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People
National Identity
The name of the country, San Marino, is derived from its founder, Marinus, who according to legend founded the republic in 301 in the common era, C.E. A Christian stonemason, Marinus the Dalmation fled the island of Arbe to escape the anti-Christian Roman Emperor Diocletian. Marinus hid on the peak of Mount Titano and founded a small community of people following their Christian beliefs. It is generally believed that the area had been inhabited since prehistoric times, although evidence of existence on Mount Titano dates back only to the Middle Ages. In memory of the Marinus the stonemason, the land was renamed "Land of San Marino," then called the "Community of San Marino," and was finally changed to its present-day name, "Republic of San Marino."
Today, San Marino is composed of native Sammarinese and Italian citizens. While the Italian language and culture have been indelible influences on San Marino, the Sammarinese insist on their own individuality and identity, which they have tried to preserve through the centuries. Indeed, they have a strong pride in their unique culture.
Cultural Demography
San Marino is located in the Apennine Mountains. This microstate (or ministate -- very small, in area and population, independent country) is completely surrounded by Italy and consequently, has strong cultural and ethnic ties to Italy. San Marino, however, also has a long tradition of independence, due to its long legacy of political autonomy, and a strong sense of national identity that dates back to the founding of the nation state in 301 in the common era, or C.E.
The population of approximately 31,000 (between 30,000 and 31,000) is comprised of native Sammarinese and ethnic Italians. Italian is the main language spoken in San Marino, and Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion.
Human Development
The Sammarinese have an average life expectancy at birth of 81.14 years (77.57 years for males, 85.02 years for females). The infant mortality rate is 6.33 deaths per 1,000 live births. An estimated 96 percent of the population, age 10 and older, can read and write (97 percent of males, 95 percent of females).
About 7.1 percent of GDP is spent on health expenditures in this country. Access to education, sanitation, water, and health is regarded to be very good.
Socio-Economic Context
Crop farming, sheep farming and the working of stone from the quarries formed the early backbone of San Marino's economy. San Marino has no mineral resources, and today most of the land is cultivated or covered by woods. Financial and banking institutions are important to San Marino's current economy.
Written by Dr. Denise Youngblood Coleman, Editor in Chief, www.countrywatch.com; see Bibliography for research sources.
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