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San Marino, the oldest country in the world, has existed since 301 AD, is only 60 km² and has never lost its independence, even surrounded by Italy and resisting wars, invasions and historical changes!
Have you ever heard of a country that is smaller than many cities, but has existed for over 1.700 years? When we think of ancient civilizations, Egypt and Greece come to mind, right? But believe it or not: the title of oldest country in the world, with continuous existence, belongs to San Marino. A small republic lost in the middle of Italy, with less than 36.000 inhabitants, but with a gigantic history!
The Origin of San Marino: A Christian Mason and an Unexpected Escape
The history of this country It starts in a very unlikely way. In 301 AD, a Christian stonemason named Saint Marinus fled religious persecution in Croatia and went into hiding on Mount Titano, a mountainous region in what is now Italy. What started out as a refuge grew into a small community, and eventually became an independent state. And the most impressive thing about it? Despite its tiny size, San Marino has never been taken over by another country.
How San Marino Survived Invasions and Wars
Now, think about it: how did a country of this size manage to remain sovereign for so long? It sounds like something out of a movie! During the Napoleonic Wars, San Marino resisted foreign domination. In the 19th century, when Italy was being unified, the country remained strong and steadfast. The secret? A lot of diplomacy and a strategic location. Since it is nestled in the mountains, San Marino has always had a certain natural advantage against invaders. And of course, knew how to negotiate well their alliances over the centuries.
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A government unlike anything you've ever seen
The oldest country in the world may be small, but its politics are steeped in tradition. The country has two heads of state, known as Captains Regent, who change positions every six months. That’s right, every six months there are new leaders in power! This model dates back to the Middle Ages and helps keep the country stable. Perhaps this is one of the tricks that has kept San Marino independent for so long.
What does San Marino live on? How does the economy work?
But how does a country of this size sustain itself? The answer is simple: tourism and trade. San Marino is one of those places that seems to have stopped in time, with medieval fortresses, cobblestone streets and incredible views. It is no wonder that its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourism is so strong that many people make day trips from nearby Italian cities, such as Rimini and Bologna.
San Marino has a strong financial sector and is known for producing rare coins and stamps, highly sought after by collectors. Even though it is not part of the European Union, the country has adopted the euro as its currency, facilitating its business with Italy and other countries.
It cannot be the oldest country having emerged around 300 AD. Much BC there were powers that affected God's people, Israel, such as Egypt, Assyria... Babylon fell to Medo-Persia in 537 BC; Greece fell to Rome BC...
It is the ancient one continually existing as a country! Egypt and Greece are older, but they were colonies for a long time!
Japan has 2.685 years of uninterrupted history since its unification in 660 BC. Its island status meant that it was not invaded. At the beginning of the XNUMXth century, when the Europeans (Portuguese, Spanish, Dutch) were at the height of their conquests, they were expelled and prohibited from accessing Japan until the middle of the XNUMXth century. This meant that there was no political interruption in the country.