When we talk about countries around the world, your mind might jump to vast nations like Russia, the United States, or Indonesia. But tucked inside the bustling city of Rome, Italy, lies a miniature country packed with rich stories and unique characteristics, Vatican City.
Covering only 0.44 square kilometers and home to around 800 people, Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, both in area and population.
Despite its size, this country holds immense global significance as the heart of the Roman Catholic Church. From legendary works of art to unique laws and traditions, Vatican City is not only sacred but also full of surprises.
Here are six fascinating facts about Vatican City you might not know.
1. You Can Walk Around the Entire Country in Minutes
Imagine a country you can explore on foot in under an hour. That is exactly what Vatican City offers. With an area of just 0.44 square kilometers, it provides visitors the rare opportunity to stroll through an entire country while admiring classical architecture, manicured gardens, and historic landmarks.
Despite its small size, Vatican City has its own government system, including a head of state (the Pope), its own police force, radio station, and postal office. It even issues its own stamps and passports.
2. A Country Without a Prison
One unique feature of Vatican City is its lack of a permanent prison. While there are temporary holding cells for pre-trial detention, any individual convicted of serious crimes serves their sentence in Italian prisons under the terms of the 1929 Lateran Treaty. The Vatican government covers the cost of such imprisonments.
This reflects the small-scale legal system in Vatican City, where most offenses involve minor crimes such as pickpocketing committed by tourists.
3. Swiss Guards: The Most Iconic Uniformed Soldiers
Since 1506, the Pope has been protected by an elite group known as the Swiss Guard. Known for their vibrant blue, red, and yellow striped uniforms, they are one of the most recognizable symbols of Vatican City. But don’t be fooled by their artistic attire, these guards undergo military training and are tasked with the serious responsibility of protecting the Pope and the properties of the Holy See.
To join the Swiss Guard, a candidate must be a male Swiss Catholic, between 19 and 30 years old, at least 174 cm tall, and must have completed military training in Switzerland.
4. No One Is Born a Citizen of Vatican City
Vatican City has no hospitals or maternity wards, meaning no one can be born a citizen. Citizenship is granted based on official appointment to serve the Holy See. Individuals appointed as clergy members, diplomats, or guards are granted citizenship for the duration of their service.
Once their service ends, their citizenship is also revoked. This makes Vatican citizenship one of the most exclusive and temporary in the world.
5. An ATM with Latin Instructions
As the only country that still officially uses Latin, Vatican City preserves this linguistic heritage in an unexpected way, through its ATM machines. The ATMs at the Vatican Bank offer Latin as one of the language options.
Though Italian is the daily spoken language, Latin plays a crucial role in Vatican liturgy and official documentation. This small detail reflects the city's reverence for its historical and religious traditions.
6. Home to the World's Shortest Railway
Vatican City also has its own railway system, the shortest in the world. Built during the pontificate of Pope Pius XI, the railway features two 300-meter-long tracks and only one station: Città Vaticano.
This railway is not intended for passenger transport but is used for logistical purposes like transporting goods and equipment. Though rarely used, the railway stands as another example of Vatican City functioning as a fully independent state.
Tiny But Influential
Despite its small size, Vatican City is a powerful symbol of history, spirituality, and governance. With its colorful guards, Latin-speaking ATMs, and rail tracks less than half a kilometer long, the city-state is packed with charm and curiosity.
If you ever find yourself in Rome, don't miss the chance to visit Vatican City. Who knows? A one-hour walk through the world’s smallest country might turn out to be the most memorable journey of your life.
