The Vatican is the world smallest country, complete with its own army, flag and postal code. It is located within the city of Rome and covers about .2 square miles (think 18 hole gold course). You would assume it has been around for centuries, but the official boundary lines of the independent state of Vatican City have existed since only 1929.

The main industry is the service industry and most of the “income” is derived from contributions by the Roman Catholic dioceses (Peter’s Pence).  They do however create a steady income stream from selling stamps, coins and tourist crap- probably not made within their walls but somewhere in the East. The population hovers around 1,000, but only those that work there, live there and are not permanent citizens of the country. The main languages are Latin and Italian- both choices on the ATM machines in the gift shop. Oh and there are no taxes paid….