SAN MARINO, the smallest republic in Europe, and one of its most ancient States; is inclosed by the provinces of Forli and Pesaro and Urbino, of the kingdom of Italy; situated 9 miles S. W. of Rimini. The legislature of the re public is a senate of 60 members, elected one-third every three years from the no bles, citizens, and peasants. Two presi dents are chosen by the senate every six months, called captains regent. Two sec retaries of state and two legal func tionaries are the other government offi cials. This little republic occupies a great, rocky, mountainous site, about 2,420 feet high, precipitous on all sides, with intervening dense forests and val leys of fertile land. The town is built round a hermitage, founded in 441, and is accessible by but one road. It is sur rounded by great walls and has three forts. The wealthier citizens reside in the suburb of Borgo. The manufacture
of silk is the chief industry of the town. Many of the buildings are stately and remarkably massive in structure, includ ing the governor's palace, and six churches, one of which contains the tomb and statue of St. Marino. There are several schools, museums, a theatre, a town hall, and two convents. Two im mense cisterns provide the public with water. The inhabitants are principally engaged in agriculture. The military number 950 men. From the 10th to the 13th centuries the inhabitants succeeded in maintaining their independence, which was recognized by the Church in 1291, and confirmed by the Pope in 1631. The treaty with Italy of 1907 was revised in 1914. In 1915 the republic declared war on Austria. Area of the republic, 38 square miles; pop. (1919) 11,944.