*Vatican City: Small in Size, Big in Meaning*
Vatican City, a name that evokes spirituality, history and grandeur all at once. This tiny country, with an area of just 0.49 square kilometers, stands out as the smallest country in the world in terms of area. For comparison, it would be possible to place the Vatican several times inside New York’s Central Park, giving an idea of its impressive size.
The population of Vatican City, made up of approximately 800 residents, is mainly made up of cardinals, priests, nuns and a few lay people working for the Holy See. Despite its small size, the Vatican attracts millions of visitors each year. These pilgrims and tourists flock to this religious city to admire unique artistic and architectural treasures such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums.
As the epicenter of the Catholic Church, the Vatican is of paramount importance. This is where the Pope resides, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholic faithful around the world. In addition to his spiritual function, the Pope is also the head of the Vatican State, making this City of the Papal States a major player on the international stage.
The Vatican’s economy relies largely on tourism, donations from Catholic faithful and international investments. Visitors flock to discover the thousand-year-old history of this city, but also to contribute to its economic development. Indeed, the revenue generated by tourism allows the Vatican to maintain its organization and institutions.
The independence of the Vatican was guaranteed in 1929 by the Lateran Accords. The latter allowed the Eternal City to maintain its autonomy while establishing diplomatic relations with other States. Today, the Vatican remains a symbol of peace, spirituality and interreligious dialogue.
Ultimately, although the Vatican may be small in size, it is immense in its influence and symbolism. It is a place full of history, spirituality and art, where tradition and modernity coexist. Its presence in the world makes it a key player on the international scene, thus making its mark on the history of humanity.