The smallest Army of the World

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The smallest Army of the World


The dwarf Republic of San Marino is located in the south of Europe, on the slopes of Mount Titano (738 m) and is surrounded on all sides by the territory of Italy (Marche and Emilia-Romagna regions). San Marino Square - 60,57 Sq. km, which is divided into the so-called "locks" or districts: San Marino, Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Kiesanuova, Montegardino and Serravalle. The capital of the Republic - the city of San Marino - is located almost at the top of Mount Titano. Here live 4,5 thousand inhabitants. The Adriatic Sea and the city of Rimini - 22 km. The population - sanmarintsy - about 30 thousand people. 95% - Catholics, 19% - Italians. More than 3 million tourists from all over the world come to San Marino each year to see medieval monuments (both real and imitated), the government palace and the Walloon palace, the churches of San Francesco and San Quirino, to see the ruins of the castles of Guaita, Chest and Montale, admire the sea distances from observation platforms, and finally, send home a postcard with a local postage stamp.



According to the legend of the formation of San Marino, a Dalmatian stonecutter named Marino, who came from the island of Rab in modern Croatia, settled here with a group of Christians who supported him to avoid the persecution of Emperor Diocletian.

Despite repeated attempts to conquer San Marino (neighboring cities and papal state) thanks to the proud spirit of its people, the inaccessibility of the territory surrounded by a triple belt of fortress walls, and the brilliant leadership of the state of San Marino has maintained its independence for many centuries. In matters of foreign policy, the Republic of San Marino also maintains neutrality and makes decisions on political asylum issues on its territory. It has its own army, which is a military unit with special functions. For the protection of members of parliament, a national guard, armed with swords, was created in 1740, and a gendarmerie was established to maintain public order. San Marino has its own national flag, but no money. Since 1953, a contract has been concluded with Italy, according to which the latter pays money compensation to San Marino for the absence of its currency and restrictions in construction (casino, radio stations), which, however, was canceled in 1987. But the postage stamp of San Marino is known and appreciated by philatelists.



The state of San Marino has not entered the European Union, but minted a European coin with the image of its main attractions on one of its sides. Few people know about San Marino, which is located next door to San Marino, even more tiny, but charming. Medieval politician and philosopher Machiavelli called the castle of San Leo, which has reached our days, the most beautiful military redoubt in Italy. And for Dante, the castle, the sheer bastions of which tower above the graceful cobbled square of the town, served as an inspiration for writing some parts of “Purgatory”.

Area - 61 km.
Population - 25 thousand people
Official language is Italian




In 64, when Rome was destroyed by a great fire, the emperor Nero blamed the Christians for this. Since then, for many years they have been subjected to persecutions and painful executions. The legend says that in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities, stone-mason Marino and his friends took refuge in the Apennines, on top of Monte Titano. Soon the community proclaimed independence. So on the Italian land arose the most ancient European state. Later, the Catholic Church listed Christian Marino as a saint. From here comes the name of the state of San Marino (literally “Saint Marino”) existing from 301.




Almost all the indigenous people of this tiny country are relatives by marriage, blood relatives, or, finally, just good neighbors and acquaintances. In other words, the population of the state represents a few overgrown large patriarchal families. Traditionally, twice a year, heads of families meet to discuss family issues in an informal setting. Sanmarins consider such meetings, perhaps, to be more authoritative than the meetings of the Sanmarin Parliament, the Grand General Council.



The heads of state in San Marino are two captains-regent. It has long been established tradition that every sanmarinets, referring even to one of the co-rulers, had to use the plural. According to linguists, it was from San Marino that the custom of using the pronoun "you" for polite treatment spread throughout Europe.

Naturally, with such nepotism it is very difficult to be impartial in court proceedings. Therefore, under the law and in the name of justice, only foreigners can work here as policemen and judges. The population of this tiny country is employed in small engineering and chemical industries, in agriculture and tourist services, and they can be up to 3 million per year!



During the First World War, the Republic of San Marino became an ally of the Entente; 15 soldiers got under arms. During the Second World War, the republic declared neutrality, but this did not save it from the two-week German occupation. Nowadays, 51 soldiers and an 34 officer serve in the army of San Marino. Four times a year, a military parade is held. In the narrow streets of the capital - the city of San Marino to the music are soldiers, dressed in bright uniforms and armed with carbines of the XIX century.



The Republic of San Marino is surrounded on all sides by Italian territory. In order to visit Rome, Venice or spend a day on the beaches of the Adriatic Sea, it is enough to buy a ticket on the train. The railway tunnel passes under the mountain of Monte Titano. However, relations with Italy were not always cloudless, and borders were “transparent”. In 1951, the San Marino government decided to open a casino (gambling house) and build a powerful television and radio station. Italy protested and announced the blockade of San Marino. For several months the borders were closed, and in the end the dwarf state yielded to force.
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    1. dred
      -1
      5 January 2012 18: 39
      Truly a small army.

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