History UsefulNotes / SanMarino

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There was once a [[NonindicativeName San Marino Grand Prix - held in Imola, Italy]].

San Marino, officially known as the Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Repubblica di San Marino'') and also known as The Most Serene Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino''), is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus [[note]] who later became its [[UsefulNotes/PatronSaints patron saint]][[/note]], a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect. The next-oldest is the U.S. Constitution, some 189 years younger. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the reorganization of Italy following the NapoleonicWars and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines, not accepting Napoleon's offers to extend their territory and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

During World War II, San Marino provided a safe harbor for over 100,000 Italians (ten times as much as there were Sammarinese at the time) and Jews from Nazi persecution. That's right, San Marino pulled a move that could risk angering NaziGermany and still managed to stay neutral. No wonder its citizens are proud of it, and they well should be.

San Marino, officially known as the Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Repubblica di San Marino'') and also known as The Most Serene Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino''), is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus [[note]] who later became its [[UsefulNotes/PatronSaints patron saint]][[/note]], a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect[[note]]The next-oldest, is the U.S. Constitution, some 189 years younger. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the reorganization of Italy following the NapoleonicWars and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines, not accepting Napoleon's offers to extend their territory and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

San Marino, officially known as the Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Repubblica di San Marino'') and also known as The Most Serene Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino''), is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus [[note]] who later became its [[UsefulNotes/PatronSaints patron saint]], a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect[[note]]The next-oldest, is the U.S. Constitution, some 189 years younger[[/note]]. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the reorganization of Italy following the NapoleonicWars and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines, not accepting Napoleon's offers to extend their territory and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

San Marino, officially known as the Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Repubblica di San Marino'') and also known as The Most Serene Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino''), is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus, a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect[[note]]The next-oldest, is the U.S. Constitution, some 189 years younger[[/note]]. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the reorganization of Italy following the NapoleonicWars and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines, not accepting Napoleon's offers to extend their territory and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/San_Marino_map_1942.gif
[[caption-width:330:Most Serene map of the Most Serene Republic]]

San Marino, officially known as the Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Repubblica di San Marino'') and also known as The Most Serene Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino''), is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus, a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect[[note]]The next-oldest, is the U.S. Constitution, some 189 years younger[[/note]]. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the reorganization of Italy following the NapoleonicWars and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines, not accepting Napoleon's offers to estend their territory and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

San Marino, officially known as the Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Repubblica di San Marino'') and also known as The Most Serene Republic of San Marino ('''Italian:''' ''Serenissima Repubblica di San Marino''), is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus, a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect[[note]]The next-oldest, is the U.S. Constitution, some 189 years younger[[/note]]. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus, a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect[[note]]The next-oldest, is the U.S. Constitution, some 189 years younger[[/note]]. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus, a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect[[hottip:*:The next-oldest, is the U.S. Constitution, some 189 years younger]]. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on September 3, 301, by Marinus, a stonemason-turned-monk from Arba (modern-day Rab, Croatia). Its constitution, ratified 1600, is the oldest of its kind still in effect[[hottip:*:The next-oldest, [[UsefulNotes/AmericanPoliticalSystem that of the United States]], is some 189 years younger]]. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and as a [[IOweYouMyLife token of gratitude from leaders of the unification movement for offering them shelter in times of crisis]]. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. Its constitution, ratified in 1600, is the oldest national constitution still in effect.[[hottip:*:The next-oldest, the [[UsefulNotes/AmericanPoliticalSystem United States Constitution]], is some 189 years younger.]] It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and its decision to offer sanctuary to leaders of the unification movement. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

[[CrowningMomentOfAwesome During World War II, San Marino provided a harbor for more than 100,000 Italians (which was 1000 percent of the then population of the country) and Jews from Nazi persecution.]] That's right, San Marino took in more than ten times the then-population of the country, in a move that could risk angering [[ThoseWackyNazis NAZI GERMANY]], pulled it off and managed to stay neutral. No wonder its citizens are proud of it, they damn well should be.

http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/san-marino-flag_876.gif
[[caption-width:150:Most Serene Flag of the Most Serene Republic]]

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. Its constitution, ratified in 1600, is the national constitution still in effect.[[hottip:*:The next-oldest, the [[UsefulNotes/AmericanPoliticalSystem United States Constitution]], is some 189 years younger.]] It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and its decision to offer sanctuary to leaders of the unification movement. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. Its constitution, ratified in 1600, is the national constitution still in effect (the next-oldest, the [[UsefulNotes/AmericanPoliticalSystem United States Constitution]], is some 189 years younger.]] It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and its decision to offer sanctuary to leaders of the unification movement. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and its decision to offer sanctuary to leaders of the unification movement. It is too small (about 60 sq km with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The country is reigned by two heads of state, or prime ministers, if you please. They are not that much different from the old Roman consuls. They are chosen every six months.

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and its decision to offer sanctuary to leaders of the unification movement. It is too small (about 60 square meter with a little more than 30.000 residents) and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and its decision to offer sanctuary to leaders of the unification movement. It is too small and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is a delightful little enclave in Italy. It is the oldest surviving sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world, as the continuation of the monastic community founded on 3 September 301, by stonecutter Marinus of Arbe. It survived the consolidation of Italy into medium-sized territorial states in the 15th century and the unification of Italy in the 19th century, largely owing to its remote location in a valley of the Apennines and its decision to offer sanctuary to leaders of the unification movement. It is too small and remote to cause anyone much trouble - and it is also too small and remote for anyone to give it much trouble, so, while, by custom, the appellation "Most Serene" is an indicator of sovereignty, it also applies on a more literal sense. It managed to remain neutral in the two world wars (though somehow someone reported San Marino had saw fit to declare war on the United Kingdom in 1940).

San Marino abolished death penalty in 1865. The last execution was performed in 1468.

[[caption-width:330:Most serene map of the Most Serene Republic]]

[[quoteleft:150:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/san-marino-flag_876.gif]]

[[caption-width-left:150:Most Serene Flag of the Most Serene Republic]]

[[caption-width-right:150:Most Serene Flag of the Most Serene Republic]]

[[quoteright:150:http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/san-marino-flag_876.gif]]

There was once a [[NonindicativeName San Marino Grand Prix - held in Imola, Italy]].