Strange but true: This famous country is actually very "small" — its people have to go abroad just to get a haircut!

What?! You have to go abroad to get a haircut? For Taiwanese people, the European nation of "Vatican City" is no stranger — apart from being Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Europe, it is also home to the Roman Catholic Church's headquarters and the residence of the Pope, the highest leader of the Catholic faith. However, this country spans just 0.44 square kilometers and has a population

Although Vatican City is small in territory, it enjoys global fame and has its own court, guard, newspaper, radio station, helicopter airport, and more. The country boasts numerous large-scale buildings such as palaces, churches, academies of sciences, and entertainment venues, so daily life functions are not an issue.

According to the book "The Most Unique Countries in the World" published by Keda Bookstore, the "St. Peter's Basilica" in Vatican City is the largest church in the world. Every Sunday on the "Sabbath," thousands of Catholics gather in the square to wait for the Pope’s speech. In addition, there are many great works of art here, created by legendary artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, Rodin, Kandinsky, and Dalí. Yet, seemingly having everything, Vatican City still has one unbelievable aspect.

Vatican City is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church and a world-renowned tourist destination. (Photo: "Vatican Museums," provided by Zhi Images / Shutterstock)

Mainland China’s "Daily Headline" reported that although Vatican City seems to be "small but complete," it doesn’t even have a single barber shop related to people’s daily lives, and there are only a handful of supermarkets. If residents want a haircut, they have to go abroad to Rome. Fortunately, Vatican citizens enjoy very free movement across borders, so going out for a haircut can also be a chance for sightseeing abroad.

Aside from the lack of a barber shop, Vatican City also has no military, only "police." However, these police are subject to strict regulations. Although they are equipped with rifles and bayonets, they cannot shoot casually, as they might accidentally fire bullets into another country’s territory, sparking international disputes.

But don’t underestimate Vatican City. This country is extremely wealthy, with massive investments and extensive real estate holdings in Italy and many other countries, earning it the title of an "international financial empire." Moreover, Vatican City is a religious holy city, attracting millions of worshippers each year, and tourism brings enormous wealth and income to the country. Interested individuals might consider witnessing it firsthand in Europe.