San Marino, independent nation in southern Europe. San Marino is located in the Apennine Mountains of northern Italy, near the seaside resort of Rimini on the Adriatic Sea. Entirely surrounded by Italian territory, San Marino is one of the world’s smallest countries, with a total area of only 60.5 sq km (23.4 sq mi). In Europe, only Vatican City and Monaco are smaller in area.

A rugged land, tiny San Marino is dominated by Mount Titano, a craggy limestone mountain that rises to 739 m (2,425 ft). Forests and pastures cover the foothills. High on the slopes of Titano is the old town of San Marino, the capital of the republic and a popular tourist attraction. Defensive fortifications perch atop each of Titano’s three summits. Since the early Middle Ages, San Marino’s rugged terrain, lack of natural resources, and relative isolation have helped preserve it from conquest by more powerful neighbors.