San Marino
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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. The tourist sector contributes over 50% of GDP. In 2006 more than 2.1 million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries are banking, clothing and apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of the most prosperous regions of Italy, which supplies much of its food.
Source: The Places Factbook, CIA. |
The
third smallest state in Europe (after the Holy See and Monaco), San Marino also
claims to be the world's oldest republic. According to tradition, it was founded
by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in A.D. 301.