San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic still in existence, being founded in 301 by a skilled builder referred to as Saint Marinus. The tiny nation was recognised by Napoleon's France in 1797, and by the other European nations at the 1815Congress of Vienna.
Although a sovereign nation, it is strongly dependent on Italy, by which it has been completely surrounded since that country's unification, in the 19th century. In 1996 San Marino and Sweden ended a war status that has lasted between them since 1648 (under the Peace of Westphalia).
The Consiglio Grande e General, or Grand and General Council, is elected by popular vote every five years. This parliament selects two of its members to serve as Regents for periods of six months. The two regents and the cabinet form the executive branch of the government.
The Council also elects the Consiglio dei XII (Council of Twelve), which forms the judicial branch during the period of legislature of the Council.
San Marino is an enclave of Italy, on the border between the regioni of Emilia-Romagna and Marche. Its topography is dominated by the Apennines mountain range, and has a rugged terrain. The highest point in the country, Monte Titano, is situated at 749 m above sea level. There are no waterbodies of any significance.
Although San Marino is not an official Euro member, it is allowed to use it as its currency by virtue of arrangments with the council of the European Union and was also granted the right to use their own designs on the national side of the euro coins. Before the Euro, the Sammarinese lire was coupled to and exchangeable with the Italian lire. The small number of Sammarinese euro coins, as was the case with the lire before it, are primarily of interest to coin collectors.
Being completely surrounded by Italy, there is no significant difference between the population of San Marino and Italy, and many Italians live in San Marino.
