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San Marino claims to be the world's oldest republic still in existence, founded in A.D. 301 by a skilled builder referred to as St. Marinus. Legally part of the Roman Empire at the time, its foundation does not correspond to its legal existence. Its written constitution was adopted on October 8, 1600. The tiny nation was recognized by Napoleon's France in 1797, and by the other European nations at the 1815 Congress of Vienna.
Although a sovereign nation, it is strongly dependent on Italy, by which it has been completely surrounded since that country's unification in the 19th century.
Giuseppe Garibaldi was unifying Italy in the 1860s and took refuge from his enemies in San Marino. There he acquired aid and money and supplies to continue his campaign for unification from San Marino's citizens and leaders. In return, Garibaldi guaranteed that San Marino would always be an independent sovereign state.
Although a sovereign nation, it is strongly dependent on Italy, by which it has been completely surrounded since that country's unification in the 19th century.
Giuseppe Garibaldi was unifying Italy in the 1860s and took refuge from his enemies in San Marino. There he acquired aid and money and supplies to continue his campaign for unification from San Marino's citizens and leaders. In return, Garibaldi guaranteed that San Marino would always be an independent sovereign state.