San Marino

San Marino claims a founding date of AD 301, making it one of the oldest sovereign states still in existence. The nation is named after Saint Marinus, a stonemason who, according to tradition, established a monastic community on Mount Titano. Its unique political system features two Captains Regent who jointly serve as heads of state for six-month terms. This system, designed to prevent the concentration of power, alternates between representatives of opposing political parties. Throughout its long history, San Marino has maintained its independence, even amidst the shifting political landscape of Italy.