San Marino lays claim to the title "the World's Oldest Republic", dating back to the 12th Century. It's tiny, only about 24 square miles, with a population of just over 30,000. It's a fully independent republic existing entirely within the state of Italy, like a secular Vatican. Its low taxes turned it into a tax haven, although in today's international financial climate, that's drawing to a close. But those Italians who live near enough still visit San Marino regularly to get terrific deals on electrical appliances, etc. Sort of Italy's Costco.