Tip 1: What is the smallest city-state

Tip 1: What is the smallest city-state



The smallest state in the world is the Vatican. It occupies only 0.44 km² and is located on the territory of Rome. Despite the tiny size, the Vatican has international significance.





Vatican

















The Vatican is a place of pilgrimage for all Catholicspeace, because here is the residence of the Pope and the most important authorities of the Roman Catholic Church. The tiny state is surrounded by medieval walls, which in the old days protected the Holy See from possible sieges.

Nationality of the Vatican

Get the citizenship of the Vatican practicallyit is impossible for a person not connected with the Catholic Church. It is only among the cardinals who are in the immediate circle of the Pope of Rome. Under the international agreement, all citizens of the Vatican are considered diplomats of the church. All people working in this state in lower positions have Italian citizenship.

Sights of the Vatican

On the territory of the Vatican are the most beautifulBasilicas, museums, palaces and even luxurious gardens. Vatican gardens are considered the most beautiful in Europe, despite the fact that they occupy little space. To support them in due form, you need only 20 people. In the center of the gardens is the Galleon fountain, a small copy of the ship of the same name, which can simultaneously fire from 16 cannons. Vatican on the perimeter can be bypassed in an hour. The length of the state border is about 3 km. In the Vatican, a lot of buildings, which for various reasons are not available for tourists. Nevertheless, any guest of a tiny state will certainly find where to go. The historical museum is one of such places. Here you can find an interesting collection of weapons: old sabers from Venice, muskets. Tourists are also allowed to enter St. Peter's Cathedral. Its dimensions are so huge that it can accommodate any European cathedral. Inside the cathedral you can see the numerous masterpieces of art created by Raphael, Michelangelo. All comers can climb to the top of the dome. You can get there in two ways: on the stairs or on the elevator. Those who choose the first way, have about half an hour to climb the stairs, but you will not spend money for the right to drive in the elevator. From the top of the dome offers a wonderful view of the Vatican and Rome. In front of the cathedral is St. Peter's Square, which has an oval shape. In the center is a majestic obelisk, which appeared here in 37 year by the will of Emperor Caligula. A little later they built beautiful fountains. It was on this square that the apostle Peter, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, received a martyr's death.
























Tip 2: What is the smallest country in the world



The smallest country in the world occupies only 0.45 square kilometers. This small state is located in Italy, inside Rome and called the Vatican.





What is the smallest country in the world







Despite its unique location,The Vatican is an independent state that has complete independence from Italy. Vatican is considered a sovereign territory of the Holy See, its population is no more than two thousand people, and practically all its inhabitants are subjects of the Pope and the Holy See. In the smallest country there is a railway station, a police station, a post office, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and even a helipad that compensates for the absence of an airport. In the Vatican there is even an army, incidentally, is also the smallest in the world. The composition of its troops is limited to one hundred servicemen. From all sides the Vatican is surrounded by walls, its newspapers and magazines are issued, and there are also postage stamps.

Currency of the Vatican

In the 19th century, the Vatican operated its own currency,which was called the lyre of the Papal States. But in 2002 in the Vatican was adopted the euro with a rate of 1EUR = 1936.27 lira. Nevertheless, the city-state prints its own set of euros.

Sights of the smallest country in the world

In the Vatican there are well-known around the worldmonuments of architecture - St. Peter's Cathedral, the Vatican Library and the Sistine Chapel. St. Peter's Cathedral is the largest historically significant Christian church in the world, which was created by whole generations of great world famous architects. Above his creation worked such great masters as Michelangelo and Raphael. The cathedral is famous for its colossal capacity - 60 thousand people. The Sistine Chapel was formerly a house church, today it is a majestic museum and an outstanding architectural monument of the Renaissance. The walls of the chapel are decorated with two cycles - the History of Christ and the History of Moses. Boticelli himself worked on the painting. To date, only twelve frescoes from the original sixteen have survived. On the surviving frescoes, you can count at least a hundred characters. The Vatican Library contains manuscripts of the Renaissance and the Middle Ages. Today its funds number more than 3 million valuable copies. Rich halls are decorated with frescoes of great painters. Among the many halls stands the wedding hall of Aldobrandini. Also in the library there are many galleries and several museums. In addition, the Vatican Library has a secret fund, the entrance to which is limited to visitors.









Tip 3: Everything about Singapore



Singapore is a small city-state thatis located on the islands of the Indian Ocean in Southeast Asia. It consists of 63 islands. August 9, 1965 received independence from Malaysia. The majority of the population is Chinese.





Singapore







History of the State

In the Chinese chronicles of the III centuryit was mentioned about Singapore. At that time the country was called Temasek and was an important trade center, which eventually fell into decay. In the XV-XVI centuries, the Asian state was part of Malaysia and was part of the sultanate of Johor. In 1617, the Portuguese attacked the Portuguese forces. In 1867 the country became a colony of the British Empire. However, during the Second World War, Japan won the British battle for Singapore and dominated there until September 1945. Until 1963, the country was part of the UK. After the referendum, she entered the Federation of Malaysia. But in 1965, as a result of the conflict, Singapore withdrew from its composition and proclaimed its independence. In Singapore, from 1959 to 1990, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yu reigned. He solved the internal problems of the state, carried out reforms and made a huge leap from the third world to one of the most highly developed countries in the world with a high standard of living. Lee Kuan Yew retained English in the country and the British legal system. Thanks to the methods by which he defeated corruption, Singapore now has a very low crime rate. Currently, Singapore is a technogenic civilization. It ranks second in the world in the ranking of countries with the least risk for investment, the first place in simplified and low taxation, the third place in terms of the number of major significant banks, the first place in respect of confidentiality in the banking system, and so on. And most importantly, according to the global competitiveness rating, the country's economy takes the sixth place.

Interesting facts

Singapore airport "Changi" 22 years in a rowranked first in the list of the best airports in the world. Recently, he again took the first place in the rating "Best entertainment at the airport". Also the leader in the list of the best air carriers is the Singapore Airlines. Singapore is in second place in terms of population density. Now there live about 5 million people. 77% of the population are Chinese, 14% are Malays, 8% are Hindus, etc. Among the representatives of religions in the country you can meet Buddhists, Muslims, Christians. The country has an effective health care system. In Singapore, the low mortality rate in newborns. The life expectancy of women is 83 years, for men 79. Singapore prohibits the import and use of chewing gums and can not play entertaining gambling. Also a fine of $ 400 can be obtained for spitting on the ground, crossing the road in the wrong place and eating food in public transport. In Singapore, the death penalty is allowed, which occurs through hanging. Such punishment is applied for drug trafficking, brutal murder, corruption. But in the country prostitution is legalized. Singapore does not have its own natural resources. It even imports fresh water from neighboring countries. The average income of a resident of Singaporean is $ 2.8 thousand.








Tip 4: The most romantic cities in the world



Each city has its own unique image,which for centuries has been formed in people's minds. This affects his appearance, habits of people inhabiting it, and natural attractions. Some cities are suitable for family holidays, others are for youth adventures, and there are places for romantic trips that lovers like to visit.





The most romantic cities in the world







Paris

Paris first comes to mind, if you think aboutromantic journey. The capital of France a few centuries ago received such a flattering status, but its reasons are unknown - perhaps, French writers tried, or blame the myths of the loving and gallantry of the French. And after the construction of the Eiffel Tower, which for the first time seemed to local residents an embodiment of rough and ugly architecture, the city became even more popular among couples from all over the world. But not only the famous tower creates in Paris a unique atmosphere that lovers like so much, this is the merit of other architectural attractions: the Louvre Museum, the Arc de Triomphe, the Moulin Rouge, the Wall of Love, the Sacré-Coeur Cathedral.
In the program of a romantic journey through the capital of France, you must include an evening walk along the Champs-Elysées and a visit to the bohemian district on the hill of Montmartre.

Venice

Slowly leaving under the water of the Venetian lagoonthe Italian city is also one of the most romantic cities in the world. Located on numerous islets connected by narrow bridges, it attracts couples in love who enjoy the medieval atmosphere and privacy in the ancient narrow streets of Venice. No less romantic is the walk through the city channels on the famous gondolas, which are operated by specially trained gondoliers in the traditional form.
No hint of modernity in the center of the city - only beautiful bridges, majestic structures, cozy squares and small restaurants with Italian wine and cakes.

Barcelona

Spaniards can also boast a romanticthe city - the Catalan capital of Barcelona on the Mediterranean coast is also often the goal of romantic travel. The creations of the great architect Antonio Gaudi played a significant role in the popularity of Barcelona: the magnificent Sagrada Familia, the Park Güell, the house of Mil, the palace of Guell and other monuments of architecture give the city a romantic atmosphere. A fresh sea air, a cafe with delicious seafood dishes and Spanish hospitality complete the impression.

Romantic cities in other parts of the world

Not only in Europe are the most romanticcities of the world, this title is also worn by the exotic and modern city-state of Singapore with an abundance of the highest skyscrapers and tropical plants, the unofficial capital of the United States New York with world-famous sights, one of the most passionate cities of Buenos Aires where you can dance tango right on the street.