San Marino is the small country completely surrounded by Italy and has San Marino as its capital. It occupies about 61 square kilometres in the Apennine Mountains near Italy’s Adriatic coast.
San Marino describes itself as the world’s oldest surviving sovereign state, traditionally tracing its foundation to Saint Marinus in AD 301. The exact continuity of that early community is debated by historians, but the country’s long institutional history is a central part of its national identity.
The capital, also called San Marino, sits on the slopes of Monte Titano. Three medieval towers—Guaita, Cesta and Montale—stand along the mountain ridge and appear prominently in national imagery. The country has a parliamentary system headed by two captains regent, who serve jointly for six-month terms.
San Marino uses the euro through a monetary agreement with the European Union, although it is not an EU member. Its official language is Italian, and tourism is an important part of its economy.