San Marino: Oldest Republic

San Marino, completely surrounded by Italy, claims to be the world's oldest republic, founded in 301 AD. The microstate on Mount Titano has maintained independence for over 1,700 years through diplomacy and strategic location.

The historic center and Mount Titano are UNESCO World Heritage sites. Three towers are iconic symbols. San Marino City perches dramatically on the mountain. Despite tiny size, San Marino has rich history and medieval architecture.

Tourism drives the economy, with millions visiting from Italy. Banking, manufacturing, and stamp/coin sales contribute. San Marino has been a republic for over a millennium, with two Captains Regent serving six-month terms. The microstate demonstrates how small nations can preserve independence through history and cooperation with neighbors.