History and Government
History
San Marino is the only surviving Italian city-state. Like Andorra, Liechtenstein and Monaco, it is an anachronism, a reminder of the times when Europe – particularly Germany, Italy and the Pyrenees – was made up of tiny political units, often extending no further than a cannon could fire from a city’s walls. Of all the small European countries, San Marino’s survival is the most surprising. Apart from the Vatican City (whose development followed a different course), it is the only one that is completely surrounded by one other country. Various treaties of friendship have been signed with Italy since the latter’s unification, but San Marino proudly asserts its independence where possible. It has been a full member of the Council of Europe since 1988, and chaired the organisation during the first half of 1990.
Domestically, San Marino has evolved a pluralistic system of government similar to that in Italy. The major political parties are the Progressive Democrats (ex-communists), Socialists, Christian Democrats, Social Democrats and the leftist Partito Socialista Unitario. The most recent election in 2001 returned, for the fourth time in a row, a centre-right coalition of Christian Democrats and Socialists, excluding the Communists who are the main left-wing party.
Government
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.
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