The smallest independent state is in Rome
In Italy there is the Vatican State that with its 44 hectares is the smallest in the world both in terms of territorial extension and number of inhabitants. It is an enclave in the territory of the Italian Republic that is inserted in the urban fabric of Rome.
The city state was created in 1929 with the Pacts Lateranensi. Here you can find out what it consists of and where it is located and also learn about its history. Finally you will have the opportunity to know what are the curiosities that concern him.
Vatican state: what is it and where is it?
The Vatican State is an independent city state located in Rome. You should know that Vatican City is governed by the Pope as it is a priestly-monarchical state. Its economy is mainly based on tourism. In fact every year millions of visitors from all over the world come to the Vatican State for its churches and museums.
Its legitimacy was established by the Lateran Pacts of 1929. The name comes from an ancient Etruscan settlement called Vatica that stood in this area. The Vatican is located on the right bank of the Tiber on a slope that was part of the ancient Vatican Hill. Its territory is partially bordered by a wall that reaches Piazza San Pietro.
The history of the Vatican State
The birth of the Vatican State took place on 11 February 1929 with the signing of the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy. This pact resolved the ambiguities of the coexistence of state and church and established the independence of Vatican City.
During the Second World War the Vatican State remained neutral. Although German troops occupied the city of Rome, the Vatican was never officially occupied. All air crews involved in the conflict had general orders to respect its neutrality. In 1984 a new concordat between the Italian state and the Holy See modified some of the previous provisions. Catholic Christianity was recognized as the Italian state religion.
Today is an absolute monarchy visited every year by millions of tourists attracted by the wonders of this little paradise.
Vatican State: curiosity
There are many curiosities concerning the Vatican State. For example, perhaps not everyone knows that unlike other states one cannot be a citizen of the Vatican by birth. Another interesting aspect concerns the protection of the Pope.
Since 1509 this task has been fulfilled by the Pontifical Swiss Guard composed of 135 Swiss soldiers. The number of official residents is 1,000, but it is the highest crime rate in the world. The crimes are mostly committed by the millions of tourists who visit this area. The official language of the Vatican State is Italian, which is used in all official matters. However, the official language of the Holy See is Latin.
For this reason in the territory of the state there is an ATM with instructions also in this language. Also you should know that in the Vatican there is a library 42 kilometers long. It is the Vatican Apostolic Library founded in 1475 by Pope Sixtus IV. It houses one of the largest collections of books in the world. But that’s not all, in fact another interesting curiosity is that the Vatican City hosts the shortest railway in the world.
Another interesting aspect is the duration of the works for the construction of St Peter’s Basilica. Its construction took 120 years. Finally, the Vatican State is the only country in the world to be entirely designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has been included in this list since 1984.
Copertina: ajonoas