Smallest Country In The World

Vatican City, the home of the Pope and the rest of the governors of the Roman Catholic Church, is the smallest country in the world. Its size is just .2 square miles, and it has only 920 residents. In addition to the homes of the Pope and the other members of the governing body, the smallest country in the world is also home to churches, museums, and a library, as well as secret archives and its own publishing house. Despite its small size, Vatican City is home to many spoken languages, including Italian, Latin and French.

Vatican City became the smallest country in the world when it was formed as an enclave of Rome in 1929. The Laterus Treaty, signed during that year, gave Vatican City territorial sovereignty, making it independent from the rest of Italy. The country also has its own government, led by the president, His Eminence Cardinal Giovanni Lajolo. Other heads of the government also double as religious figures. A group of three tribunals rules on judicial and legislative matters that arise in the smallest country in the world. It does not, however, have its own military; defense of the Vatican City is the responsibility of Italy.

Vatican City is a popular tourist destination. Though it is the smallest country in the world, it is home to many artistic, historic and architectural masterpieces. Among these is St. Peter's Basilica, the center of Vatican City, which is a circular piazza bordered by palaces and gardens. The smallest country in the world also has its own radio stations which broadcasts worldwide in 29 languages, as well as its own stamps, shops and offices.