Nation on Top of a Hill: San Marino

Originally established as a refuge from Diocletian’s persecution of Christians in 301, today San Marino is the world’s smallest republic with only 30,000 people.  It is totally surrounded by Italy in its remote mountain three-peak stronghold.  It has the world’s oldest constitution.  Access is from the Italian city of Rimini.  Italian is the language; Euro is the currency; calling code is +378. 

And yes, there's a hostel here, too.  There will probably be more by the time you get there.  Things are happening that fast.  Life is just one big camp-out.