6 interesting facts about the world's smallest country.

Despite its modest size, the Vatican is considered one of the most powerful states today. Situated on a hill just outside the northwest gates of ancient Rome, it is the official residence of the Pope and other religious dignitaries of the Catholic Church. With an area of ​​only 0.44 square kilometers.²With a size of only 1/8 that of Central Park in New York City and a population of around 1,000 people, Vatican City is the world's smallest country and holds many fascinating facts that not everyone knows.

1. A separate country located in the heart of Italy.

The Vatican was established in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty as the successor to the larger Papal State, which existed from 756 to 1870 AD and was a theocratic monarchy. The Pope is the head of state and the head of government of the Vatican; he is the only absolute monarch in Europe, non-hereditary, and holds supreme legislative, executive, and judicial power.

The Vatican's currency is the Euro, and the country has its own stamps, passports, license plates, flag, and anthem. One thing this government lacks is a tax system. Revenue comes from museum entrance fees, stamps, souvenirs, and donations from various organizations.

2. St. Peter's Church was formerly an ancient cemetery.

In ancient Roman times, the empire's cemetery was located on Vatican Hill. In 64 AD, after a fire razed the city, Emperor Nero sought to blame all Christians for the fire. He executed them in various ways. Among them, Saint Peter, the leader of Jesus' apostles and the first bishop of the Roman Empire, was buried on Vatican Hill.

By the 4th century, when Christianity was legally recognized in Rome, Emperor Constantine began constructing a church on the ancient tomb and resting place of Saint Peter. Construction of the church reportedly began in the 1500s.

3. The Pope has not left the Vatican in 60 years.

When the Vatican was a state within Italy called the Papal States, the popes consistently refused to be incorporated under Italian control. Pope Pius IX (reign: 1846-1878) once declared himself a "prisoner in the Vatican." For the past 60 years, successive popes have remained outside the Vatican, subject to Italian government control. When Italian troops were present in St. Peter's Square, the popes did not appear on the balcony and refused to bless them.

4. The panoramic view from the top of St. Peter's Basilica.

The ideal spot to admire the entire Vatican is to climb to the top of St. Peter's Basilica. From there, you can see 61 of the Vatican's main buildings.

These structures were built sequentially over the past thousand years, from St. Peter's crypt to churches, chapels, papal palaces, museums, squares, and even governor's residences, helicopter landing pads, train stations, and the road system within the Vatican...

5. Swiss soldiers were hired as part of the national army.

Upon arriving at the Vatican, visitors are likely to encounter The Swiss Guard – the Swiss guard. Dressed in colorful Renaissance-style uniforms, they began protecting the Pope in 1506. That was when Pope Julius II ascended to the throne; following in the footsteps of many prominent figures in Europe, he hired a Swiss army to ensure his safety.

This unit regularly patrols and maintains a tight guard over the entire Vatican City State. They are well-trained, strong, disciplined, and expert marksmen. Naturally, all members of the unit are Swiss.

6. The country with the highest number of tourists in the world.

As of 2015, the estimated population of Vatican City was around 1,000 people. With up to 5 million tourists per year, Vatican City became the most visited country in the world on a per capita basis.

The Vatican population includes cardinals, members of the Swiss Guard, members of the clergy, and a nun within the Vatican. Additionally, there are members of the clergy serving in diplomatic missions abroad.

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