San Marino has be occupied twice in it's history the last time around
1730 if I remember correctly. The pope interceded to end the
occupation, (and damn it I don't remember who did the occupying).
Bob Shell wrote:
On Wednesday, October 19, 2005, at 11:26 AM, DagT wrote:
No, Iceland is.
DagT
"Settled by Norwegian and Celtic (Scottish and Irish) immigrants
during the late 9th and 10th centuries A.D., Iceland boasts the
world's oldest functioning legislative assembly, the Althing,
established in 930. Independent for over 300 years, Iceland was
subsequently ruled by Norway and Denmark. Fallout from the Askja
volcano of 1875 devastated the Icelandic economy and caused widespread
famine. Over the next quarter century, 20% of the island's population
emigrated, mostly to Canada and the US. Limited home rule from Denmark
was granted in 1874 and complete independence attained in 1944.
Literacy, longevity, income, and social cohesion are first-rate by
world standards."
Since San Marino was founded in 301 and Iceland's Althing in 930, I
don't see how Iceland can claim to be an older republic. Plus San
Marino has never been defeated in battle or occupied, much less ruled
by another country. Even Mussolini (regarded as a hero in San Marino)
left them alone.
Bob
--
When you're worried or in doubt,
Run in circles, (scream and shout).
