1. No Prisons in Vatican: Criminals Jailed in Italy
The Vatican City is a unique place in that it has no prison cells, meaning that those caught committing crimes, such as purse snatching and pickpocketing, are instead jailed in Italian prisons. This is due to the fact that the Vatican City is an independent state, and as such, it is not subject to the same laws and regulations as the rest of Italy. As a result, those who commit crimes within the Vatican City are subject to the laws of the Italian government, and not the Vatican City.
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Advertisement2. The Vatican City is the world's smallest country
The Vatican City is the world's smallest country, measuring just 0.44 km2, which is an area roughly 1/8th the size of New York's Central Park. This tiny nation is home to the Pope and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church, making it a major pilgrimage destination for millions of people each year. Despite its small size, the Vatican City is a sovereign state with its own government, currency, and postal system.
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3. Its Own Currency, Stamps, & Plates!
The Vatican is a unique city-state, with its own set of rules and regulations. It has its own currency, the euro, which it mints itself, and its own stamps and license plates. Despite this, it does not impose any taxes on its citizens, making it a truly independent and self-sustaining city-state. This is a remarkable feat, considering the Vatican is the smallest country in the world, with a population of just over 800 people.
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4. Vatican City creates law for 'residents' only
In 2011, the Vatican City created a law that distinguished between 'residents' and citizens, with only 220 of the 800+ people living in the Vatican City being granted citizenship. This law was a major shift from the traditional understanding of the Vatican City, which had previously granted citizenship to all of its inhabitants. The new law was a reflection of the Vatican's desire to create a more exclusive and exclusive community, with only a select few being granted the privilege of citizenship.
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Advertisement5. The Vatican City: A Unique Place With A Unique Economy
The Vatican City is a unique place, with its own economy that relies solely on admissions to its museums, the sale of publications, tourist items, and the sale of postage stamps. These items are highly sought after by tourists and collectors alike, and the revenue generated from them is essential to the city's economy. The museums are filled with priceless works of art and artifacts, and the publications are filled with information about the history and culture of the Vatican. Tourist items range from souvenirs to religious items, and the postage stamps are highly sought after by collectors. All of these items contribute to the economy of the Vatican City, making it a unique and fascinating place to visit.
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6. A Monarchy with the Pope as Head
The Vatican is a monarchy, with the Pope as its head of state. As such, the Pope holds legislative, judicial and executive authority over the Vatican City State. This means that the Pope is responsible for making laws, interpreting them, and enforcing them. The Pope is also responsible for appointing the members of the government, including the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. This system of government has been in place since the founding of the Vatican City State in 1929.
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7. The History of the Papacy
For centuries, the papacy did not reside in the Vatican. Instead, the popes lived in the Lateran Palace until the 14th century, when they moved to Avignon in France. This period of papal residence in Avignon is known as the Avignon Papacy, and lasted until 1377 when the papacy returned to Rome. Since then, the Vatican has been the official residence of the pope.
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Advertisement8. The Vatican Announces New Secretariat for the Economy
In 2014, the Vatican made a groundbreaking announcement: the establishment of a Secretariat for the Economy, which would be responsible for overseeing the financial, economic and administrative activities of the Holy See. This marked a major shift in the way the Vatican managed its finances, and was seen as a sign of the Church's commitment to transparency and accountability. The Secretariat for the Economy has since become an integral part of the Vatican's operations, helping to ensure that the Church's finances are managed responsibly and ethically.
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9. A Unique and Remarkable Place
The Vatican is a unique and remarkable place, as it is one of the few independent states in the world that does not have an airport. Instead, the only way to access the Vatican is via the Vatican City Heliport, a small heliport located within the city walls. This heliport is the only way to access the Vatican, making it a truly special and exclusive destination.
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10. The Vatican City: A Unique and Remarkable Place
The Vatican City is a unique and remarkable place, as it is the only independent state in the world that is widely recognized yet not a member of the United Nations. This tiny city-state, located within the city of Rome, is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the home of the Pope. It is the smallest country in the world, with a population of just over 800 people, and covers an area of just 0.44 square kilometers. Despite its size, the Vatican City is a sovereign state with its own government, currency, and postal system. It is also the only state in the world that is not a member of the United Nations.
