Fact 1: The Smallest Independent State
Did you know the Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world? It measures approximately 44 hectares—or 110 acres—and houses over 800 citizens, making it smaller than many international shopping malls.
Fact 2: Unexpected Age of Independence
While the roots of the Vatican's spiritual significance date back over two millennia, its identity as an independent state is fairly recent. It was established as an independent state only on February 11, 1929, with the signing of the Lateran Treaty between Italy and the Holy See.
Fact 3: A Country Without a Single Birthplace
Interestingly, the Vatican City doesn't have any place for childbirth—there are no hospitals or similar facilities. This means no one is born a citizen of the Vatican City!
Fact 4: The Currency of the Vatican City
While the Vatican may proudly sport independence, when it comes to finances, it borrows Italy's currency, the Euro. It also shares the same telephone and postal system with Italy.
Fact 5: A State With No Tax Collection
You would be surprised to know that the Vatican City is one of the very few places on Earth where there is no provision for tax collection. The city-state's economy runs on museum admission fees, stamp and souvenir sales, and donations.
Fact 6: A Literate State
The Vatican City boasts a 100% literacy rate. Everybody in this tiny state can read and write, which is indeed a commendable achievement.
Fact 7: The Gigantic St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica, located within the Vatican City, is one of the largest churches in the world. It’s so big that the Statue of Liberty—even with its pedestal—could fit inside!
Fact 8: The Vatican City has its Railway Station
Yes, you read it right! The Vatican does have its railway station, known as the Vatican Railway, but it stretches just over 1km—making it one of the shortest railway systems globally.
Fact 9: The Vatican City's Unique Defense
The Vatican City is protected by the world’s smallest and oldest army, known as the Swiss Guard, which was founded in 1506. There are a little over 100 soldiers making up this army.
Fact 10: The Vatican City’s Space Observatory
The Vatican City has its astronomical observatory, known as the Vatican Observatory. It even has a piece of a moon rock that was brought back by NASA’s Apollo 17 mission.
Fact 11: In Existence Since Ancient Times
The Vatican territory stands on the traditional site of the martyrdom of Saint Peter, who was the first Bishop of Rome. This event dates the Vatican back to ancient times.
Fact 12: More Than Half a Million Tourists Visit Each Year
Despite being the smallest country, have you any idea how popular this tiny place is? It is estimated that around 5 million tourists visit the Vatican City each year.
Fact 13: The Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums, within the city's jurisdiction, are home to a vast collection of art and historical artifacts collected by the Church over many centuries, making it one of the largest museums in the world.
Fact 14: A Guinness World Record Holder
The Vatican City holds a rather peculiar world record. It has the highest crime rate in the world, but it’s mainly due to petty crimes like pickpocketing tourists. So don't worry for your safety next time you plan a visit there.
Fact 15: Their Colorful Passport
The Vatican City is one of the few states in the world which has a different passport for each rank of citizenship. The Pope’s passport, interestingly, is white!
Fact 16: Official Language
Despite being located within Italy, Vatican City’s official language is Latin. Street signs, ATM instructions, and important documents are written in this ancient language.
Fact 17: Lack of Divorce
In the Vatican City, marriage is a sacred thing, and divorce is not recognized. This goes hand-in-hand with the Roman Catholic Church’s traditional stance on the issue.
Fact 18: Incredible St. Peter's Square
St. Peter's Square, at the Vatican's epicenter, can hold about 400,000 people at a time. That's more than four times the population of Vatican City!
Fact 19: No Females in the Swiss Guard
Despite the Vatican’s progressive stances on many contemporary issues, they have a very traditional stance on who can be in the Swiss Guard—the all-important entity that protects Vatican City and the Pope. Only men are currently allowed to serve.
Fact 20: The Spectacular Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel, one of the most visited sites within the Vatican City, showcases Michelangelo's masterful artwork. The artist spent four years on his back painting the chapel's ceiling and the iconic "The Creation of Adam."