San Marino: flag, capital, currency and history

San Marino, officially the Most Serene Republic of San Marino, is a country in Southern Europe, Europe. Its capital is City of San Marino. The currency is the Euro. Languages spoken include Italian.

Quick facts about San Marino

Official name: Most Serene Republic of San Marino
Capital: City of San Marino
Region: Europe, Southern Europe
Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
Languages: Italian
Calling code: +378
Internet domain: .sm
Area: 61 km² (24 sq mi)
Land borders: Italy
Demonym: Sammarinese

Flag of San Marino

Download the flag of San Marino as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇸🇲.

SVG (vector)

History of San Marino

According to tradition, San Marino was founded in 301 by Marinus, a stonemason from the Adriatic island of Rab who sought refuge on Mount Titano. A community developed around his hermitage and gradually gained self-government, with its first captains regent chosen in 1243. It survived as a small republic amid the Papal States and later Italian unification, and its independence was recognised by the Papal States in 1631. Its statutes date from 1600, and a friendship treaty with Italy followed in 1862. Surrounded entirely by Italy, it remains one of the oldest surviving republics.

Key dates

301Traditional founding date, attributed to Marinus and a community on Mount Titano.
1243The first pair of captains regent is recorded as heading the republic.
1600The republic's written statutes are adopted.
1631The Papal States formally recognise San Marino's independence.
1797Napoleon Bonaparte respects the republic's independence during his Italian campaign.
1862San Marino signs a treaty of friendship and cooperation with the new Kingdom of Italy.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.