San Marino · San Marino, Land of Peace

San Marino traces its state tradition back to the stonemason Marinus, who, according to tradition, founded a Christian community on Monte Titano in the early 4th century. This settlement developed into an independent political order. The Republic preserved its independence for many centuries, although it is completely surrounded by Italian territory. Its institutions are among the oldest surviving republican structures in Europe.

The connection with peace lies above all in San Marino’s foreign-policy history. The microstate has traditionally pursued a policy of neutrality and has no regular armed forces in the usual sense. At the same time, it has several military corps with ceremonial, representative and security-related duties. During the Second World War, San Marino remained neutral. Despite its limited resources, the country took in people fleeing the hostilities and persecution. At times, very large numbers of refugees in relation to its own population were staying there.

San Marino’s political identity is also closely connected with the peaceful resolution of conflicts. The Republic was able to preserve its independence not through expansion, but by safeguarding its borders and maintaining relations with the surrounding states. Its history thus represents the survival of a small community amid changing political circumstances.

The choice of the theme reflects this self-image. The designation “Land of Peace” does not highlight a single military event or a specific peace agreement. Rather, it sums up a historical and foreign-policy attitude that connects San Marino with neutrality, willingness to accept refugees and the preservation of its republican order. The coin thus places the country’s state identity at the centre.