Vatican City is an independent enclave surrounded by Rome, Italy. This is the only country in the world that is entirely a UNESCO site. Vatican is known for architecture, museums, and paintings. This is a seat of the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The pope is the ruler of both Vatican City State and the Holy See, a central government of the Church. Vatican City is fairly modern; it was founded based on the treaty signed on behalf of Italy by the fascist Benito Mussolini in 1929.
The Papal States ruled by the popes can be traced back to the beginnings of Christianity in post-Roman Italy. Over the centuries, the papacy has become de facto sovereign country, ruling over a number of territories in the Italian Peninsula. Until 1870, popes maintained military forces composed of volunteers and mercenaries. There was even a Papal Navy. To maintain power and protect its wealth, the Papal States were engaged in a series of wars. After 1870, the papacy lost control of its territory with the exception of a few buildings on the Vatican Hill. Relations between Italy and the papacy were unregulated until the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929. The Holy See then recognized Italy's sovereignty over the former Papal States, and Italy recognized papal sovereignty over the newly formed Vatican.
Vatican citizenship is unique. It is not based on birth or blood, but is only granted to those who live and work in the Vatican City. Most people with Vatican citizenship are cardinals, clergy and members of the Swiss Guard, and not all of them live inside the walls of the Vatican. Of the 400 permanent residents, 110 are soldiers and only 30 are lay women. Life in the Vatican is under constant scrutiny. Police agents with the help of countless security cameras constantly monitor every corner of the city. The Vatican gates close at midnight every day. Until 6 am, the whole country is locked down.
The Vatican City, with an area of only 0.49 sq km/0.19 sq miles and with around 400 inhabitants, is considered to be the least populated and smallest country in the world. However, there is even a smaller state. The Sovereign Military Order of Malta, which also resides in Rome, has only three citizens and no clear territorial boundaries. However, its two headquarters buildings are granted extraterritoriality. The Knights of Malta maintain official diplomatic relations with many countries, as such it can be considered the smallest independent state in the world.
