San Marino
the smallest republic in Europe, and one of its most ancient States; is inclosed by the provinces of Forli and Pesaro and Urbino, of the kingdom of Italy; situated 9 miles S. W. of Rimini. The legislature of the republic is a senate of 60 members, elected one-third every three years from the nobles, citizens, and peasants. Two presidents are chosen by by the senate every six months, called captains regent. Two secretaries of state and two legal functionaries are the other government officials. This little republic occupies a great, rocky, mountainous site, about 2,420 feet high, precipitous on all sides, with intervening dense forests and valleys of fertile land. The town is built round a hermitage, founded in 441, and is accessible by but one road. It is surrounded by great walls and has three forts. The wealthier citizens reside in the suburb of Borgo: The manufacture of silk is the chief industry of the town.
Many of the buildings are stately and remarkably massive in structure, including the governor's palace, and six churches, one of which contains the tomb and statue of St. Marino. There are a several schools, museums, a theatre, a town hall, and two convents. Two immense cisterns provide the public with water. The inhabitants are principally engaged in agriculture. The military number 950 men. From the 10th to the 13th centuries the inhabitants succeeded in maintaining their independence, which was recognized by the Church in 1291, and confirmed by the Pope in 1631. The treaty with Italy of 1907 was revised in 1914. In 1915 the republic declared war on Austria. Area of the republic, 38 square miles; pop. (1919) 11,944.