State structure and political system of San Marino
The republican system took shape in San Marino at the turn of the 13th-14th centuries, which allows it to be considered the oldest independent republic in the world. The Constitution adopted in 1600 and supplemented by the electoral law of 1926 is in force. It is administratively divided into 9 municipal districts (“castles”): Acquaviva, Borgo Maggiore, Chiesanuova, Domagnano, Faetano, Fiorentino, Monte Giardino, San Marino and Serravalle. Main cities: the capital of San Marino, the industrial center of Serravalle (more than 7 thousand people) and Borgo Maggiore. Public administration is based on a civil law system close to that of Italy. The supreme body of legislative power is the Grand General Council (BGS) – a unicameral parliament of 60 people elected for 5 years by universal suffrage on party lists on the basis of proportional representation. The highest body of executive power is the State Congress (10 secretaries of state), elected from the BGS. The functions of the head of state are entrusted to two equal captains-regents, who are replaced every six months. A number of functions of the head of government are performed by the Secretary of State for Foreign and Political Affairs, elected for 5 years (since 2002 he has been F. Stolfi). Local governments are councils with a term of office of 5 years and captains with a term of office of 2 years. The right to vote (introduced for men in 1909, for women in 1960) is enjoyed by citizens who have reached the age of 18. elected for 5 years (since 2002 he is F. Stolfi). Local governments are councils with a term of office of 5 years and captains with a term of office of 2 years. The right to vote (introduced for men in 1909, for women in 1960) is enjoyed by citizens who have reached the age of 18. elected for 5 years (since 2002 he is F. Stolfi). Local governments are councils with a term of office of 5 years and captains with a term of office of 2 years. The right to vote (introduced for men in 1909, for women in 1960) is enjoyed by citizens who have reached the age of 18. Check computerminus for political system of San Marino.
In the post-war party system, left-wing forces traditionally occupy an important place. In 1945–57 and in 1978–86, coalition governments headed by communists and socialists were in power; in other periods, leadership passed to the Christian Democrats, who formed governments with the participation of the left. In the 2001 elections, the CDA received 41.4% of the vote (25 seats in parliament), the SP – 24.2% (15), the Democratic Party – 20.8% (12). Domestic politics are usually influenced by the processes taking place in Italy. In foreign policy, the country adheres to the principles of neutrality. There is no compulsory military service, but citizens aged 16-55 can be called up to defend the Fatherland. The armed forces consist of a corps of volunteers and a paramilitary gendarmerie.
San Marino has consular relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in 1956).
Economy of San Marino
The main branch of the economy is tourism, the income from which is approx. 1/2 GDP. More than 3 million tourists visit the country every year, leaving St. $250 million Other strong industries include ready-made dresses, electronics, and ceramics. In terms of per capita income ($34.6 thousand) and consumer standard, San Marino is at the level of highly developed regions of Italy. The country does not have a national accounting system; according to the IMF, the volume of its GDP, taking into account the purchasing power of currencies in 2001, was 940 million dollars, the economic growth rate was 7.5%. Unemployment – 2.6%, inflation – 3.3%.
In the structure of employment, industry accounts for 42% (including manufacturing industries – over 30%), agriculture – 1%, and services – 57%. Among the extractive industries, the extraction of building stone and sulfur (exported) stand out, a significant part of the enterprises of the manufacturing industries work in cooperation with Italian firms. Wood and equipment for its processing, chemicals, tiles, varnishes, etc. are also exported. The energy economy is based on gas and more than 3/4 is provided by supplies from Italy. The basis of agriculture is intensive farming. Wheat, barley, grapes, corn, olives are cultivated on more than 60% of the territory. Animal husbandry also has an intensive character – livestock breeding (cattle, sheep, pigs) and poultry. Pastures outside the country are used by agreement. Sericulture has been practiced for a long time. Olive oil, wine, green onions are exported.
San Marino’s transport links with the outside world go through the port of Rimini, with which it is connected by a 4-lane motorway and a 32 km long electrified railway. The total length of roads is 220 km. The country has no waterways, air communication. Between the capital and the city of Borgo Maggiore, a cable car with a length of 1.5 km was laid. The San Marino merchant fleet, consisting of several small ships, is based in the port of Rimini. The telephone system is included in the Italian, incl. international. There is a TV station and the Internet.
Economic policy is traditionally oriented towards maintaining budget balance. The country is characterized by a high level of spending on social security. From Ser. 19th century there is free medical care and schooling. In 2001, approx. 3% of GDP, for health care – St. 6%. 42.6% of GDP passes through the state budget (according to estimates for 2000, revenues and expenditures amounted to about 400 million dollars). In addition to tourism, the issue of collectible postage stamps (since 1847) and coins for numismatists brings significant funds. Under the 1862 agreement on a customs and postal union with Italy, San Marino is entitled to annual compensation for the renunciation of a number of state monopolies (in 2000, about $5.3 million). Military spending is approx. 700 thousand dollars a year.
San Marino’s foreign economic transactions are included in Italy’s national statistics. According to the IMF for 1996, the foreign trade balance had a positive balance of $22.6 million and a positive current account balance of $10.7 million. The main trading partner is Italy, where raw materials, consumer goods, food, and equipment come from.