San Marino

Landlocked is one of the world's smallest countries. Surrounded by Italy, it is an echo from an era when city-states proliferated across Europe.

Mount Titano, part of the Appennine range, dominates 's landscape. Three defensive fortresses perch on Titano's slopes, looking out to the Adriatic coast.

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is said to be the world's oldest surviving republic.

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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.

An 1862 friendship and cooperation treaty with Italy, which has since been revised and expanded, reinforced 's independence.