World Happiness Report for Vatican City 2024
- Overall Happiness Rank Vatican City: na
- Happiness Score Vatican City:na
Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.
What is the Happiness Index?
The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.
How is the Happiness Index Calculated?
The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.
In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:
- GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
- Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
- Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
- Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
- Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
- Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.
These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.
What Does the Happiness Index Affect?
The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:
- Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
- Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
- Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
- Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.
By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.
Short information
- Abbreviation of Vatican City. VA.
Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, both in terms of area and population. It is an absolute monarchy ruled by the Pope, the leader of the Catholic Church. Vatican City is known for its iconic cultural and historical landmarks, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Its economy is primarily supported by tourism and the sale of postage stamps, coins, and souvenirs.
- Despite its small size, Vatican City has its own railway station, broadcasting services, and newspaper.
- Vatican City is the only country in the world that is entirely surrounded by a single city, Rome, Italy.
- It has the lowest population of any country in the world, with only around 800 residents, most of whom are clergy or members of the Swiss Guard.
Vatican City – A Comprehensive Overview
Early History: The Vatican City’s origins can be traced back to the Roman Empire, when it was a vicinity outside the city walls associated with the martyrdom of Saint Peter, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles. Kingdoms and Empires: The area was part of the Roman Empire and later fell under the control of various rulers, including the Byzantine Empire and the Holy Roman Empire.
Colonial Period: The Vatican City has never been a colony. It has been an independent state since its establishment in 1929.
Independence and Modern Era: In 1929, the Lateran Treaty was signed, establishing the Vatican City as an independent state within the city of Rome. This resolved the longstanding “Roman Question” regarding the territorial and sovereign status of the Holy See.
Current Political Situation: The Vatican City is a theocratic, elective monarchy. The Pope, who is the head of the Roman Catholic Church and the Bishop of Rome, serves as the head of state and the head of government. The current Pope is Pope Francis, who was elected in 2013.
International Relations: The Vatican City maintains diplomatic relations with most countries and is a permanent observer state at the United Nations. It actively participates in international affairs, particularly in promoting peace, human rights, and environmental protection.
Human Development and Economy: The Vatican City has a highly developed economy, primarily based on tourism, the sale of postage stamps and publications, and the management of its patrimony. Its human development indicators are among the highest in the world.
Cultural Highlights: The Vatican City is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which house some of the most significant works of art and archaeological treasures in the world. It is also home to the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope.
The most pressing challenges and opportunities facing the Vatican City today include navigating its role in an increasingly secular world, addressing issues of clergy sexual abuse, and continuing to promote interfaith dialogue and peace efforts.
Travel Tips for Vatican City
Best Time to Visit: Spring and fall offer mild temperatures and smaller crowds, making them ideal times to visit.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites, covering shoulders and knees. Maintain a respectful silence inside churches and basilicas.
Safety Precautions: The Vatican City is generally safe, but be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially around St. Peter’s Square.
Must-See Landmarks: St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican Museums, and the Apostolic Palace are not to be missed.
Culinary Experiences: Try authentic Roman cuisine, such as pasta dishes like cacio e pepe, and indulge in Italian gelato and espresso.
Living in Vatican City
Cost of Living: The cost of living in the Vatican City is relatively high, comparable to nearby areas in Rome.
Housing: Housing options within the Vatican City are limited and typically reserved for clergy, staff, and their families.
Healthcare: The Vatican City has its own healthcare system, including a pharmacy and a healthcare center.
Education: The Vatican City has several educational institutions, including the Pontifical Universities and the Pontifical Academies.
Lifestyle: Life in the Vatican City revolves around the Catholic Church and its institutions. Residents must respect the religious and cultural norms of the Holy See.
Main facts
1. Location
The Vatican City is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. It is situated on the Vatican Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, on the west bank of the Tiber River.
2. Map References
The Vatican City is located in Southern Europe, on the Italian Peninsula.
3. Area – Comparative
The Vatican City is approximately 0.17 square miles (0.44 square kilometers), making it the smallest internationally recognized independent state in the world. Its area is roughly one-fifth the size of Central Park in New York City.
4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries
The Vatican City is an enclaved territory within Italy, surrounded by the city of Rome. Its total border length is approximately 3.2 kilometers (2 miles), all of which is shared with Italy.
5. Coastline
The Vatican City does not have a coastline as it is a landlocked territory.
6. Maritime Claims
As a landlocked state, the Vatican City does not have any maritime claims.
7. Climate
The Vatican City has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and cool, humid winters. The city experiences mild temperatures throughout the year, with average temperatures ranging from around 5°C (41°F) in January to 25°C (77°F) in July.
8. Terrain
The terrain of the Vatican City is predominantly urban, with the city occupying the Vatican Hill. The highest point is the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, rising to an elevation of 136 meters (446 feet).
9. Elevation Extremes
The highest point in the Vatican City is the dome of St. Peter’s Basilica, at an elevation of 136 meters (446 feet). The lowest point is at the level of the Tiber River, approximately 19 meters (62 feet) above sea level.
10. Natural Resources
The Vatican City has no notable natural resources due to its small size and urban nature.
11. Major Bodies of Water
The only significant body of water within the Vatican City is the Tiber River, which forms part of its western border with Italy.
12. Natural Hazards
The Vatican City is not particularly prone to natural hazards, although it may experience occasional earthquakes due to its location in a seismically active region of Italy.
13. Geography – Notes
The Vatican City is an independent city-state and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Its unique status as a sovereign state within the city of Rome has shaped its geography and urban development. The city is home to numerous famous landmarks, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
- Forest Area (% of land area): . This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
- Co2 Emissions: . CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
- Agricultural Land( %). 0%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
- Geographic Coordinates: 41.90291612.453389.
- Capital: The capital of Vatican City is Vatican City
- Major Cities: Vatican City is a country but it is also the smallest in the world and consists of only one city, which is Vatican City. The population of Vatican City is approximately 800 people. Therefore, there are no major cities to list.
- Population: 836
- Area(Km2): 0.44
- Population Density( P/Km²):2003. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
- Calling Code:379
- Official Language(s):Vatican City is Italian, with 100% of the population speaking it as their primary language.
- Currency: EUR
Main Economic Indicators
The Vatican City’s economy is one of the smallest in the world due to its limited territory and population. As a Catholic city-state, its economy is largely supported by contributions from Catholics worldwide, the sale of postage stamps and souvenirs, and revenue from admission fees for museums. It faces unique economic challenges given its small size and lack of natural resources.
Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)
Inflation rates for the Vatican City are not widely reported due to its unique economy and close economic integration with Italy.
Credit Ratings
Major credit rating agencies do not provide sovereign credit ratings for the Vatican City.
GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin
The Vatican City’s GDP composition is heavily skewed towards services, with negligible agriculture and industry.
Key Agricultural and Industrial Products
The Vatican City does not have significant agricultural or industrial production due to its limited territory.
Labor Force
The Vatican City has a very small labor force, estimated to be around 5,000 people, primarily consisting of clergy and staff serving the Catholic Church.
Current Account Balance
The Vatican City’s current account balance is not widely reported due to its unique economic structure.
Exports and Imports
The Vatican City has minimal exports and imports, relying heavily on imports from Italy for most goods and services.
Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold
The Vatican City’s reserves of foreign exchange and gold are not widely reported.
- GDP (Current US$):. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
- Tax Revenue (% of GDP): . It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
- Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): . This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
- Gasoline Price. . It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
- Minimum wage. . It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
- Unemployment Rate (%): . It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.
Social Indicators
1. National Identity
Nationality (Noun): Vatican
Nationality (Adjective): Vaticanite
2. Ethnic Groups
Italian (majority)
3. Religions
Roman Catholic (100%)
4. Age Structure
0-14 years: 0%
15-64 years: 87.9%
65 years and over: 12.1%
5. Dependency Ratios
Total dependency ratio: 13.8%
Youth dependency ratio: 0%
Elderly dependency ratio: 13.8%
6. Median Age
Total: 54.7 years
Male: 57.1 years
Female: 52.7 years
7. Lifestyle Indicators
Obesity rate: Data not available
Alcohol consumption: Data not available
Tobacco use: Data not available
- Life Expectancy at Birth: . Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
- Literacy Rate (% of adults): 100%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
- Birth Rate:. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
- Death Rate:5.35. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
- Fertility Rate: na. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
- Internet Users (% of population): 100%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
- Urban Population: . Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
- Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.
Infrastructure and Services
Military and Security Forces
The Vatican City does not have a standing military force. However, it maintains the following small security forces:
- Pontifical Swiss Guard: A small elite corps of around 135 members responsible for the personal security of the Pope and protection of the Apostolic Palace.
- Corpo della Gendarmeria: A gendarmerie corps of around 130 members that serves as a police force for Vatican City.
Military Expenditures
The Vatican City does not maintain formal military expenditures or allocate a portion of its budget for defense spending.
Personnel Strengths
The total personnel strength of the Vatican City’s security forces is approximately 265, comprising:
- Pontifical Swiss Guard: Around 135 members
- Corpo della Gendarmeria: Around 130 members
Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions
The Vatican City’s security forces are lightly armed and equipped primarily for ceremonial and civil defense purposes. They do not possess significant military hardware or engage in military acquisitions.
Military Service Age and Obligation
There is no compulsory military service in the Vatican City. The Pontifical Swiss Guard recruits Swiss Catholic males between the ages of 19 and 30 for a voluntary service period of at least 25 years.
Military Deployments
The Vatican City does not maintain any overseas military deployments or participate in international peacekeeping missions.
Strategic Military Notes
As an ecclesiastical sovereign state, the Vatican City’s defense strategy is centered on maintaining internal security within its territory and ensuring the safety of the Pope and the Holy See. It does not have a formal military doctrine or engage in military alliances or partnerships.
- Armed Forces Size: . Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
- Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is na
- Population: Labor Force Participation (%): . This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.