San Marino, one of the smallest nations in the world (24 square miles), prides itself on being the oldest surviving republic in the world. It is also the only one in the world to have a governmental philatelic minister. The country derives a share of its income from the sale of its popular postage stamps to eager collectors around the world. San Marino’s first stamps were issued in 1877 – definitives showing Mount Titano, a well-known local landmark with three peaks topped by castles. These peaks appear on San Marino’s coat of arms and many of its stamps. The first commemoratives of San Marino honor its Public Palace.