At a Glance

Official Name: Republic of San Marino

Continent: Europe

Area: 23 square miles (60 sq. km)

Population: 27,336

Capital City: San Marino

Largest City: San Marino (4,498)

Unit of Money: Italian lira

Major Languages: Italian

Literacy: 96%

Land Use: 17% arable, 83% other

Natural Resources: Building stone

Government: Republic

Defense: 3.7 million

The Place

San Marino is in the Appennine Mountains of northeastern Italy, which surround it. Mount Titano, the country's highest mountain, is 2,478 feet (755 meters) high and has 3 peaks. On top of each peak is a tower built during the Middle Ages. Much of the country, including its capital, also called San Marino, stands on Mount Titano. San Marino is the second-smallest country in the world with an area of 23 square miles (60 square kilometers). The country's spectacular views, fortress walls, cakes, wine, and colorful festivals draw thousands of tourists every year. San Marino has a mild summer climate, with temperatures that average about 75° F (24° C). Winter temperatures sometimes fall below freezing. The country has an average annual rainfall of 35 inches (89 centimeters). The soil in San Marino is poor and rocky. The mild climate and ample rainfall, however, enable farmers to grow a variety of crops.

The People

San Marino's people are similar to the people of northern Italy. Nearly all San Marinese are Roman Catholics and speak Italian, and their customs are like those of Italy. The people of San Marino are proud of their long tradition of independence. More than 20% of San Marino's people work in the tourist industry, which includes hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops. Other people work in quarries or in the leather or cheese industries. Farmers raise cattle and sheep and grow grapes and wheat. Nearly everyone in San Marino can read and write. The law requires children to attend school from the ages of 6 to 14. After elementary and secondary school, many students pursue higher education in Italy. Most homes have a telephone, radio, and TV. Life expectancy is 81 years.