi was erected in the republic, and local progressives sought permission to raise their banners during this ceremony. The Sanmarinean Mazzinists organized their own group, led by a lawyer from Borgo, Giacomo Martelli. They maintained close ties with like-minded people from the Italian city of Rimini and with republican and radical refugees who found refuge in the territory of San Marino.

In the 1880s and 1890s, the ideas of anarchism spread in the country, and by the end of the 1890s, legal reformist socialists gained strength. The latter found support in the person of the Mutual Aid Society, founded back in 1876 and numbering only 128 members at the time of its creation. In 1891 it already consisted of 400 people. The leader of the organization was the intellectual Pietro Franciosi (1864-1935), an active supporter of political reforms, who back in the 1880s. put forward the idea of ​​​​reviving Arengo. Using part of the income from the savings bank opened in 1892, the Mutual Aid Society expanded its activities to various parts of the social sphere. A grain warehouse for the poor and unemployed was opened (1891), a cheap canteen (1894), labor cooperatives and the Women's Mutual Assistance Society (1900), a fund for the elderly and disabled workers and the Mount Titano Planting Society (1902), a consortium of workers' houses (1910) , a mechanical bakery (1911), a trustee society at the school of arts and crafts (1913), a professional school (1916), etc.

In 1892-1896, the socialists took shape in a political party, and already in 1898 they openly put forward the goal of "gradually transforming the existing regime into one of the forms of republican democracy." P. Franchosi proposed to restore the original rights of Arengo, abolish the nobility, introduce universal suffrage, change the relationship between church and state and introduce a single income tax. The struggle for representative democracy unfolded under the guise of a campaign to restore the rights of Arengo. In 1899 it was formulated Petition in support of Arengo and a campaign has been launched.

At the beginning of the 20th century The social situation in the country worsened even more. The state budget deficit has steadily increased. The population increasingly listened to the demands for political reforms.

In April 1902, three members of the Grand General Council came up with a proposal to introduce the institution of a popular referendum. During subsequent discussions, it was noted that there was no need to introduce new political institutions in the country and it would be more logical to return to Arengo. This slogan has become a unifying slogan for all reformist forces. On March 15, 1903, the Sanmarine Democratic Association (SDA) was created, which put forward demands for the restoration of popular sovereignty and Arengo, the holding of referendums, the holding of periodic elections for members of the Grand General Council, the democratization of the state and the separation of church and state. The organ of the SDA was the newspaper Il Titano, which quickly gained popularity.

In an attempt to disarm the reformers, the authorities launched a tax reform and took out a loan of 200,000 liras to eliminate the budget deficit. But financial scandals soon surfaced, and the situation escalated again. In September 1905, the progressive members of the Great General Council resigned in protest against the government's conservative course. In October, reformists convened an "open popular assembly" attended by many San Marino citizens. A "Committee for Arengo" was formed, headed by the lawyer Gustavo Babboni and P. Franchosi. He demanded the resignation of the government and the convening of Arengo. Yielding to public pressure, the authorities were forced to agree to the holding of Arengo on March 26, 1906 in the form of a referendum to answer the question of whether the population wants to change the country's constitution. 805 heads of families gathered for this meeting. Most of them were in favor of holding periodic elections of members of the Grand General Council.

On June 10, 1906, the first general elections were held, in which the "Selective Committee" formed on the basis of the "Committee for Arengo" achieved success. However, there was no clear majority in the new parliament. The Socialists, who were on the far left of the reform movement, won 5 seats in the Council. They proposed a list of necessary changes that began with the separation of church and state.

The new authorities entered into an agreement with Italy that provided San Marino with more favorable customs payments, organized an international lottery, which made it possible to significantly replenish the state treasury, introduced the metric system of measures, abolished the privileges of bearers of noble titles, and also adopted a new law granting citizenship to foreigners.

However, the anti-clerical demands of the socialists did not meet with the understanding of the more moderate democratic allies. At the end of 1907 their coalition collapsed, and the socialists left the "democratic group" in the Soviet. In 1908 by-elections were held for the five vacant seats, and the socialists were successful. They called for the abolition of the teaching of the law of God in schools and the introduction of the election of captains-regents by members of the Council (until then determined by lot). The Grand General Council voted to introduce the post of inspector for public services (in reality, he took up his duties only in 1913), and in 1909 adopted laws on regulating the work of guides (this was the beginning of the development of tourism) and transport.

On October 8, 1908, the teaching of the law of God in the elementary schools of the republic was abolished. On August 3, 1909, this decision was officially approved by the Council.

Outraged Catholics, relying on the support of rural residents, intensified their work in the Great General Council, and on May 16, 1909, they established the Sanmarine Catholic Union (SCS). He proclaimed it his task to protect Catholicism and traditional Sanmarin institutions. But the partial elections in June did not change the overall political situation. In September 1909, the Socialist Giuseppe Forcellini took over as Secretary of State for the Interior.

Catholics and conservatives launched a bitter campaign against the government majority. From the beginning of 1910, they gathered mass rallies, and also began to develop their own social program, create their own social insurance funds, etc. On February 26, when the Council was discussing the law on civil servants, Catholics organized a mass demonstration of peasants who protested against the introduction of benefits for employees. The protesters attacked the captains regents and progressive deputies and laid siege to the Council building. However, the demonstrators eventually lifted the siege and dispersed. On March 20, a meeting of the members of the Grand General Council, as a compromise, called on the parties to restraint, recommended the Council to adopt a law on civil servants and more qualified to manage the economy of the republic. After that, the tension subsided somewhat. In July, the Catholics achieved significant success in partial elections to the Council.

Political confrontation hindered the implementation of reforms. In 1910, only laws on civil servants and on elementary schools were adopted; in 1911, the process of reforms slowed down. In May 1911, the anticlericals refused to take part in partial elections. Only in 1912 did a regrouping of political forces take place. In May, the socialists proposed holding early re-elections of the entire composition of the Grand General Council, the Catholics called for the convening of a new Arengo to discuss the current situation and the law adopted by the Council on filling vacant church posts. Protesting against him, the Sanmarine clergy threatened to close all the churches in the country. In June, the Catholics boycotted the elections of a third of the members of the Council and disrupted them in a number of areas. In September, the socialists and various factions of the democrats agreed to create a Democratic Bloc with a common program. A new round of elections in September failed to fill the vacant Council seats as the Catholic boycott continued. It was only in November that the vote brought a complete triumph to the Democratic Bloc. This success was confirmed in the partial elections of April and November 1913.

The government of the Democratic Bloc obtained from Italy an increase in customs duties, signed an agreement on the supply of electricity to San Marino, and began the construction of a water pipeline. However, in June 1914 the socialists failed to achieve the adoption of a new law on taxes. The Democratic bloc began to disintegrate.

Another aggravation of the political situation occurred in connection with the revolutionary uprising in Italy in June 1914 ("Red Week"). After its suppression, many Italian revolutionaries (socialists and anarchists) took refuge in San Marino. The socialists of the country defended their asylum, the Catholics strongly objected. Workers' demonstrations took place in the republic. Ultimately, the Democrats broke off the alliance with the socialists and merged with the Catholics.

World War I and fascist dictatorship.

During the First World War, 15 Sanmarine volunteers took part in actions on the side of the Entente. At the front there was a military infirmary with Sanmarine personnel. Although military operations did not directly affect the country, the war had a great impact on its economic and social situation. The opportunity to emigrate disappeared, hundreds of emigrants returned to their homeland. Inflation has risen sharply. In 1915, due to the danger of starvation, the government confiscated the harvest in order to guarantee the population a food minimum. In November 1916 fixed food prices were introduced in San Marino, and in 1918 the Autonomous Consumption Authority was organized to combat speculation. But the results of these measures were insufficient. Unemployment increased in 1918. In the summer, mass strikes and popular demonstrations against the high cost took place. In the partial elections of June 1918, the bloc of rightists, republicans, and Catholics won 14 out of 24 seats.

After the end of the war, unemployment continued to rise, and it was only in the early 1920s that this problem was alleviated by renewed emigration. Social difficulties contributed to the aggravation of the political situation. Starting in November 1918, there were strikes of employees and workers. requiring improvement in material conditions. Radical sentiments grew in the socialist movement, which weakened the Socialist Party, which did not achieve success in the partial elections in August 1919. In the same period, the Catholic People's Party (NP) took shape in San Marino. At the Arengo session, the party demanded a complete renewal of the Grand General Council based on universal suffrage and proportional representation. The NP supported measures to establish fixed prices for grain, but in 1920 expressed support for peasant uprisings against this measure.

The NP achieved the dissolution of the Soviet and the holding of new general elections in November 1920. It won a landslide victory, winning 29 out of 60 seats; 18 seats went to the Socialists and 13 to the Democrats. Since the Socialists refused to take seats in the Soviet, by-elections were held in April 1921, and the NP now had an absolute majority. In the same year, a split occurred in the socialist party: the Sanmarine communists organized their own party.

During the offensive of fascism in Italy in the early 1920s, many socialists and anarchists who fled from fascist terror found refuge in San Marino. In the summer of 1921, fearing reprisals from the Italian fascists, the government of San Marino took measures to limit democratic freedoms. It censored the press, stationed Italian carabinieri in the republic, and abolished the right to asylum. Most of the 189 political emigrants were arrested and handed over to the Italian authorities; only a few were able to stay in the country until August 1921.

In the summer of 1922, fascist detachments began terror in San Marino. In September they defeated the House of the People in Serraval. The fascists, led by Manlio Gozzi, attacked the premises of trade unions, the homes of left-wing politicians and activists. P. Franchosi, the socialist leader Gino Giacomini and many others were forced to leave the country. In October 1922, the socialist party actually ceased to exist, and its newspaper ceased to be published. The Nazis achieved the dissolution of the Great General Council; in the new elections in March 1923, a single list of candidates was put forward - the "Patriotic Bloc", which also included members of the NP and democrats. However, the NP was soon forced to declare that its members were "returning to religion"; publication of its printed organ ceased.

During 1923 the Nazis created an organizational structure consisting of 14 city committees and local branches. A repressive apparatus was formed. By 1926, the establishment of an open fascist dictatorship in San Marino was completed. The establishment of the dictatorial regime was accompanied by the adoption of various discriminatory laws, including the law of 1928, according to which, a resident of the country who married a foreigner, lost the citizenship of San Marino.

The rule of the fascists did not lead to a significant change in the socio-economic structure of the country. There has been no modernization of the economy. In the 1940s, only five small industrial enterprises operated in San Marino: a paper mill, a tannery, a pasta factory, and branches of two Italian firms. The only significant undertaking can be considered the construction in 1932 with the help of Italy of an electrified railway 32 km long, connecting San Marino with the Italian city of Rimini. From 17 km. paths passing through the territory of the country, a significant part fell on the tunnels under Mount Titano. Power was still in the hands of the old oligarchic groups, primarily the Gozzi family. At the head of the state were captains-regents, who now became members of the fascist party. The Supreme Sovereign Council became the legislative body. In 1939 San Marino and Italy confirmed the treaty of friendship.

World War II and the fall of the fascist regime.

Until the early 1940s, there was no organized opposition movement in San Marino. It was only after 1941 that underground groups of communists, socialists, and other anti-fascists began to emerge in the country. The state remained neutral in the war, but after 1942 its consequences began to affect the economy. On January 1, 1943, bread cards were introduced; the black market, smuggling and food speculation flourished. After the fall of the fascist regime of Mussolini in Italy, on July 27, 1943, the fascist captain-regents proclaimed the dissolution of the fascist party and assumed full power. On July 28, a massive popular demonstration took place, convened at the initiative of the communists, socialists and democrats. It was attended by about 3 thousand people who demanded the resignation of the pro-fascist government. The delegation formed by them held talks with Captains Regents Michelotti and Manzoni, during which an agreement was reached to dissolve the Supreme Sovereign Council and appoint a Regency Council to hold free elections to the Grand General Council. The liquidation of the fascist regime was officially announced. Political emigrants began to return to the country, including the leader of the socialists, J. Giacomini, who was also included in the regency council. A mass anti-fascist organization was created - the Freedom Committee. The Council canceled all decrees, decrees, appointments and awards of authorities that followed from January 1, 1923 to July 27, 1943, appointed an emergency control commission to investigate the activities of fascist leaders, etc. In the elections to the Grand General Council on September 5, 1943, the list of the Freedom Committee won a complete victory.

But the fate of democracy in San Marino now depended on the military-political events in Italy. Fleeing from hostilities in 1943–1944, about 100 thousand refugees from neighboring Italian regions found refuge on the territory of the republic. After Mussolini, relying on German support, created the government of the "Italian Social Republic" in Northern Italy in September 1943, the fascists in San Marino became active again. They seized the government palace and demanded the resignation of the elected government. As a result, a “reconciliation pact” was signed, and on October 23 a new government body, the State Council, was formed with the participation of fascist leaders. At the end of October, the country was visited by the German Field Marshal E. Rommel, received by the country's leadership. He assured the Republic of his sympathy and promised to guarantee its security.

On October 28, the Grand General Council officially transferred powers to the Council of State. The new regime imposed sanctions on those who assisted prisoners of war and deserters from the warring armies who took refuge in San Marino territory. Periodically arrests of anti-fascists were made. Italian fascist and German military forces invaded the country, confiscated food from the population, searched the homes of families that sheltered refugees, confiscated vehicles and arrested prisoners of war. Communists, socialists and other anti-fascists had to operate under the legal cover of the "People's Union".

In January 1944, the Fascist Party, headed by Giuliano Gozzi, was officially re-established. Nevertheless, the Nazis failed to get their supporters elected to the posts of captains regents on April 1, 1944. Despite the neutrality of San Marino, the country was subjected to allied air raids on June 26, 1944. About 60 people died during the bombing. Tension grew as the fighting approached the borders of the republic. Despite protests and objections, on September 4, the German command deployed its artillery batteries on Sanmarine territory, the Allies responded with a raid on Serravalle. On September 19-20, fierce battles took place on the lands between the German units and the forces of the British 5th Army; the country was badly damaged. For two months the republic remained occupied.

On September 23, 1944, the Great General Council canceled the transfer of powers to the Council of State and resumed the exercise of supreme power. The Freedom Committee was restored, the publication of the printed organs of various parties was resumed. In March 1945, the Committee won a complete victory in the elections to the Grand General Council, winning 40 out of 60 seats (including 18 went to the Communist Party). The right-wing Sanmarine Democratic Union won 20 seats.

Republic of San Marino after World War II.

Leftist forces were in power in the republic until 1957. The main parties of the ruling coalition remained the Sanmarine Communist Party (SMCP) and the Sanmarinean Socialist Party (SMSP), whose representatives held the posts of captain-regents. The leftist government, which won the general elections in 1951 and 1955, carried out a number of reforms: some enterprises were nationalized, 1/4 of the mountain lands were developed, an agrarian reform was carried out, as a result of which a hired agricultural worker had to receive at least 60% of the total crop, new schools.

In an effort to achieve greater economic independence and solve financial problems, the government decided in 1950 to open a casino and start building powerful radio and television stations. In response, Italy declared a blockade against the republic, which was lifted at the end of 1951. In 1953, San Marino and Italy signed an agreement according to which San Marino refused such construction in exchange for regular monetary compensation.

In 1957, an acute political crisis broke out in the country. There was a split in the SMSP; a breakaway group of "independent socialists" entered into an alliance with the opposition parties - the Christian Democrats (Christian Democratic Party, existed since 1948) and the Social Democrats (SDP, formed in 1955). The left coalition lost its majority in the Grand General Council; Captains Regent Primo Marani (Communist) and Giordano Giacomini (Socialist) dissolved Parliament on September 18, announcing new elections under international supervision. However, the opposition refused to recognize this decision. Italy came out in support of the opposition. On September 28, Italian carabinieri with tanks and armored vehicles blocked the republic. On September 30, the CDA, SDP and the "independent socialists" created a parallel provisional government in the village of Roveretto and announced the removal of the captains regents. It has been recognized by Italy and the United States. The authorities appealed to the UN, but, unable to withstand the blockade, surrendered. The government of the republic resigned, yielding, as Secretary of State for Home Affairs Morganty put it, "to force and violence." On October 12, San Marino was occupied by the Italian Carabinieri, and on October 24, the Christian Democrats and their allies appointed new captains regents and a new government. The victors prosecuted the former captains-regents and other figures of the left forces, accused the communists of organizing a conspiracy, and introduced a state of emergency in 1958. The electoral law was changed, and Sanmarinians living abroad received the right to vote by mail (abolished in 1966). This electoral reform allowed the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats to win the general elections of 1959. Their coalition won the elections in 1964 and 1969 and held on to power until 1973.

Since the late 1950s, there has been a rapid economic growth, associated primarily with the development of tourism and the service sector. Industrial enterprises also began to be built. An increasing number of people left work on the land and became employees and workers.

In early 1973, the ruling coalition of the Christian Democratic Party and the Social Democratic Party collapsed. In March 1973, a new government was formed from representatives of Christian Democrats, socialists, and a small group called the Movement for the Defense of Fundamental Freedoms. Parliament passed a law granting women the right to be members of parliament and government. In the 1974 elections, the left-wing parties achieved success. But the government was re-formed by the CDA and the SMSP.

The new ruling coalition proved fragile. The country experienced significant economic and financial difficulties during this period, and there were disagreements between the government parties on how to overcome them. In November 1975, the socialists withdrew their representatives from the cabinet, and the coalition was restored only in March 1976. The government decided to raise taxes and customs duties. However, differences between the parties persisted, and in November 1977 the socialists again left the government office. Early elections to the Grand General Council were scheduled in May 1978, which were won by the left-wing parties - the SMCP, the SMSP, and the Socialist Unity Party (formed in 1976 by the left wing of the SDP). They won 31 out of 60 seats and formed the new government of San Marino. His program included broad reforms in various areas of life, but it was not fully implemented. In an effort to expand their minimum majority in parliament, the ruling coalition in September 1981 also attracted the Social Democrats to participate in the cabinet.

Despite the difficulties, by 1983 the leftist government managed to increase employment by 9% and reduce the number of unemployed from 6% to 4.3% of the working population. A general plan for the socio-economic development of the republic was adopted, the reform of the school and state administration began, and pensions were improved. In May 1983, the SMCP, the SMSP and the Socialist Unity Party (SEP) again won the general elections (32 out of 60 seats). In October 1984, the Grand General Council passed a tax reform requiring all citizens to declare the amount of their income. The government pressed Italy to reconsider the restrictions imposed on San Marino in the field of radio and television. In 1985, a law on the establishment of a state university was approved.

The political situation remained unstable, as the opposition CDA pursued a course of confrontation with the leftist coalition. The government was undermined by financial scandals that were blamed on representatives of the SMEs and the SEP. On June 11, 1986, the government fell. For the first time in the history of the republic, on July 26, a cabinet of Christian Democrats and Communists was formed. The basis of the program was the “moral question” (overcoming financial scandals), economic development and the fight against youth unemployment. The government remained in power after the general elections in 1988, promising to modernize the structures of state institutions and promote development in the socio-economic field.

In October 1987, San Marino signed two agreements with Italy. In accordance with the first one, one of the paragraphs of the 1953 agreement concerning radio and television was abolished. Under the second agreement, Italy allowed San Marino to have a state television center, but received the opportunity for 15 years to directly participate in its organization and activities on an equal basis with the Sanmarine side. Italy provided San Marino with a special loan of 12 billion lire for the establishment of a television station and pledged to pay 6 billion lire annually for its maintenance.

In the early 1990s, the country's political scene changed again. In 1990, the SMCP decided to abandon the Marxist ideology and transform into the Progressive Democratic Party (PDP); Left circles dissatisfied with this decision took shape in the Communist Renaissance party. In February 1992, the Christian Democrats changed their partner in the ruling coalition. They formed a new government with the participation of the SMEs. The Christian Democratic Party and the Socialists won a landslide victory in the elections of 1993 and 1998, while the influence of the former communists was declining.

In 1999 the government made an attempt to change the citizenship law. The Parliament decided that in the future Sanmarine citizenship will be transferred not only through the paternal, but also through the maternal line, and 13,000 Sanmarinians living abroad will have to formally declare whether they want to remain citizens of the republic. Such measures could double the number of voters. Dissatisfied with this, the opposition Progressive Democrats and the People's Alliance opposed the reform and initiated a referendum. The popular vote brought defeat to the government.

San Marino in the 21st century

The elections to the Grand General Council in 2001 generally retained the previous balance of political forces: the ruling coalition of Christian Democrats and Socialists won 40 out of 60 seats, 12 went to the Party of Democrats (former communists), 5 to the People's Alliance, 2 to the Communist Revival, and 1 the far-right National Alliance.

A similar situation in the alignment of political forces remains quite stable in the country.

In 2011, two new captains regents, Christian Democratic Party representative Gabriele Gatti and Matteo Fiorini of the Popular Alliance, took the oath.

Literature:

Pechnikov B.A. The numbers on the map are... M., 1986
Dahin V.N. Republic of San Marino. M., 1989

San Marino - the most detailed information about the country with a photo. The main attractions of the Republic of San Marino with descriptions, guides and maps.

Republic of San Marino

San Marino is a dwarf state in Southern Europe. It is located in the northeastern part of the Apennine Peninsula, 10 km from Rimini and is surrounded on all sides by Italy. San Marino is the world's oldest republic and one of the smallest countries in the world. The area of ​​the state is just over 60 square kilometers. Despite this, San Marino is an extremely fascinating destination. The historical center of the republic, located on Monte Titano, is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and has preserved medieval architecture, atmosphere and ancient fortress walls.

Geography and climate

San Marino is located in the northeast of the Apennine Peninsula near the Adriatic Sea. The Republic occupies the slopes of the mountain (which is actually a high hill) Monte Titano and its foot. The climate is subtropical Mediterranean. Summer is warm but not hot. Winters are mild but colder than on the coast.

The slopes of Monte Titano

Practical Information

1. The population is 33.5 thousand people.
2. The area is 61.2 square kilometers.
3. The official language is Italian.
4. Currency - euro.
5. Visa - Schengen.
6. Time - Central European UTC +1, summer +2.
7. Religion - Catholicism.

Best time to visit

San Marino can be visited all year round.

Story

According to legend, San Marino was founded in 301 by the stonemason Marin and his followers. He, along with friends, was a member of one of the first Christian communities. After leaving the island of Rab (the territory of modern Croatia), Marin took refuge on Mount Titano. Here he founded a quarry and built a small cell on the top. The fame of his life quickly spread throughout the area and attracted numerous pilgrims. A monastery was founded on the mountain, named after Saint Marin.

The existence of a monastery on the top of Monte Titano has been known since the 6th century. The monastery lived an independent life and practically did not depend on anyone. In fact, San Marino gained independence in 855. The heads of state are two captains regent, who are elected every six months. It is believed that San Marino is the oldest republic in the world and one of the oldest states on the planet. Throughout its history, this country has avoided conflict and lived a quiet, peaceful life.

On October 8, 1600, a constitution was adopted. Interestingly, during the Napoleonic wars, San Marino retained not only neutrality, but also independence. Also in the 19th century, during the Risorgimento period, in recognition of the support given by the republic to the fighters for unification, Giuseppe Garibaldi accepted San Marino's desire to maintain independence. During the First World War, the republic joined the Entente. During the Second World War, she remained neutral. At the same time, the country collaborated with the Italian fascists and was even occupied by German troops for some time.

How to get there

The nearest airport is located in Italian Rimini, as is the train station. You can also use the airports of Bologna and Ancona. The Bonelli 72 bus runs daily from Rimini to San Marino at fairly regular intervals. The bus station is located opposite the railway station. Tickets can be bought from the driver or at the Tourist Information Centre.

How to get to Rimini - see about the city.

Shopping and shopping

San Marino is a great shopping destination. Here they buy clothes, shoes, perfumes and cosmetics, electronics, musical instruments. The main advantage of shopping in this tiny state is the absence of VAT on goods.

Shopping centers:

• Big & Chic - Via Strada dei Censiti, 1 - 47891 Rovereta
• Azzurro - Via M. Moretti, 23 - 47899 Serravalle
• Atlante - Via Tre Settembre, 17

Food and drink

The gastronomy of San Marino is a reflection of the cuisine of the Emilia-Romagna region: tortelloni (tortelli), lasagna, spaghetti with bolognese sauce, passatelli, prosciutto, various types of cheese, cappelletti, pizza.

Attractions

The oldest core of the republic is located on the top of Mount Titano. Here is the capital of this miniature state, which is also called San Marino. This medieval city covers an area of ​​7.09 square kilometers and lies at an altitude of over 700 meters. This is an area of ​​ancient streets and stone buildings, ancient walls and towers, as well as the most interesting sights.

The historic center of San Marino was essentially fortified with three rows of city walls built in three different periods and largely demolished to allow the city to expand.

The most iconic sights of San Marino are the three medieval towers that have been looking from the top of Monte Titano for many centuries and are symbols of the freedom and independence of the ancient republic.

Guaita or the First Tower is the most picturesque and beautiful medieval tower in San Marino. Built in the 10th century on a rocky foundation without any foundation. The tower was reinforced in the 15th and 16th centuries. It is adjoined by two rows of fortress walls with battlements and small towers at the corners. The baroque stone coat of arms dates from 1600 and used to be on the façade of the town hall.

Cesta or Second Tower - located on the highest peak of Monte Titano and built in the 11th century. It was used as a watchtower and a prison until the 16th century. Now there is a museum of ancient weapons.

Montale or Third Tower - built in the 13th century and is the smallest of the three. Around Montale you can see large boulders of very ancient rock, laid out primitively in the form of a wall. There is also an old prison here.

Palazzo Pubblico or City Hall is the main building on Liberty Square. It was built in the Neo-Gothic style by Francesco Azzurri at the end of the 19th century. The facade is decorated with the coats of arms of the republic and four municipalities. Freedom Square is one of the centers of city life. Several times a day, the changing of the guard ceremony takes place here.

The Basilica of the Saint is the main temple of San Marino, which houses the relics of the founder. Built in the 19th century, it is a neoclassical building with Corinthian columns. The interior is classical basilica style with a long nave and two side aisles. The current church was built on the site of an ancient religious building from the 4th century. This is a serious loss for history, as one of the first pre-Romanesque Christian monuments in Italy was destroyed.

The Church of San Francesco was founded in 1361. It is currently the oldest religious building in San Marino.

Museums in San Marino

There are several interesting museums on the territory of San Marino:

• The National Museum is an excellent museum with collections ranging from Egyptian antiquities to Byzantine icons, 17th century paintings and old coins.
• Wax Museum - more than 100 figures of famous historical figures.
• The Museum of Curiosities is one of the most unusual museums in San Marino. Here are collected collections of the most peculiar and strange objects.
• The Rosso Ferrari Museum is an exposition of vintage cars of the legendary Italian car brand.
• Museum of Modern Weapons - more than 2,000 examples of firearms, ammunition and bayonets used in the First and Second World Wars.

The official name is the Republic of San Marino (Republica di San Marino). Located in the southern part of Europe. The area is 61.2 km2, the population is 27.7 thousand people. (2002 estimate). The official language is Italian, while Latin remains the official language. The capital is the city of San Marino (4.3 thousand people, 1993). Public holiday - San Marino Day and Republic Day on September 3 (since 301). The monetary unit is the euro (since 2002, before that the Italian lira).

Member of the UN (since 1992), Council of Europe, FAO, IMF, UNESCO, etc.

Sights of San Marino

Geography of San Marino

It is located between 12°25' East longitude and 43°46' North latitude. It has no access to the sea, being an enclave between the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna and Marche, 20 km from the Adriatic coast. The landscape is hilly. The "core" of the country's territory is Mount Titano (755 m). Numerous outcrops of groundwater give rise to small rivers (Auza, Masano, San Marino). There are mineral springs. The soils are fertile brown and humus-calcareous. The flora is represented by thickets of evergreen shrubs - maquis (gorse, myrtle, laurel, pistachios, etc.) and many types of essential oil plants (rosemary, sage, thyme, lavender, basil, etc.). There are small oak and chestnut groves. Fossil resources are allocated stocks of building stone and sulfur. The climate is temperate subcontinental (average temperature in January is -2°С, in July +30°С). The average annual rainfall is 880 mm.

Population of San Marino

In recent decades, the influx of people into San Marino has exceeded emigration from the country. At the same time, ok. 13 thousand people of the total population live abroad. Ethnic composition - Sanmarinians, Italians. The spoken language is Italian (one of the dialects of the Tuscan dialect). Birth rate 10.64%, infant mortality 6.09 people. per 1000 newborns (2002 estimate). Average life expectancy - 81.3 years, incl. men - 77.8 years, women - 85.2 years. Sex and age structure of the population: 0-14 years old 16.1% (ratio of men and women - 1.06:1), 15 - 64 years old 67.5% (0.95:1), 65 years and older 16.4% ( 0.76:1). The overall male to female ratio is 0.93:1. 96% of the population aged 10 and over can read and write, incl. among men - 97%, among women - 95% (1976 estimate). Urban population 90.5%.

History of San Marino

San Marino is the oldest of the currently existing states of Europe and the only one of the city-states of the Apennine Peninsula that retained its independence after the unification of Italy in 1861. According to legend, it was founded as an early Christian community in 301 by the stonemason Marino, who fled from the persecution of Emperor Diocletian. In the first centuries of its existence, it was under the protectorate of the Duchy of Urbino, in 855 it gained independence, which it defended many times in internecine wars. Gradually expanding due to the purchase of land from the surrounding rulers, it established itself within its modern borders from 1463. The country's independence was recognized in 1631 by the papal throne, and in 1796 it was observed by Napoleon Bonaparte. In the 1830-50s. San Marino served as a political asylum for many fighters for the unification of Italy, incl. for G. Garibaldi. In 1862, she concluded a Treaty of Friendship and Economic Cooperation with the Italian state, which was subsequently revised and expanded several times. In the 1st World War she participated on the side of the Entente. In the 2nd World War, while maintaining neutrality, she sheltered approx. 200 thousand refugees from Italy and other European countries.

State structure and political system of San Marino

The republican system took shape in San Marino at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, which allows it to be considered the oldest independent republic in the world. The Constitution adopted in 1600 and supplemented by the electoral law of 1926 is in force. It is administratively divided into 9 municipal districts (“castles”): Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino and Serravalle. Main cities: the capital of San Marino, the industrial center of Serravalle (more than 7 thousand people) and Borgo Maggiore. Public administration is based on a civil law system close to that of Italy. The supreme body of legislative power is the Grand General Council (BGS) - a unicameral parliament of 60 people elected for 5 years by universal suffrage on party lists on the basis of proportional representation. The highest body of executive power is the State Congress (10 secretaries of state), elected from the BGS. The functions of the head of state are entrusted to two equal captains-regents, who are replaced every six months. A number of functions of the head of government are performed by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs, elected for 5 years (since 2002 he has been F. Stolfi). Local governments are councils with a term of office of 5 years and captains with a term of office of 2 years. The right to vote (introduced for men in 1909, for women in 1960) is enjoyed by citizens who have reached the age of 18.

In the post-war party system, left-wing forces traditionally occupy an important place. In 1945-57 and in 1978-86, coalition governments led by communists and socialists were in power, in other periods the leadership passed to the Christian Democrats, who formed governments with the participation of the left. In the 2001 elections, the CDA received 41.4% of the vote (25 seats in parliament), the SP - 24.2% (15), the Democratic Party - 20.8% (12). Domestic politics are usually influenced by the processes taking place in Italy. In foreign policy, the country adheres to the principles of neutrality. There is no compulsory military service, but citizens aged 16-55 can be called up to defend the Fatherland. The armed forces consist of a corps of volunteers and a paramilitary gendarmerie.

San Marino has consular relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1956).

Economy of San Marino

The main branch of the economy is tourism, the income from which is approx. 1/2 GDP. More than 3 million tourists visit the country every year, leaving St. $250 million. Other developed industries are the production of ready-made dresses, electronics and ceramics. In terms of per capita income ($34.6 thousand) and consumer standard, San Marino is at the level of highly developed regions of Italy. The country does not have a national accounting system; according to the IMF, the volume of its GDP, taking into account the purchasing power of currencies in 2001, was 940 million dollars, the growth rate of the economy was 7.5%. Unemployment - 2.6%, inflation - 3.3%.

In the structure of employment, industry accounts for 42% (including manufacturing industries - over 30%), agriculture - 1%, services - 57%. Among the extractive industries, the extraction of building stone and sulfur (exported) stand out, a significant part of the manufacturing industries works in cooperation with Italian firms. Wood and equipment for its processing, chemicals, tiles, varnishes, etc. are also exported. The energy economy is based on gas and more than 3/4 is provided by supplies from Italy. The basis of agriculture is intensive farming. Wheat, barley, grapes, corn, olives are cultivated on more than 60% of the territory. Animal husbandry also has an intensive character - livestock breeding (cattle, sheep, pigs) and poultry. Pastures outside the country are used by agreement. Sericulture has been practiced for a long time. Olive oil, wine, green onions are exported.

San Marino's transport links with the outside world go through the port of Rimini, with which it is connected by a 4-lane motorway and a 32 km long electrified railway. The total length of roads is 220 km. The country has no waterways, air communication. Between the capital and the city of Borgo Maggiore, a cable car with a length of 1.5 km was laid. In the port of Rimini, the San Marino merchant fleet is based, consisting of several small ships. The telephone system is included in the Italian, incl. international. There is a TV station and the Internet.

Economic policy is traditionally oriented towards maintaining budget balance. The country is characterized by a high level of spending on social security. From Ser. 19th century there is free medical care and schooling. In 2001, approx. 3% of GDP, for health care - St. 6%. 42.6% of GDP passes through the state budget (according to estimates for 2000, revenues and expenditures amounted to about 400 million dollars). In addition to tourism, the issue of collectible postage stamps (since 1847) and coins for numismatists brings significant funds. According to the 1862 agreement on the customs and postal union with Italy, San Marino is entitled to annual compensation for the abandonment of a number of state monopolies (in 2000 - about 5.3 million dollars). Military spending is approx. 700 thousand dollars a year.

San Marino's foreign economic transactions are included in Italy's national statistics. According to the IMF for 1996, the foreign trade balance had a positive balance of $22.6 million and a positive current account balance of $10.7 million. The main trading partner is Italy, where raw materials, consumer goods, food, and equipment come from.

Science and culture of San Marino

The education system is being built according to the 5 + 3 + 5 scheme, which includes compulsory primary and secondary education for children aged 6 to 14 years. There is a university in the capital (50 students).

The country has a great cultural heritage (architectural and historical monuments of the Middle Ages, museums, a library, a repository of ancient documents, an art gallery, etc.). Many ancient holidays are preserved.

San Marino(Republic of San Marino) is a state located in Southern Europe. The state is not a member of the European Union and the Schengen Agreement, however, this dwarf country can be entered without a visa (for citizens of countries outside the European Union - with a Schengen visa issued by the Italian embassy). San Marino is considered the oldest country in Europe - here the borders of the state have never changed and were established once and for all. The population of San Marino is 32,000 people, less than in Liechtenstein. The capital is the city of San Marino. Another major city in San Marino is Seravalle, the largest city in the country. San Marino, like Monaco with the Vatican, is an enclave state that is surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy and has a border with it. San Marino is located in the same time zone. The difference from universal time is one hour.

San Marino is landlocked.

San Marino ranks first in Europe in terms of the amount (in% of the area) of the territory covered with rocks. The country itself is considered to have a mixed relief - most of it is occupied by mountains and rocks - the smaller one is occupied by several settlements.

Forests grow on the slopes of mountains. Mediterranean vegetation and evergreens predominate.

The Monte Titano mountain range runs through the country. The highest point of San Marino is Mount Titano. The height of the peak is 750 meters.

Several small rivers flow through San Marino. The largest of them is the San Marino River of the same name. Other rivers are Ausa, Cando, Marano, Fiumicello. There are no lakes in San Marino.

Despite its very small size, the state is divided into administrative units. The territory of the country consists of nine regions: Acquaviva, Monte Giardino, Serravalle, Borgo Maggiore, Domagnano, Chiesanuova, San Marino, Faetano, Fiorentino.

Map

Roads

Currently, there are no railways in the country. The railway line to the capital of the country - the city of San Marino - existed before the Second World War. During the war it was destroyed, after the war it was not restored.

The country's roads are in good condition. There are no autobahns in the country.

Story

San Marino has its own history. During its history, the country was occupied only once - by Austria-Hungary. The borders of the country have remained unchanged for 1800 years.

The main historical events and periods that the country has:

a) the foundation of the state (298-300 years) - the foundation of the state by Saint Marin;

b) the creation of the General Council of San Marino (XIII century), the attempts of the popes to take over the country;

c) the war with the Papal States in Italy (1462), the defeat of the Vatican in the war;

d) Austro-Hungarian occupation (1849);

e) San Marino during the two world wars (1914-1945) - pursuing a policy of neutrality and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries;

f) San Marino in modern times (since 1945).

Minerals

Despite its small size, the country has minerals. There are only two deposits here - sulfur and limestone. There is no oil, gas and coal in the country; the country receives all these three energy sources from Italy.

Climate

The climate of San Marino is subtropical Mediterranean, but despite this, the summer is cool - the high-altitude location of the country affects. In summer, the temperature usually does not rise above 24 degrees Celsius. Winter here is also colder than in surrounding Italy - at night, the temperature on the coldest days can drop to 6 degrees below zero. Snow falls occasionally.