San Marino - 94.20
9
The last of Italy’s city-states
San Marino is a country steeped in tradition. It claims to be the oldest constitutional republic in the world, founded in 301. San Marino was the first country to abolish the death penalty, in 1848. San Marino’s longstanding commitment to human rights is reflected today. San Marino’s small population and competent government positions it quite well to be a major contender in the scoring.
Human Rights - 100
San Marino was the first country on Earth to abolish the death penalty. The country guarantees a full gamut of LGBT rights and abortion is legal to twelve weeks.
Democracy - 100
The State Congress, which holds most executive power, is directly elected. The largely ceremonial Captains Regent are elected by the State Congress from its own members. San Marino has no official head of state but the Secretary of State is generally regarded as such. The Great and General Council (legislature) is directly elected. Elections are free and fair and despite its small population, San Marino maintains a strong multi-party system. San Marino has strict criteria for citizenship such that much of the population are non-citizens, and only citizens can vote.
Freedom - 86
San Marino does not have hate speech laws but has very strict civil defamation laws allowing for very easy lawsuits. Sammarinese defamation laws often result in self-censorship among local journalists. San Marino does not have an official religion but at the same time does not maintain separation of church and state, as Catholic education is allowed in Sammarinese schools. Medicinal marijuana is legal in San Marino, but all other drugs are illegal. San Marino shall issue gun ownership licenses for semi-automatic rifles and handguns.
Economy - 100
Health - 100
San Marino has a life expectancy of 85 years and an infant mortality rate of 0.15%. 21.1% of Sammarinese are obese and none are malnourished. San Marino’s universal healthcare system provides high-quality healthcare to all Sammarinese and EU citizens. However, Sammarinese hospitals lack certain capabilities, so some patients are referred to hospitals in Italy. All Sammarinese have access to clean, running water.
Corruption - 81
In recent years, San Marino has been working to close gaps in its corruption legislation, as previously a number of legal loopholes allowed for corruption. The judicial system is subject to some political pressure.
Competency - 80
San Marino is heavily reliant on Italy and struggles to function as a sovereign nation without help.
Future - 85
San Marino’s continued development has been largely stable and consistent.
Actions Abroad - 83
San Marino is in the process of dismantling its tax haven and is classed by the OECD as a “tax haven in transformation.” San Marino does not maintain an expeditionary military force and maintains a military that functions similarly to a national guard. San Marino does not participate in EU sanctions against Russia and continues to do business with Russia and Russian businesses in violation of these sanctions. San Marino is heavily reliant on Italy, but is generally isolationist and maintains good relations with most nations.
No Sammarinese live below the international poverty line and 7.1% live below the national poverty line. 7.3% of Sammarinese are unemployed. San Marino has a low economic disparity. The minimum wage is $1713 per month. San Marino has a very strong universal healthcare system that provides high-quality care to all Sammarinese and EU citizens. However, Sammarinese hospitals lack certain capabilities, so some patients are referred to hospitals in Italy. San Marino’s economy grew 2.4% in 2019. No newer GDP data was available.