San Marino

San Marino - Is officially known as Most Serene Republic of San Marino. San Marino is a European Country and is completely surrounded by Italy which means it has no ports of sea. San Marino is the 3rd smallest state in Europe. San Marino claims it was founded by a Christian stonemason named Marinus in A.D. 301. By the mid-5th century, a community was formed; because of its relatively inaccessible location and its poverty, it has succeeded, with a few brief interruptions, in maintaining its independence. In 1631 its independence was recognized by the Papacy. The government of San Marino made United States President Abraham Lincoln an honorary citizen. He wrote in reply, saying that the republic proved that "government founded on republican principles is capable of being so administered as to be secure and enduring. San Marino's foreign policy is aligned with that of Italy, social and political trends in the republic also track closely with those of Italy. Although San Marino is not a European Union member, it is allowed to use the euro as its currency by arrangement with the Council of the European Union; it is also granted the right to use its own designs on the national side of the euro coins. Tourism over 50% of Gross Domestic Product. In 2006 more than 2.1 million tourists visited San Marino. The key industries are banking, clothing and apparel, electronics, and ceramics. Main agricultural products are wine and cheeses.