A Closer Look at Vatican City State
Vatican City State Flag
Vatican City State Formation Date
February 11, 1929
Vatican City State Capital Name
The country capital of Vatican City State is Vatican City.
Vatican City State Neighbours
ItalyExploring Vatican City State
Introduction
Vatican City State, also known as the Holy See, is a small landlocked country located within the city of Rome, Italy. With an area of only 0.44 square kilometers, it is the smallest country in the world by both land area and population. However, despite its size, Vatican City State holds great significance as the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church.Key Takeaways
- Vatican City State is the smallest country in the world by both land area and population. - It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church. - The country's economy is heavily reliant on tourism and donations from Catholics worldwide.Geography
Vatican City State is located on the west bank of the Tiber River in central Rome. It is surrounded by Italy on all sides, with its only border being a 3.2-kilometer wall that separates it from the rest of Rome. The country's terrain is mostly flat, with its highest point reaching only 75 meters above sea level. As a landlocked country, Vatican City State has no natural resources to speak of. Its economy relies heavily on donations from Catholics worldwide and tourism. The climate in Vatican City State is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters. The average temperature ranges from 8°C in January to 30°C in July.Origin and History
The history of Vatican City State dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of human settlements dating back to at least 9th century BC. However, it was not until the 4th century AD that Christianity became the dominant religion in Rome and eventually led to the establishment of Vatican City State. In 1929, under the Lateran Treaty, Vatican City State was recognized as an independent state by Italy. This agreement also granted the Catholic Church full sovereignty over the country, making it the only absolute monarchy in Europe.Government and Politics
Vatican City State is an absolute monarchy with the Pope as its head of state. The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals and serves as the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The country has no formal political parties or elections, and all decisions are made by the Pope and his advisors. Vatican City State is divided into two administrative divisions: the Vatican Gardens and St. Peter's Square. The country has diplomatic relations with over 180 countries, including Italy, with whom it shares a customs union.Commerce and Economy
As mentioned earlier, Vatican City State's economy is heavily reliant on tourism and donations from Catholics worldwide. The country has no income tax, and its main source of revenue comes from the sale of stamps, coins, and souvenirs. It also has a small agricultural sector that produces fruits, vegetables, and dairy products for local consumption. The Vatican City State uses the euro as its official currency, and its economy is closely tied to that of Italy. The country has no significant trade relations with other countries due to its small size and limited resources.Demographics
Vatican City State has a population of around 800 people, making it the least populous country in the world. Most of its residents are members of the clergy or lay workers who live within the walls of Vatican City State. The majority of the population is Italian, with a small number of Swiss Guards and other nationalities. The country has a high life expectancy rate of 80 years, thanks to its excellent healthcare system. However, there is no official census data on ethnicity or religion in Vatican City State.Culture
As the spiritual center of Catholicism, Vatican City State's culture is heavily influenced by the Catholic Church. The country is home to some of the world's most renowned artworks, including Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel and Raphael's frescoes in the Vatican Museums. The Vatican also hosts various religious festivals and events throughout the year, such as the Easter and Christmas celebrations, which attract thousands of pilgrims from around the world. The country also has its own national holiday, the Feast of Saints Peter and Paul, on June 29th.Languages and Religion
Italian is the official language of Vatican City State, but Latin is still used for official documents and religious ceremonies. However, due to its small size, there are no regional dialects spoken in the country. As the center of Catholicism, Vatican City State is a predominantly Catholic country. However, there is also a small community of non-Catholic Christians and Jews living within its walls.Education and Healthcare Systems
Vatican City State has a well-developed education system, with several primary and secondary schools run by the Catholic Church. The country also has its own university, the Pontifical Gregorian University, which offers degrees in theology and philosophy. The healthcare system in Vatican City State is considered one of the best in the world. The country has several hospitals and clinics that provide free healthcare to its residents and employees. There is also a pharmacy located within the walls of Vatican City State that offers free medication to those in need.Sports and Recreation
Sports are not a significant part of Vatican City State's culture due to its small size. However, the country does have a football team made up of Swiss Guards who play friendly matches against other teams in Rome. Vatican City State also has a small recreational area known as the Vatican Gardens, which is open to visitors. It is home to various plants and sculptures, making it a peaceful retreat within the bustling city.Tourism
Tourism is the primary source of income for Vatican City State. The country attracts millions of visitors each year who come to see its religious and cultural attractions, such as St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel. Visitors can also attend the Pope's weekly audience and receive his blessing in St. Peter's Square. The country has a well-developed tourism infrastructure, with various hotels, restaurants, and transportation options available for tourists.Travel Information for Foreign Visitors
To enter Vatican City State, foreign visitors must have a valid passport. However, as it is located within Italy, there are no separate visa requirements for Vatican City State. The country has a low crime rate, but visitors should still exercise caution and be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas. As a religious country, visitors are expected to dress modestly when visiting religious sites. It is also customary to cover one's shoulders and knees when entering churches and other religious buildings.Some important details for travelers include:
- The official currency is the euro. - The country has no ATMs, but most businesses accept credit cards. - The official language is Italian, but English is widely spoken. - The best time to visit is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild. - Prices for food and accommodation tend to be higher in Vatican City State than in other parts of Rome.Quotes
"Rome will lose the faith and become the seat of the Antichrist." - Prophecy of St. Francis of Assisi about Vatican City State. "Vatican City State is not just a geographical location; it is a symbol of faith and hope for millions of Catholics worldwide." - Pope Francis.Conclusion
Vatican City State may be the smallest country in the world, but it holds great significance as the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church. Its rich history, cultural heritage, and well-developed infrastructure make it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in art, religion, and history. As the country continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly remain a top destination for tourists and a symbol of faith for Catholics worldwide.Vatican City State Highest Point Name
The highest point in Vatican City State is the dome of St. Peter's Basilica at 138.7 meters (453.2 feet) above sea level.
Vatican City State Capital Longitude
Vatican City State: Country Capital: Vatican City; Longitude: 12.45
Vatican City State Capital Latitude
Vatican City State capital is Vatican City, located at 41.9029° N, 12.4534° E.
Vatican City State Official Languages
The official language of Vatican City State is Italian.
Vatican City State Ethnic Groups
Vatican City State is composed of predominantly Catholic people of various nationalities. Most citizens are Italian, but there are also citizens from other countries around the world, including the United States, India, Bangladesh, Eritrea, Mexico, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and various other countries. The official language is Italian, and Latin is also spoken by a minority.
Vatican City State Religions
The major religion in Vatican City State is Catholicism, which is officially the State religion. Catholicism is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ and which is practiced by most of the population. The Catholic Church is headed by the Pope in Vatican City, who acts as the spiritual leader for Catholics worldwide. The Catholic Church regulates the liturgical practices, catechism, and sacraments of the faith and has a profound impact on the lives of Catholics all over the world. The Catholic Church also includes many religious orders, including Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, Carmelites, and Benedictines, among others. Other religions, including Hinduism, Judaism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam, are also present in the State.
Vatican City State Total Area
0.44 km2
Vatican City State Land Area
The land area of the Vatican City State is 0.44 km².
Vatican City State Water Area
Vatican City is completely surrounded by land, so it does not have a water area.
Vatican City State Total Population
As of May 2020, the total population of Vatican City State is 801.
Vatican City State Currency Name
Euro
Vatican City State Currency Code
Vatican City State does not have an official currency, but uses the euro as its de facto currency. The country code for the euro is EUR.
Vatican City State Currency Symbol
The Vatican City State (formally known as the State of Vatican City) is a sovereign city-state located within the Italian city of Rome, and has no official currency.
Vatican City State Time Zones
- Standard Time: UTC+01:00
- Daylight Saving Time: UTC+02:00
Vatican City State is in the Central European Time zone (UTC+01:00). daylight saving time (DST) is observed in Vatican City State from the last Sunday in March, at 1:00am UTC, until the last Sunday in October, at 1:00am UTC. During this time, the clocks are shifted forward one hour to UTC+02:00.
Vatican City State Calling Code
The Vatican City State country calling code is +379
Vatican City State Internet TLD
www.aveholidays.va
How to Say "Vatican City State" In Different Languages?
- Albanian
- Shteti i Qytetit të Vatikanit (sq-AL)
- Portuguese
- Estado da Cidade do Vaticano (pt-BR)
- Chinese (Simplified)
- 梵蒂冈城国 (zh-Hans-CN)
- Arabic
- دولة مدينة الفاتيكان (ar-EG)
- French
- État de la Cité du Vatican (fr-FR)
- German
- Staat der Vatikanstadt (de-DE)
- Greek
- Κράτος της Πόλης του Βατικανού (el-GR)
- Hindi
- व्याटिकन शहर राज्य (hi-IN)
- Indonesian
- Negara Kota Vatican (id-ID)
- Italian
- Stato della Città del Vaticano (it-IT)
- Japanese
- バチカン市国 (ja-JP)
- Urdu
- ویٹیکن شہر ریاست (ur-PK)
- Tagalog
- Estado ng Lungsod ng Vatican (tl-PH)
- Polish
- Państwo Miasta Watykanu (pl-PL)
- Russian
- Ватикан (ru-RU)
- Serbian (Latin)
- Država Vatikanski grad (sr-Latn-RS)
- Spanish
- Estado de la Ciudad del Vaticano (es-ES)
- Turkish
- Vatikan Şehir Devleti (tr-TR)
- Ukrainian
- Держава Ватиканський місто (uk-UA)
Vatican City State Popular Holidays
- Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
- 1 January
- Epiphany
- 6 January
- Feast of the Baptism of the Lord
- 12 January
- John Paul II Day
- 22 January
- Sonya's day
- 25 January
- Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes
- 11 February
- Chair of Saint Peter
- 22 February
- Saint Gregory's Day
- 12 March
- Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
- 25 March
- Lord's Supper Day
- 1 April
- Good Friday
- 2 April
- Easter Day
- 4 April
- Feast of Saint George
- 23 April
- Holy Thursday
- 1 May
- Feast of Saint Joseph The Worker
- 1 May
- Visit to the Basilica of Saint Peter
- 4 May
- Feast of the Ascension
- 13 May
- Renewal of the Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary
- 31 May
- Feast of Saints Peter and Paul
- 29 June
- Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
- 17 July
- Feast of the Assumption
- 15 August
- Feast of Saint Pius X
- 24 August
- Feast of the Birth of Our Lady
- 8 September
- Feast of Our Lady of Sorrows
- 15 September
- Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary
- 7 October
- Feast of Saints Thereses
- 15 October
- Feast of All Saints
- 1 November
- Feast of the Dedication of Saint John Lateran
- 9 November
- Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- 8 December
- Marian Jubilee
- 10 December
- Christmas
- 25 December
- Saint Stephen's Day
- 26 December