Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, is the home of the Catholic Church and the Pope. It was established as a result of a deal between Benito Mussolini, the then Prime Minister of Italy, and the Pope, which gave the land of Vatican to the Pope and a significant amount of money in exchange for the Pope's acknowledgment of Italy's existence and a promise to remain neutral in politics and wars. The Pope, who is also the King of Vatican City, has absolute power within the country's borders, making Vatican City one of the few remaining absolute monarchies in the world. The Pope and the King are two different roles, but they are occupied by the same person at the same time, making Vatican City the world's only elected, non-hereditary absolute monarchy. Vatican City does not have a real permanent population; there are only about 500 full citizens who work for The Holy See as either Cardinals, Diplomats, the Pope's bodyguards, or other Catholic-related jobs.
1. Vatican City is the capital of the Catholic Church and is home to the Pope.
2. The city is the smallest country in the world and can be circumnavigated on foot in 40 minutes.
3. The city was created due to a deal between Benito Mussolini, the then prime minister of Italy, and the Pope.
4. Italy gave the land of Vatican to the Pope and also provided a significant amount of apology money.
5. In return, the Pope acknowledged that Italy existed and promised to remain neutral in politics and wars.
6. The deal was signed and Vatican City was born.
7. Vatican City has its own government, police, jail, bank, stamps, and license plates.
8. Vatican City is the only country with a top-level domain: .VA.
9. Vatican City is not like any other country due to the dual role of the Pope and the King.
10. The Pope, who is also the King, has absolute power within the country's borders.
11. Vatican City is one of only six remaining absolute monarchies in the world.
12. Vatican City cannot join the European Union because only democracies are allowed.
13. The King of Vatican City can overrule the decisions of the legislative branch of government at any time for any reason.
14. Vatican City is the world's only elected, non-hereditary absolute monarchy.
15. Vatican City does not have a real permanent population; there are only about 500 full citizens.
16. The only way to become a citizen is for the King of Vatican City to appoint you as one, and the King only appoints you a citizen if you work for the Pope.
17. The reason the world cares about Vatican City is not because of the citizens within its walls but because of the billion members of its church outside those walls.