Are you looking to boost your local knowledge or Europe and become the next pub quiz champion? Check out these fun facts about San Marino!
1. Where is San Marino?
San Marino is a historic landlocked micro-state in Europe, and it is bordered entirely by Italy.
2. Grab that compass and make tracks!
To explore the beautiful mountains and historic architecture San Marino has to offer, follow the coordinates of 43.9333° N, 12.4667° E.
3. San Marino is up and down!
San Marino’s terrain is rugged and mountainous.
4. It’s tiny.
The total land area of San Marino is 24 square miles (61 square kilometres)……that’s around half the size of Manchester, UK.
5. It’s not exactly packed with people!
San Marino’s population was 33,660 in 2022…that’s less than 1/15th of the population of Manchester!
6. What do residents of San Marino call themselves?
Ever wondered what residents here are known as? They’re called Sammarinese!
7. What’s the capital of San Marino?
The capital is also called San Marino; it covers an area of 2.7 square miles (7 square kilometres) and had a population of 4,000 in 2014.
8. It’s hot stuff for much of the year!
Sammarinese enjoy a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny summers and mild winters.
9. It’s well known for its towers.
The capital city boasts three beautiful and ancient towers, known as the Three Towers of San Marino, which were built between the 11th and 14th centuries. Amazingly, Montale, the most modern (at a mere 700 years old) of the three towers, is still privately owned!
10. One tower was once a jailhouse!
Due to its previous use as a prison, the only entrance to Montale tower is a doorway about 7m off the ground!
11. What do people speak in San Marino?
The official language of San Marino is Italian.
12. Here’s what you’ll need to change up for.
Despite not being a member of the European Union, the Euro is the official currency here.
Sammarinese live for an average of 83 years.
13. Age is only a number!
San Marino claims to be the oldest sovereign state in the world, with a monastic community living here continuously since 301AD!
14. The Sammarinese depend on Italy for safety.
The defense of San Marino is solely the responsibility of Italy.
15. Here are some vital stats on San Marino’s industry.
San Marino grows wheat, corn, olives, and grapes; they also rear cattle.
Its industry consists of tourism, banking, electronics, and textiles.
The main exports consist of wood, building stone, lime, chestnuts, wine, wheat, hides, ceramics, and baked goods.
FAQs about San Marino
How has San Marino retained its independence?
It’s largely thanks to how inaccessible the land is! It’s extremely mountainous despite the fact it is so small - and Italy continues to grant its independence even centuries after its founding.
Is San Marino a poor country?
No - San Marino is considered one of the richest countries in the world, though it does have a poverty line.
What’s so special about San Marino?
San Marino is one of the smallest countries on the planet it’s in the smallest five!
Do you know any interesting facts about San Marino? Share them in the comments below!
