Serene San Marino

The Most Serene Republic of San Marino.

Yes, that is the official name of the country, a tiny mountaintop enclave completely surrounded by Italy (for all intents and purposes, a castle on a hill). Just 23.5 square miles in size and with a total population of 29,973, San Marino is small. Very small. But it lays claim to some impressive historical titles and trivia:

– San Marino is the oldest sovereign state and constitutional republic in the world (founded in 301 A.D.)

– San Marino’s constitution, dating back to 1600, is the world’s oldest still in effect

– San Marino made Republican President Abraham Lincoln an honorary citizen

– San Marino is the world’s smallest republic

– Tourism fuels 50% of San Marino’s economy