42 Facts About San Marino

San Marino is a mountainous microstate in northern central Italy.

It is one of the world's oldest republics, and much of its historic architecture has been preserved.

The capital, also known as San Marino, is located on the slopes of Monte Titano and is known for its mediaeval walled old town and narrow cobblestone streets.

Titano's neighbouring peaks are home to the Three Towers, castle-like citadels dating from the 11th century.

San Marino's last active participation in a battle occurred in 1463.

Marinus, a Christian stonemason, founded it in A.D. 301.

On April 6, 1862, the San Marino flag was officially adopted. The blue on the flag represents the skies, while the white represents the snow that covers Mt. Titano.

San Marino did not take part in either World War I or World War II, remaining neutral.

In 1894, the country's first commemorative stamps were issued.

Since 2008, the country has lost all 30 World Cup and European Championship qualifying matches.

San Marino is the third smallest state in Europe in terms of land area, and it also claims to be the world's oldest republic.

The country's longest stretch is between northeast and southwest, stretching about 13 kilometres.

Italy surrounds San Marino on all sides. As a result, it only has one bordering country.

The capital, "The City of San Marino," is located on the summit of Mt Titano.

The country has only 292 kilometres of paved roads.

The police force in San Marino is known as the "Gendarmerie" in the country.

San Marino has no official state religion.

Tourism, the banking sector, and the manufacture and export of ceramics, paints, clothing, furniture, fabric, and wine all contribute to San Marino's economy.

Italy imports nearly 80% of the goods produced in San Marino.

With a total internet subscriber base of 17,200, the internet is used by nearly 53% of the country's population.

Ayrton Senna, widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, was killed in an accident while leading the San Marino Grand Prix in 1994. Before his untimely death, the legendary driver had won 41 Grand Prix.

San Marino relies on Italy for defence because it lacks its own deference forces.

San Marino imports electricity from Italy via the electrical grid.

San Marino is one of the world's wealthiest countries in terms of GDP.

San Marino is the only country in the world where there are more cars than people.

San Marino has a high-income economy, with an annual per capita income of approximately 36,000 USD.

Sammarinese are the people of San Marino.

Napoleon also offered to help the country expand its territory (1797), but his offer was politely declined by high-ranking officials at the time.

Mount Titano and San Marino's historic centre are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

In San Marino, there are 940 males for every 1000 females.

San Marino is the only Italian microstate that still exists.

The statutes of 1600, the first legal documents mentioning San Marino's institutional organs, are incorrectly regarded as the world's oldest written constitution.

San Marino's land area consisted solely of Mount Titano until 1463.

The press falsely reported in 1940 that San Marino had declared war on Britain. It is also claimed that the British Royal Air Force bombed the country as a result of this false information, causing railway damage and killing 63 civilians. The British government, on the other hand, later regretted their actions.

During the Battle of Rimini, the country also provided shelter for nearly 100,000 refugees. At the time, the country had a population of only 15,000 people.

The country is also the only one in the world where a communist government was democratically elected to power.

San Marino never won a medal despite competing in 12 summer and 7 winter Olympics.

When entering San Marino from Italy, foreign visitors are not required to show their passport.

The three towers on San Marino's flag represent the three towers on Mt. Titano. The towers are on the flag because of their strategic importance in the country's defence throughout its history.

San Marino has a sizable Italian population.

San Marino has had more female heads of state than any other country.

San Marino has no flat land and is entirely made up of hills.