Western Europe, northeastern part of the Italian peninsula.

GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

61.2 sq km (23.6 sq miles).

28,753 (2002).

469.8 per sq km.

San Marino. Population: 2,822 (UN estimate 2000).

San Marino is a tiny state bordered by the Italian regions of Emilia-Romagna to the north and east and Marche to the south and west. The landscape is for the most part green with rolling hills, dominated by the three peaks of Mount Titano. Within San Marino lie the capital of the same name and eight villages.

Legislative power is vested in the Consiglio Grande e Generale (Great and General Council) which has 60 members elected by universal adult suffrage for five-year terms. The country is divided into nine ‘Castles’, representing the nine original parishes. Each is governed by a ‘Castle-Captain’, who holds office for two years. Two ‘Captain-Regents’, elected by the Council for six-month terms, act as joint heads of state.

Republic since 1599. Heads of State and Government: The Capitani Regenti elected in October 2005 are Claudio Muccioli and Antonello Bacciocchi (2nd time). The Captains Regent are elected by the Great General Council every six months.

Italian.

Roman Catholic.

Normal European courtesies and codes of conduct should be observed.

220 volts AC, 50Hz.