People and Society of San Marino

Nationality

Sammarinese (singular and plural)

Ethnic Groups

Sammarinese, Italian

Population

34,892

See Italy entry

Life Expectancy at Birth

San Marino consistently ranks among the highest in the world for life expectancy at birth, reflecting the microstate's exceptional standards of living, healthcare, and social stability. The average life expectancy in San Marino is approximately 85 to 86 years overall, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy hovers around 87 to 88 years, while male life expectancy averages closer to 83 to 84 years. These figures place San Marino well above global averages and on par with — or even surpassing — many of the world's wealthiest nations. Several factors contribute to this remarkable longevity. San Marino maintains a high-quality universal healthcare system that provides residents with access to comprehensive medical services, including preventive care and specialist treatment. The country benefits from its longstanding partnership with Italy in terms of healthcare infrastructure, with residents able to access Italian medical facilities as needed. The population also tends to follow a Mediterranean-style diet, rich in fresh vegetables, legumes, olive oil, and lean proteins, which is associated globally with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. San Marino's small population — approximately 34,000 to 35,000 people — allows for efficient delivery of public services and a tightly knit social environment. Low crime rates, minimal environmental pollution, and a strong sense of community contribute to the overall well-being of its citizens. The country also boasts a high per capita income and very low unemployment, both of which are well-documented correlates of longer, healthier lives. Historically, San Marino has maintained consistently high life expectancy figures over recent decades, with only modest fluctuations tied to broader regional health trends. The COVID-19 pandemic caused a temporary dip in life expectancy statistics in the early 2020s, as it did across much of Europe, but recovery has been swift and the country's figures have remained among the highest in the world. By the mid-2020s, life expectancy in San Marino had returned to and stabilized at pre-pandemic levels, consistent with trends observed across other high-income European nations. For travelers and students alike, San Marino's life expectancy statistics serve as a testament to the effectiveness of small, stable, and well-governed societies in promoting long and healthy lives for their populations.

Infant Mortality Rate

San Marino boasts one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, reflecting the microstate's exceptional standard of living, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and high level of socioeconomic development. The infant mortality rate — defined as the number of deaths of infants under one year of age per 1,000 live births — stands at approximately 1 to 2 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing San Marino consistently among the top performers globally on this critical public health indicator. This remarkably low rate is the result of several interconnected factors. San Marino provides universal access to high-quality healthcare for all residents, ensuring that expectant mothers receive comprehensive prenatal care, skilled attendance at birth, and thorough postnatal monitoring for both mother and child. The country's small population — approximately 34,000 people — allows for highly personalized medical attention and efficient delivery of health services. San Marino's strong economy, with one of the highest GDP per capita figures in Europe, means that poverty-related risk factors for infant mortality, such as malnutrition and inadequate housing, are essentially nonexistent. High levels of maternal education further contribute to healthy infant outcomes, as educated mothers are more likely to access prenatal services, follow safe infant feeding practices, and recognize early warning signs of illness. The country benefits from close ties with Italy's broader healthcare system, with residents able to access specialized medical facilities and pediatric care across the border when needed. This proximity to a large, well-developed national health system effectively extends San Marino's own medical capacity beyond what its size alone would suggest. Due to its very small number of annual births — typically fewer than 300 per year — San Marino's infant mortality statistics can fluctuate noticeably from year to year. In some years, no infant deaths are recorded at all, which can produce a reported rate of zero. International health organizations therefore often apply smoothed or averaged estimates when presenting long-term trend data for the country. Regardless of annual variation, the overall trajectory demonstrates sustained, excellent infant health outcomes consistent with San Marino's status as one of the world's most prosperous and well-governed nations.

Literacy Definition

age 10 and over can read and write

• Cahtolic90.0%
• Other10.0%

Italian

• Italian

Crime Information

See Italy entry

Criminal Penalties

See Italy entry