世界上最古老的共和国—圣马力诺简介（英文）OverviewMount Titano, part of the Appennine range, dominates San Marino's landscape. Three defensive fortresses perch on Titano's slopes, looking out to the Adriatic coast.San Marino is said to be the world's oldest surviving republic.Tradition has it that the country was founded in the fourth century AD by a devout Christian stonemason called Marinus, who took refuge there and set up a small community. Its rugged isolation helped the enclave to develop and keep its independence.San Marino - the world oldest surviving republicAn 1862 friendship and cooperation treaty with Italy, which has since been revised and expanded, reinforced San Marino's independence.Tourism dominates the economy of the 61 square kilometre (23.6 square miles) republic, which plays host to more than three million visitors every year.Postage stamps and coins - keenly sought by collectors - are important sources of revenue.As one of Europe's tax havens, San Marino has traditionally attracted a large inflow of cash from non-residents, but in the wake of the global financial crisis of 2008-9 this status has come increasingly under threat, and the republic has pledged to make its banking system more transparent.FactsFull name: Republic of San MarinoPopulation: 31,500 (UN, 2011)Capital: San MarinoArea: 61.2 sq km (23.6 sq miles)Major language: ItalianMajor religions: ChristianityLife expectancy: 77 years (men), 84 years (women)Monetary unit: euroMain exports: Wine, ceramics, furniture, craft goodsInternet domain: .smGNI per capita: $50, 670 (World Bank 2009)International dialling code: +378LeadersSan Marino's constitution provides for a parliamentary style of government.The 60-member Great and General Council is elected every five years. It is headed by two captains-regent, who are elected by the council every six months and act as heads of state for that period.The 10-member Congress of State is elected by the Great and General Council and exercises executive power.MediaPressLa Tribuna Sammarinese - dailySanMarinoNotizie - online newsTV, RadioSan Marino RTV - state-runTimelineA chronology of key events:AD 301 - According to tradition, San Marino is founded by Marinus, a Christian stonemason seeking refuge from religious persecution on Mount Titano.1243 - The first Captains Regent - acting as joint heads of state - are appointed.1463 - The Pope awards the towns of Fiorentino, Montegiardino and Serravalle to San Marino. The town of Faetano joins the republic in 1464, defining its present-day borders.1503 - Cesare Borgia occupies San Marino for several months until his death.1599 - San Marino's constitution, which provides for a parliamentary government, is laid out in the Statutes of 1600.1631 - Papacy recognises San Marino's independence.1739 - Cardinal Alberoni's forces occupy San Marino. But after a civildisobendience campaign and appeals to the Vatican, the Pope restores San Marino's independence.1797 - Napoleon invades Italy, but respects the rights of San Marino. Independence recognised1815 - Congress of Vienna, which follows the Napoleonic Wars, recognises San Marino's independence.1849 - San Marino gives refuge from Austrian forces to Italian soldier and nationalist, Garibaldi.1862 - San Marino signs customs union and treaty of friendship and cooperation with Italy.1940-45 - World War II: Neutral San Marino hosts some 100,000 refugees from neighbouring parts of Italy.1988 - San Marino joins the Council of Europe.1992 - San Marino joins the United Nations.Tax haven status2002 - San Marino signs treaty with OECD to provide greater transparency in banking and taxation, as a result of which it is removed from the OECD's blacklist list of tax havens and placed on the "grey list" (consisting of countries that have pledged to comply with rules on sharing tax information but have yet to do so).2008 July - UN adds San Marino's historic centre and Mount Titano to its World Heritage List of protected sites.2008 November - Centre-right coalition wins parliamentary election.2009 April - G20 leaders agree on tougher measures against tax havens in response to global financial crisis.2009 May - Five senior executives at San Marino's largest bank and oldest financial institution, the Cassa di Risparmio, are arrested on suspicion of money laundering.2009 July - In an effort to discourage tax evasion, Italy announces a tax amnesty for its citizens who repatriate assets held in offshore bank accounts.2009 August - San Marino government says it is taking steps to ensure the country complies with OECD rules on financial transparency so as to be removed from tax haven "grey list".。