THE WORLD’S TINIEST COUNTRY: Essay

THE WORLD’S TINIEST COUNTRY

There are over 220 countries in the world. Some are bigger, while others are smaller. But the very name of this country, Vatican City, instantly brings to memory, Jesus Christ, Churches and the Catholic leader Pope John Paul. In spite of its tiny size, this small country attracts more number of tourists. The form of government is Papal Commission.

The area of Vatican City (Citta Del Vaticano) is barely half a km. And the population is less than 900! It lies in the heart of Rome on a low hill on the west bank of the river, Tiber. But all the same! Having its own flag, national anthem, currencies Euro, coins and stamps, it is second to none!

Vatican is the head quarters of Catholic Church. The panoramic view of this city with the Church of St. Peter’s square and St. Peter’s Basilica is a feast to the eyes. The former that stands towering the surrounding is fascinating. There is another interesting thing that adds attraction to this holy city. It is the Apostolic Palace, bordered by lovely Papal gardens and museum. This city was first established in 1929, subsequent to the pact signed, then. It is otherwise called as the ‘Holy Empire.’

It has its own newspapers, police force, radio station, better known as ‘Radio Vatican,’ that broadcasts service in 34 languages from transmitters within the Vatican city. Its main tourist attractions are the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475- 1564).

Most of the natives there knew each other very well. It was like living in a hamlet. They knew everybody who is anybody. Every year, some hundreds of lakhs of tourists pour in here to have a glimpse of the holy place where Jesus was born about two thousand years ago.

There is a monument where arts & crafts works of Bernini, Michelangelo and Raphael decorate the interior wall of the Christendom Church. The Pope exercises sovereignty and had absolute legislative, executive and judicial powers.

Thus it makes this country so tiny in the world.