SAN MARINO

History

On 22 March 1862 San Marino concluded a treaty of friendship and co-operation, including a de facto customs union with the kingdom of Italy, preserving the independence of the ancient republic, although completely surrounded by Italian territory. The treaty has been renewed, with several amendments.

Government

The legislative power is vested in the Great and General Council of 60 members elected every 5 years by popular vote. Two of these members are appointed every 6 months to act as regents ('Capitani reggenti'). The regents (who are Heads of State) exercise executive power together with the Congress of State, which comprises the regents, 3 Secretaries of State and 7 ministers, and through Commissions on social welfare, public works ets.

Law is administered by a Commissioner for civil cases and a Commissioner for criminal cases (acting with a penal judge), from whom appeals can be made to respectively a civil appeals judge and a criminal appeals judge. The highest legal authority is, in certain cases, the 'Consiglio dei XII'.

Economy

The tourist sector contributes over 50% of GDP. In 1995 more than 3.3. million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries are banking, wearing apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural products are wine and cheeses. The per capita level of output and standard of living are comparable to those of Italy, which supplies much of its food.