By: Afeez Ganiyu (AFOX
Do you know that Vatican City is the smallest independent country in the world in terms of population and size. It is one of those few nations that refuse to join the United Nations. Vatican City! The Christendom city, the International headquarters of Catholic Faith Wolrdwide where Pope Francis resides. It is a wonder that in spite of the sacredness of this city, people still commit huge crimes. As a matter of fact, there are many amazing things and secret about Vatican City noteworthy of knowing. Here are they.
The Vatican City is an ecclesiastical monarchical state headed by the Pope. The nation is located in Rome, Italy and the capital is also Vatican City. The whole country size is not more than 0.17 sq. m. (0.44 km²), with the population of less than a thousand people. Vatican City officially proclaimed independence when the popular dictator Benito Mussolini created it on the 11th of February 1929 through the signing of Lateran Treaty. Since then, the Vatican is ruled by the Pope, basically a non-hereditary, elected monarch who rules with absolute authority. Presently the only absolute Monarch in Europe.
The country is so small that the entire country does not have a single street address. Though Vatican City may be small, but it is very powerful. It is the sovereign territory that receive much respect from the international communities.
Another unique thing about the smallest country in the world is that it has no permanent citizens. Citizenship of the Vatican City is conferred upon those who work at the Vatican (as well as their spouses and children) and is revoked when they stop working there.
Do you know that there is a legendary story being kept away from the archive of the City. That is the Legend of Pope Joan, the only female Pope who disguised as a man. This is one of the Vatican’s most prominent mysteries. Pope Joan was said to be the first and only female Pope who disguised herself as a monk. Thanks to her academic prowess, she progressed through the ranks of society, and she eventually climed to the top most position in the church, all the while disguised as a man. Surprisingly, during her time as World Pope, she became pregnant. She eventually gave birth in the most public on the street of Rome, when she fell from a horse during the Easter procession. Clearly, at that point her secret identity became an open-secret and She was stoned to death and her existence apparently removed from the Vatican Archives. Although many historians are still having a controversy on the authenticity of this story but behind any rumor there is definitely an iota of truth.
It is worthy of emphasis that Vatican City has the highest crime rate in the world. It’s not that the cardinals are donning masks and repeatedly robbing the bank, it’s just that the massive crowds of tourists make Vatican City a pickpocket’s paradise. Most of these criminals are not residents but people who come in through Italy. The situation is complicated by the fact that the Vatican has no working prison and there is only one judge. Although, Italian authorities assist in the dispensation of justice. 
Aerial View Of The Apostolic Palace, The Office Of Pope
Economically, the Vatican needs several hundred million dollars per year to run the country. The country’s economy is unique. It is the only non-commercial economy in the world. Instead, the Vatican City is supported financially by contributions of Catholics worldwide. Its major financial responsibilities include running international embassies, paying for the pope’s travels around the world, maintaining ancient cathedrals, and donating considerable resources to schools, churches, and health care centers. So where does that money come from apart from church donations? Through the selling of books, stamps, and souvenirs, museums and tourism.
Also, do you know that the official languages of the Vatican City are Latin and Italian. In fact, its ATMs are the only ones in the world that offer services in Latin Language.
Last but not the least, as a churchly paradise, the People of the Vatican City pay no taxes. Can you now see there are wonders in the Vatican!
Written By: Afeez Ganiyu (AFOX)
