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The Vatican city, also\u00a0known as\u00a0the Holy See,\u00a0is a sovereign city-state within the city of Rome. They have their own license plates on their cars, their own flag and very own passports! On the 11th<\/sup> of February 1929 Vatican City became independent from Italy. The Head of State and Government of the Vatican is the Pope himself. It’s also\u00a0the seat of the Catholic religion since 1378 and yearly it has more than 5 million visitors!<\/p>\n The Vatican city is the world\u2019s smallest recognized independent State of the world, being only around 110 acres! Vatican city is inside the city of Rome, Italy. The name \u201cVatican\u201d is Latin and means \u201cMount Vatican\u201d and the territory which is all surrounded by stone walls include St. Peter\u2019s Square, the Vatican Gardens and the area around Via della Conciliazione, located next to the Tiber river. There is no pass port control when coming or leaving the city.<\/p>\n The Vatican also has a special police force, namely the Pontifical Swiss Guards<\/strong> which are meant to protect the Pope. This type of military force was founded by Pope Julius II on the 22nd of January 1506. To become a Swiss Guard you have to have the following features; be Swiss, be between 19-30 years old, be Catholic, speak four languages, be 5 foot 9 inches or taller and come from the Swiss military.<\/p>\n Vatican City has no formal official language. They usually use Italian in its legislation and official communications. Even in shops, restaurants and on the streets people speak Italian.<\/p>\n This is what you will see coming from Via di Porta Cavalleggeri<\/strong><\/p>\n This is what you will see\u00a0walking from the St. Peter’s Square<\/a> to the Vatican Museums<\/strong><\/p>\nWhere is the Vatican?<\/h2>\n