Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, and it is placed under the jurisdiction of the Holy See, which means it is governed by the Pope.
Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, measuring just 0.2 square miles, almost 120 times smaller than the island of Manhattan. Situated on the western bank of the Tiber River, Vatican City’s 2-mile border is landlocked by Italy.
The unbelievable and complex history of this place will amaze you as it was not always this small! Earlier, i.e., in the mid-19th century, the Papal States covered 44000 sqm approx. But, owing to the struggle for Italian unification after a decade, a majority of Papal States went on to become a part of Italy officially.
Know Some Interesting Facts About Vatican City.
1. No one is born in the country, but it has citizens
Technically, no births take place in the country as there are no hospitals here. However, citizenship is not based on birth in this country. In fact, it is granted to those who stay in the Vatican because of their office or work. Diplomats of Holy See, and cardinals who reside in Vatican City or Rome are also regarded as citizens.
2. There’s an ATM with instructions in Latin
Belonging to the Vatican bank, this has to be the only ATM with Latin instructions in the world. How many people have struggled to withdraw money from this ATM?
3. Famous for some of the world’s most popular paintings and sculptures
The city is famous for some of the world’s most popular paintings and sculptures that exist in cultural sites such as St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and Vatican Museums.
4. World’s shortest railway
With a rail network of just two 300 m tracks, Vatican City boasts of having the world’s shortest railway network. It has only one railway station, Citta Vaticano. The railway is largely used for ferrying goods. Another interesting fact about this rail network is there are no regular passenger trains on it.
5. It is the only UNESCO world heritage country
Italy has more UNESCO world heritage sites than anywhere else in the world (a great reason to book an Italy trip), but the Vatican is the only country to be entirely designated as a world heritage site.
When booking your vacation in Italy, schedule some time to see the Vatican City. As it’s located in the centre of Rome, it’s easy to get to. It’s full of artistic masterpieces from famous painters like Michelangelo and Raphael, and with all of the above facts in mind, it’s clearly a quirky place like no other.
6. St. Peter’s Basilica is the world’s 2nd largest Christian Church after the Yamoussoukro Basilica in Cote d’Ivoir
It took 120 years to complete the church and the dome of the church was designed by Michelangelo. It is 400 feet tall and 138 feet in diameter. The church is built in 18000 square yards.
7. It has its own football team
The Vatican football team consists entirely of employees of the tiny country. Police officers, postal workers, and members of the Swiss Guard have all been known to wear the team colours of yellow, blue, and white.
8. Vatican City has one of the highest crime rates in the world.
This is mainly because of the small population of the country. However, the crimes that happen in the city are of little importance and thus many of them remain unsolved. This tiny country, however, does not have a working prison and has only one judge. Thus, those who are convicted are simply marched to neighboring Italy.
9. The Vatican Museum receives approximately 5 and a half million travelers each year.
This is a huge number considering the small size of the country.
10. The Pope’s personal army has some 135 Swiss Guards.
The army has been protecting the pope for more than 500 years now.
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