Interesting facts about Vatican City

September 2, 2009 | In: Countries facts

The Vatican is the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state.

The literacy percentage is hundred percent and the languages spoken by the people of Vatican City are Latin, Italian, French and English.

The Vatican City issues its own passports; the Pope, cardinals, members of the Swiss guard and clergy being the recipients.

The Vatican museums are over 9 miles (14,5 kilometers) long, and it is said that if you spent only 1 minute admiring each painting it would take you 4 years to complete the circuit!

It is a great cultural hub from earlier times and artists like Michelangelo, Boticelli and Bernini stayed here and enhanced the already rich culture of Vatican City. There are museums and libraries that are of great intellectual and historical importance.

The city has its own telephone system, post office, gardens, astronomical observatory, radio station, banking system, and pharmacy, as well as a contingent of Swiss Guards responsible for the personal safety of the pope.