Why does the Republic of San Marino exist in Italy?

Answer 1

San Marino is an independent microstate completely surrounded by the country of Italy. San Marino gained independence from the Roman Empire in 301 and was the first country to be established in the world. It was also the first country to be a republic, influence from the Romans, which it remains so today. As a microstate being completely surrounded by Another Country, Italy is somewhat of a protector of San Marino. This is typical for all microstates and their neighbors. For example, Monaco and France, Andorra and France and Spain, Vatican City and Italy etc. In response, these microstates also evidently follow the politics of their much larger, more powerful neighbor. It is somewhat like a city-state of Italy, although a sovereign, self-governing nation.

Answer 2

San Marino is not 'in Italy' in the sense of being part of Italy, but it is surrounded by Italy. This was not always the case. Prior to the 1860's Italy was divided into many different countries, many of which were republics and some of which were small, including San Marino.

In the 1800's a movement was started to unify Italy. During the later phase of the unification process, San Marino served as a refuge for many people persecuted because of their support for unification. In recognition of this support, Giuseppe Garibaldi, the leader of the unification process, accepted the wish of San Marino not to be incorporated into the new Italian state.

The other 'left over' state is Monaco. The area between Monaco and the current Italian border was Italian, but became part of France, leaving Monaco isolated from the other italian states. It was thus also left out of the unification process.