Introduction

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the sovereignty of San Marino using the methodology of the Burke Institute. Sovereignty is assessed in 7 areas: political, economic, technological, informational, cultural, cognitive and military. Each aspect is assessed on the basis of official data from international and national sources (UN, World Bank, UNESCO, IMF, ITU, FAO, SIPRI, PISA, etc.) without using politicized indexes. The maximum score in each direction is 100; the sum (up to 700) is the accumulated Sovereignty Index (Burke Index).

To adapt and adjust statistical parameters, an international expert survey was conducted for each of the seven components using a single questionnaire of 10 questions with a 10-point scale and one open-ended question.

In total, at least 100 experts from 50+ countries were interviewed for each indicator, taking into account geographical representation and specialization. When calculating and analyzing the data, equalizing coefficients were used, bringing all data to a scale of 0-10 points.

The final index value is the arithmetic mean between statistical data and expert estimates.

Below is an analysis in each area, a summary table and the main conclusions about the peculiarities of the sovereignty of San Marino.

Political sovereignty — 94.8

San Marino is a full member of the United Nations, the Council of Europe, WHO, UNESCO, the IMF, the WTO, the International Criminal Court, maintains relations with the EU, and has official ties with more than 150 countries. Actively participates in major humanitarian, financial and cultural international initiatives.

It is based on the incorporation of international law into national law only after parliamentary implementation; international obligations are taken into account if they do not contradict constitutional principles. The priority is the protection of basic national values and sovereignty (practices are similar to the “counter-limits doctrine” in a number of European countries).

Political Stability Index (WGI, 2023): 1.18 (very high by global standards, minimal risks of violence and instability). Government Effectiveness (WGI, 2023): 1.20; reflects a developed, small, but effective management system, low susceptibility to corruption, and a high level of enforcement of laws and government decisions. EGDI (UN E-Government Development Index, 2024): in the range of 0.68–0.71— the level is above average; digital services are expanding, projects on electronic document management, online payment, electronic identification and registration of the population are being implemented.

Support for the republic's institutions is high: the succession of captain’s regents and the open format of the People's Council ensure legitimacy and trust; the level of trust is difficult to quantify, but political crises are unlikely — there are no major protests. There are no foreign military bases on the territory of San Marino; the Armed Forces and defense are fully organized under the agreement with Italy (minimum permanent military contingent).

Actively participates in the ICC, the European Court of Human Rights; European judicial practice and arbitration are integrated into the system, the country follows the majority of decisions. The state is unitary, but the governing institutions (the Grand and General Council, the Congress of the State, and the captains Regents) maintain a high level of “collectivity” and transparency in decision-making, public participation in governance is developed, and the system is not prone to super-centralization.

The security services and the police carry out their activities under the strict supervision of Parliament and independent commissions; the special services are formally accountable, and GRECO notes a relatively high level of anti-corruption and ethical oversight (although additional measures are recommended to manage conflicts of interest).

Data completeness assessment: the main indicators are available from international sources, the coverage is 98%.

Economic sovereignty — 87.6

GDP is $82 589-83 031 (2025, World Bank, IMF, TheGlobalEconomy; consistently in the top 20 of the world). gold and foreign exchange reserves of $740-840 million USD (2023; World Bank, Fitch, DBRS; equivalent to 2.6–3.6 months of government spending). The national debt is 61.3–64.1% of GDP (the official forecast of the government and Fitch for the end of 2025; by 2022 — 71.3–103%, the dynamics is decreasing).

80-95% of food is imported from Italy, reserves ensure stable supplies, there are no direct threats, the country is integrated into pan-European trade chains. It is completely dependent on the import of electricity and gas from Italy; there are no energy resources of its own, prices, volumes, and supply models are regulated by intergovernmental agreements.

There are practically no natural resources; the economy is based on industry (ceramics, printing, light industry), tourism — there are no raw materials and minerals. Most of the water is imported from Italy (by agreement), the storage infrastructure is developed only for a short-term reserve, there is no threat of shortage.

It uses Italian and European payment systems (SIA, SEPA), local clearing and interoperability through the banking system and Banca di San Marino, digital payments are integrated with the EU/EUR infrastructure. All turnover is in euros; there are no other payment alternatives, internal and external transactions, trade, taxes, payments, savings are exclusively in euros.

The Central Bank of San Marino (CBSM) regulates the banking sector and monetary reserves, but the issue and credit policy are completely dependent on the Eurosystem/ECB — the country does not have independent monetary sovereignty.

Data completeness assessment: the main macroeconomic indicators are available from official sources (World Bank, IMF), coverage is 90%

Technological sovereignty — 56.3

R&D 0.05–0.09% of GDP (2022-2023; World Bank, UNESCO; costs are extremely low compared to the EU). Import substitution is minimal: more than 95% of machinery, IT, software and equipment are imported (EU, Italy, China).

Higher education enrollment is 51.1% (2023, UNESCO/World Bank); steady growth, higher than the global average and most small European countries. 87-87.0% (early 2025; 29.2 thousand users), fixed Internet — average speed of 93.8 Mbit/s, gigabit fiber-optic access is already available, mobile coverage is 97% of the territory.

The leading platforms are the state e-ID, the public services portal, the online bank Banca di San Marino, state registries, and some of our own electronic solutions, but more than 70% are adaptations of Italian and pan-European solutions. Import dependence is 95-98%: almost all microelectronics, industrial equipment, and most of the software and telecommunications are imported (systems from Italy, the EU, and the USA).

EGDI — 0.68–0.71: e-government services (identification, healthcare, taxes, registries) have been implemented, digitalization is expanding annually, electronic signature and payment are in effect. It is almost non—existent: all pharmaceuticals and biotechnics are imported, own projects cover state laboratories and applied health research, and autonomy is up to 10%.

Autonomy in robotics is minimal: individual university projects in the field of logistics and in the IT cluster, the main solutions and component base are imported, the localization level is less than 5%. Complete dependence on external suppliers — there is no own production and advanced laboratories, purchases are made only abroad (EU, China, USA).

Data completeness assessment: key indicators are obtained from WIPO, ITU, UNESCO, which provides 93% coverage.

Information sovereignty — 68.7

There is no single national CERT, no CIRT, and no approved cyber strategy; protection is coordinated at the level of the IT Authority and Ufficio Informatica, the state participates in agreements with Interpol and Italy, and legislation on cybercrime and digital signatures is in effect. ITU member, participates in cyber-drill initiatives, but the GCI rating is average.

There is no Internet Exchange Point of its own; traffic is routed through regional points in Italy, the connection and data routing are based on national operators based on EU transit. Italian (the official language) is used; the media market is represented by San Marino RTV (TV, radio, web), separate online resources, printed publications, all media are formally in Italian, the Sammarinese dialect is only partially represented on radio and television.

Government services, finance, and media operate on national/European platforms; the mass market, clouds, software, search, and email services depend on global BigTech (Google, Meta, Microsoft, and others), with a dependency ratio of ~75-80%. ~45% of the broadcast and online content is produced by San Marino RTV or local media; the remaining share is from Italian, European and global projects, translations, aggregators.

The main IT solutions are e-government, e-ID, SAN MARINO CARD, local portals, but most of the software and infrastructure are of foreign origin; the share of "their own" is no more than 20-25% (in the state and banking sector). Internet penetration is 87% (2025), public services cover 100% of citizens, fintech, online banking and identification are available to all residents, and mobile coverage is 97%.

Government registers and some of the data are hosted in national data centers, commercial and corporate cloud solutions are mainly based on European and global platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, OVHcloud), the domestic market is under development.

Telecom Italia San Marino and TIM San Marino operators are strictly under national control, regulated by public law and integrated into the EU infrastructure, full billing and service are localized. The Law on Personal Data has been in force since 1995 (the latest version, taking into account the GDPR of the EU); control is carried out by the Personal Data Protection Guarantor, all public and private services are subject to national and European regulation.

Data completeness assessment: infrastructure indicators are available from ITU, CIRA, OECD and specialized sources, coverage is 93%.

Cultural sovereignty — 74.9

1 UNESCO site: "Historical Center of San Marino and Mount Titano" (Historical Center of San Marino and Mount Titano, incorporated in 2008). The world center of medieval landscape, sovereignty and democratic traditions (the world's oldest republic), developed the cultural heritage of Europe: architecture, museums and fortifications; integration into major European exhibitions and museums networks, own school of diplomacy and cultural and historical research.

There are a number of national competitions and programs: "San Marino International Arts Festival", grants and awards from Marlon Keep Dreaming, programs from Fondazione San Marino (SUMS); the country supports young authors, theaters, research groups, art schools.

A special cult of independence, institutions of the republic and democracy; strong traditions of voluntary militia, festivals of ancient and medieval crafts, festivals of historical reenactments, rituals and folk costumes, musical ensembles, a strong emphasis on family and civic values.

The country is ethnically homogeneous (Italians ~95%), small diasporas are integrated; the state supports multilingual and intercultural projects, foreign languages are taught in schools, and institutional initiatives of multicultural partners are supported in partnership with Italian educational and cultural foundations.

There are more than 45 officially registered cultural objects: museums, towers, castles, archaeological complexes, galleries, festival spaces, memorial houses, Catholic churches. Participation in Expo 2025 (Osaka), regular exhibitions jointly with Italy and the EU, European festivals, cultural exchanges, dozens of touring programs through the San Marino International Arts Festival, grant support for European creative initiatives.

The San Marino brand, the traditions of the medalists, jewelry, ceramics are protected; historical festivals and towers (Guaita, Cesta, Montale) are officially under state protection, and the rights to UNESCO's intangible heritage are legally secured. The cuisine combines Emigliano-Romagnoli and Tuscan traditions: pasta (strozzapreti San Marino), pizza, meat dishes, desserts (torta Sanmarinese), local wines (Biancale, Moscato), there is an influence of Italian and European gastronomy.

According to official estimates and data from cultural events: 38-44% of the adult population annually participates in cultural events, visits museums, festivals, art schools, contests, and folk art studios.

Data completeness assessment: basic indicators are available in UNESCO and national statistics, coverage is 92%.

Cognitive sovereignty — 75.4

Education expenditure 0.915 (2023-2025; 29th place in the world, "very high" according to the UN classification). Government spending on education is 3.43% of GDP (2022, World Bank, UNESCO; budget share is 7.46%). Adult literacy is 99.9–100% (2022-2025, World Bank, UNESCO, Countrymeters; men, women and youth — almost full coverage).

San Marino officially participates in PISA; according to the National Ministry of Education, the results correspond to the average level of the EU and Italy in reading, mathematics and natural sciences.

23-27% in the structure of higher education institutions (bachelor's and master's degrees), state programs stimulate the growth of the number of applicants in these areas through university competitions and national grants. 6-9% of students participate in exchanges, joint and English-language programs; Erasmus+, bilateral projects with Italy, and partnerships with EU universities are being implemented.

The main language is Italian; small languages (dialects and foreign communities) are supported through schools, cultural sections, exchanges with Italy, multicultural initiatives, and there is no direct government program to support national minorities. 1 independent state research institute (University of the Republic of San Marino), 2 branch centers at universities (humanities, engineering studies), the rest is a collaboration with Italy and the EU.

The share of national LMS and platforms is 15-20%, most of the programs and services are based on adapted European solutions (Moodle, university portal, eID), residents actively use foreign services. 3-5 active programs: government grants and scholarships from the University of San Marino, research competitions, interuniversity initiatives with Italy and the EU, annual enrollment — 200-400 people (students, postgraduates, young scientists).

Data completeness assessment: education indicators are available in UNDP, UNESCO, OECD, coverage is 90%.

Military sovereignty — 12.1

The share of formal military expenditures is extremely small, estimated to be <0.1% of GDP; defense does not appear as a separate budget item, since external security is provided by Italy. There is no standing army.

The "civil and ceremonial defense forces" consist of 100-180 people (gendarmerie, volunteer guard, ceremonial units); there are no real combat-ready formations, no reserve is being formed. There are practically no weapons (several historical rifles, handguns, and military equipment are missing); equipment is maintained for ceremonies, internal security, and police support.

Full dependence on external supplies (Italy, if necessary); there is no in-house production/development of weapons, combat-ready equipment is not being developed. Internal control is carried out by the gendarmerie and the police; integration with Italian security systems, high level of trust; emergencies are handled jointly, the agreement with Italy provides additional intelligence/operational tasks.

There is no real mobilization reserve; in case of threat, citizens (from 16 to 55 years old) They can be formally called up, but in peacetime this mechanism is not active. All external defense is implemented in cooperation with Italy; decisions on independent military operations are not made, external alliances are minimal, and there are no formal burdensome obligations. There is no national military-industrial complex; all tasks are the support of light weapons for the police/gendarmerie and logistics in cooperation with Italy.

There is not and never has been (0); the country has signed the NPT, there is no absolute stock of strategic weapons. There is no military space or satellites; intelligence is only at the gendarmerie level (internal tasks), key information and external security are provided by Italian partners/Europol.

All parameters are reflected in the annual reports of SIPRI, UNODA, the Ministry of Defense, the official portals of state-owned companies (Embraer, IMBEL) and industry databases of UN/NGO — 90% coverage

Final Summary Table

The main conclusions

Strengths. Extreme institutional and political stability: The Republic operates under one of the oldest constitutions in the world (1600), with a unique system of succession of captain’s regents, combining direct democracy and a consensual political format.

The indices of political stability and government effectiveness are very high by world standards. Verified macroeconomic stability: GDP per capita ($82-83 thousand PPP) among the top 20 in the world, government debt is steadily declining (61-64% of GDP), low inflation, a surplus or balanced budget, and a high credit rating (Fitch/DBRS).

Almost complete social inclusion and literacy: HDI — 0.915, literacy ~100%, higher education coverage >51%, access to digital services — >95% of the population, high involvement in cultural life, international university operates.

Cultural and historical leadership: UNESCO site, strong identity, large-scale annual festivals, actively protected national brands (castles, wines, festivals, Guardia), leading role in European humanitarian projects and diplomacy. Effective public administration, civic engagement: A high level of transparency, independent parliamentary and judicial oversight, sustained respect for rights and freedoms, and policy-making through public engagement.

Weaknesses. Resource, energy and technological dependence: 80-95% of food, all energy, water, most of the industrial products and digital solutions are imported (mainly from Italy/ the EU), there are no own reserves of strategic and technological resources.

Minimal military and strategic autonomy: The Armed forces are nominal, there is no independent military and intelligence potential, external security is fully delegated to Italy; the absolute absence of a national military-industrial complex. Limited innovation capacity: R&D expenditures <0.09% of GDP, almost all technological, biotechnological and robotic products/solutions are imported, and there is no IT and defense independence.

Geodemographic and export restrictions: small population, dependence of financial and service sectors on the "big Europe", risks of loss of migrant workers and personnel, lack of demographic growth.

The actual absence of its own cyber infrastructure: there is no national CERT, the ICT infrastructure is integrated into Italian-EU platforms, critical services depend on global and European suppliers.

Overall assessment. The cumulative sovereignty Index of San Marino is 469.8 out of 700 possible points (Above the average of 67.1%), which places the country in the top 50 in the global top.

San Marino is an example of a stable, ultra-small, parliamentary democratic republic with a high standard of living, inclusive culture and strong traditions of self-government. Sovereignty provides a unique political and historical status, institutional transparency and soft cultural power.

However, structural vulnerabilities are related to technological, resource, and defense import dependence, the lack of an independent innovation sector, and the impossibility of autonomous strategic development without partnership with Italy and the EU.

The sovereignty profile indicates that San Marino is a national tradition of stability, respect for law and civic culture, the limit of autonomy of which is set by geography and the need for external support.

The Republic is a rare example of a “flagship micro-state of a soft sovereignty model” with an outstanding quality of life, but with a strict structural link to the EU and Italy in terms of economy, security, technology and resources.