San Marino

The third smallest state in Europe (after The Holy See and Monaco) also claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in 301 A.D. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy. Social and political trends in the republic also track closely with those of its larger neighbor.

Location:

Southern Europe, an enclave in central Italy

Geographic coordinates:

43 46 N, 12 25 E

Population:

28,119 (July 2003 est.)

Nationality:

noun:  Sammarinese (singular and plural) adjective:  Sammarinese

Ethnic groups:

Sammarinese, Italian

Religions:

Roman Catholic

Languages:

Italian

Currency:

Euro (EUR)

Currency code:

EUR

Exchange rates:

1 EURO to US Dollar : 1,1962 (April 2004)