By News18,Surbhi Pathak

Copyright news18

Vatican City is truly one of the world’s wonders. It’s not just the smallest independent country on Earth—it’s smaller than most vegetable markets in India! Covering just 0.44 sq km (about 44 hectares) and home to only 882 people, it sits entirely within Rome yet serves as the spiritual heart of the Catholic Church.
Here, no one is born a citizen. Citizenship is based on work—priests, cardinals, or Swiss Guards qualify. Residents mainly come from Italy, Spain, the Philippines, and other countries. Out of 882 people, 453 are citizens living in Vatican City; the rest live abroad. Despite its tiny population, over 5 million tourists visit every year.
Vatican boasts the world’s largest church, St. Peter’s Basilica, featuring Michelangelo’s masterpiece The Last Judgment. The Vatican Museums house over 70,000 priceless artworks. Surprisingly, there are no jails—criminals are deported to Italy—but it has one of the highest per-capita crime rates worldwide!
Vatican produces its own wine, the famous “Château de Castello,” mainly served to guests. Security is handled by the Swiss Guard, 110 highly trained soldiers in colourful uniforms designed by Michelangelo, protecting the Pope since 1506. The Vatican also has its own radio station, post office, currency (Vatican Euro), and even a football team.
Despite its fame, Vatican City has no airport or railway station. Everything is done on foot or using electric cars. Tiny yet extraordinary, this enclave proves that size doesn’t limit history, culture, or influence.