San Marino
About San Marino
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Language | Italian |
| Capital | San Marino |
The Republic of San Marino is located in southern Europe, surrounded by Italy and is one of the smallest countries in the world. The population is approximately 32,000 people.
Although the country is not a member of the European Union, they are allowed to use the Euro as the official currency.
San Marino’s government is a republic. A council of 60 members, with a Great and General Council, is elected to five-year terms by the general public. Two heads of state, referred to as captains-regent, are elected by the Council every six months, serving six-month terms. The head of the government is the Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs.
Tourism dominates the economy. San Marino became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008. Travellers can see castles, medieval architecture, churches and small museums. Of interest, San Marino produces stamps and coins which attract collectors throughout the world.
Recommended Vaccinations For San Marino
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B Vaccine
Because there is significant risk of infection with hepatitis B, vaccination is recommended.
Hepatitis A Vaccine
Although the risk for hepatitis A is low, the vaccination is recommended.
For Some Travellers
Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
A dose of Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is recommended for infants aged 6 to 11 months.
Rabies Vaccine
Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers whose activities or employment may bring them into direct contact with bats (i.e. adventure travellers, veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers, etc.).
Recommended Medications For San Marino
There are no recommendations for San Marino at this time.
Diseases To Be Aware of for San Marino
For Most Travellers
Hepatitis B
There is significant risk for hepatitis B in San Marino.
Hepatitis A
There is low risk for hepatitis A in San Marino.
For Some Travellers
Rabies
Rabies has not been reported in San Marino and is considered a low risk for travellers, However, it may occur in bats.
Safety & Security in San Marino
Personal Safety
San Marino is one of the world’s safest countries for personal safety. The microstate has exceptionally low crime rates, with a homicide rate that has remained at zero incidents per 100,000 people for years. Crime against both residents and tourists is very rare. Petty crimes like pickpocketing occasionally occur, particularly in tourist-heavy areas, but basic precautions such as keeping valuables secure are sufficient to deter them. Violent crime is almost nonexistent. The country’s Civil Police force is responsible for domestic security and criminal investigation, and San Marino’s low population and effective law enforcement combine to create an extremely safe environment. While some international travel advisories mention a general risk of terrorism in Europe, there is very little specific risk of terrorism in San Marino. The small country does not play a major role in geopolitics, making it an unlikely target. Residents and visitors feel safe walking anywhere in the country, even at night. However, avoid hiking at night due to potential injury risk from terrain rather than crime concerns.
Extreme Violence
San Marino has virtually no threat of extreme violence. Violent crimes such as assault, rape, murder, and armed robbery are exceptionally rare. The country has maintained a homicide rate of zero incidents per 100,000 people for years. The small country is one of the least incarcerated nations in the world. As recently as 2011, only one prisoner was incarcerated in the entire nation. There are no known homegrown terrorism cells, and the country’s small size and limited geopolitical significance make it an unlikely target for terrorist attacks. While general European terrorism advisories apply, the actual risk in San Marino remains very low. The government coordinates with three law enforcement agencies including the Gendarmeria, Civil Police, and Fortress Guard to maintain security. San Marino’s tourism-based economy and geographic position have led authorities to implement strong security measures to prevent organized crime and terrorism. Law enforcement agencies are trained to properly respond to and identify any discrimination or violence. The country’s stable political environment and robust rule of law contribute to the absence of civil unrest or politically motivated violence.
Political Unrest
San Marino is a parliamentary democracy with a highly stable political environment. The country has a political stability index score of 1.18 out of 2.5, well above the world average. Political rights and civil liberties are generally upheld, and the country has undergone peaceful transfers of power between rival political parties in recent years. General elections held in June 2024 proceeded smoothly following established democratic procedures. Multiple opposition groups are represented in the Great and General Council, and there are no restrictions preventing opposition parties from gaining support through elections. The country has no history of protests, riots, civil unrest, or politically motivated violence. San Marino’s government exercises its powers without improper interference from unelected entities, and the judiciary operates independently. While corruption has been a concern in the past, with some high-ranking officials convicted of bribery and money laundering, the government has launched programs to combat corruption and strengthen anticorruption frameworks. The political choices of voters and candidates remain free from undue pressure. The stable democratic system, rule of law, and absence of political violence make San Marino one of the most politically secure destinations in the world.
Areas To Avoid
There are no areas you need to avoid in San Marino. The entire country is exceptionally safe, and residents and visitors feel comfortable walking anywhere, even at night. The country is so small at only 61 square kilometers that it is almost universally safe throughout its territory. The historic Old Town on Monte Titano, which attracts most tourists, is particularly secure. The nine municipalities that make up San Marino, both on the hill and in the valley below, maintain consistently high safety standards. The mountainous terrain poses natural hazards rather than security concerns. You should exercise caution when hiking in mountainous areas, particularly at night, due to the risk of injury from steep terrain, darkness, and fog rather than crime. Like other parts of the Mediterranean, San Marino faces wildfire risk during summer months, though fires are not as intense as in more arid regions. If wildfires occur in an area, avoid those locations and stay indoors if you have respiratory issues. The country’s compact size means you can easily stay informed about any environmental hazards through local news and adjust your plans accordingly.