Europe In All Its (Small) States

San Marino is the oldest republic in the world. In the year 301, Saint Marinus founded the small city-state on the rock massif of Monte Titano not far from the Italian Adriatic coast. However, the 34,000 inhabitants do not want to rest on their laurels. They gaze is directed towards the future: their focus on sustainability. San Marino has made its mission to promote biological diversity on the almost 62 square kilometer small national territory. Animal and plant species that have adapted to the diverse landscape cavort in this tiny area. To preserve the natural beauty of their little patch of earth, all San Marinese want to do their bit. Young grain farmers sow old varieties again, a family saves a regional pig breed from extinction and a small community of nuns transforms the inner courtyard of their medieval monastery into a garden dream.