Research Paper On Vatican City

Vatican City also commonly referred to as “The Holy See”, is known worldwide as the smallest country in the world. Surrounded by Rome and Italy. It reaches only 177 acres from border to border and has only 1000 people in its population. It is an independent state located in in the Rome. It is the smallest in area and population and known worldwide as the head Catholic Church for its population. Despite its reputation of being the smallest country in the world, Vatican City has several factors that set it apart from other countries such as its Culture, Geography, History, Weather, Civil Considerations and People.

Vatican City’s culture consists of heavily influenced Roman Catholic beliefs and traditions; it symbolizes church leadership and its apostolic tradition. Residents are generally a mixture of Italians, Swiss among other races and ethnicity’s. The Common languages spoken are of Italian and Latin decent. The Vatican has a rich history of art and sculptures, which can be seen throughout the city and within some of its historical buildings and museums. Some of the famous artists to

have contributed to these works of art include Michelangelo, Bernini and Raphael.
The name "Vatican" predates Christianity and comes from the Latin: Mons Vaticanus, meaning Vatican Mount or Vatican hill, which is the geographic focal point of the city.

Villas throughout the city are historic and architecturally interesting, most constructed in the early 1900’s but some dating as far back as the 1600’s. Within the territory of Vatican City are the Vatican Gardens, which generally form around Vatican hill, and account for more than half of this territory. The gardens, decorated with various fountains and sculptures are a wonderful sight for tourists. The City’s main square “Saint Peter’s Square” is known around the world as a site for public masses and as a place where the pope often addresses the world (George, 1993). The city’s borders consist primarily of the fortifications and buildings that existed by that time, and nearly encompass the country

today.
The Vatican’s history as the seat of the Catholic Church began with the construction of a basilica over St. Peter’s grave in Rome in the 4th century A.D. Peter was believed to have been a disciple of Jesus Christ and leader of the apostles and the first bishop of Rome. Since then various famous landmarks and establishments like the apostolic palace, the Sistine Chapel and the new St. Peter’s Basilica have been erected within its city limits, helping to shape the new city. It was not until the singing of the Lateran Pacts in 1929 that the city was established in its current form as a sovereign nation. The City remains the home of the pope and the spiritual center for over 1.2 billion followers of the Catholic Church. Popes have been the rulers of Rome and the surrounding provinces since the fall of the Roman Empire and have ruled parts of the central portion of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years. The Vatican is officially neutral in world affairs but can mediate disputes if invited to do so.
Weather in the Vatican City tends to average around 60 degrees Fahrenheit to mid-70 annually. It shares the same weather patterns as its surrounding country Rome, which is often described as having a Mediterranean climate. The City’s hottest month of the year, July, can reach an average high of 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Its coldest months tend to average about 40 degrees Fahrenheit, providing the city with mild winters and minimal snow. Rain is marginal and tends to peak during the winter seasons where mornings tend to be the rainiest.
People of Vatican City have a great respect for the Roman Catholic religion and many base their lives on that ideal ology, they seek advice and recommendations on how to fulfill their religious beliefs from the pope. Many believe the pope to be a link to St. Peter and Jesus himself. Vatican City’s population consists of many dignitaries, nuns, and everyday workers. Swiss Guards have been appointed with protecting popes since 1506. The guards, recognized by their armor and renaissance-era uniforms, are highly trained and highly skilled sharpshooters that serve both as the pope’s personal protection but can also be activated as the city’s small army (Alphonso, 1989). The Vatican mints its own euros, prints its own stamps, issues passports and license plates, operates media outlets and has its own flag and anthem. One government function it lacks: taxation. Museum admission fees stamp and souvenir sales, and contributions generate the Vatican’s revenue. The City has a very low crime rate and typical problems derive from religious disputes and governance, some crimes include petty theft. The city’s ethos is male-dominated and men hold the vast majority of key positions, etiquette insists on modest dress, and press speaking only when addressed and deferring to senior officials.
In Conclusion: Vatican City is a diverse country that we as people should take in consideration as being a country that sets itself apart by its Culture, Geography, History, Weather, Civil Considerations and People. Many tourists flock here to witness the beauty of this country from the historic villas that fill the streets, to the botanical gardens and sculptures that add to the aesthetic beauty. The Pope is the head of the country and attracts many believers, contributing to the city’s high tourism. It is a country of great history and an area of a pivotal moment in the catholic religion, which even today still has a significance known around the globe.