My Science School

Australia is the smallest continent in the world and includes mainland Australia, Tasmania, the island of New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and portions of Indonesia), the Aru Islands, Ash-more and Cartier Islands, most of the Coral Sea Islands, and some other offshore continental islands. The country of Australia is however a single landmass and encompasses most of the continent. The Australian continent is sometimes referred to as an island continent as it is surrounded by oceans.

Papua New Guinea, which is a country within the Australian continent, is one of the most culturally and linguistically diverse countries. It is also mostly rural, as only 18 per cent of its people live in urban areas. It is estimated that West Papua, a province of Indonesia, has over 44 uncontacted tribal groups. Australia, which forms the largest landmass in the continent, is an urbanised region that is also the world's 14th-largest economy with the second-highest human development index globally. Canberra is Australia's capital and is located in the southeast between Sydney and Melbourne, which are the more significant economic and cultural centres of Australia.

Australia's ecosystem is unusual due to its remote location and is home to many animal species that occur nowhere else in the world. This list includes the platypus, kangaroo, echidna, and koala. Australia has 516 national parks, which protect its rare plants and animals.

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If one visits the Vatican, one would be surprised to see that this small country, which is spread across just 110 acres, has its own telephone system, post office, astronomical observatory, radio station, gardens, banking system, and pharmacy. Vatican even has a contingent of Swiss Guards, who are responsible for the personal safety of the Pope since 1506. This marvel of a city is the world's smallest fully independent nation-state.

Situated on the west bank of the River Tiber, Vatican is an enclave in Rome. It is a religious state and is ruled by the Pope, who is the Bishop of Rome. The most important people in this country are the Catholic clergy, who have come to serve Vatican from various countries of the world.

Being the smallest country, it has to import all of its supplies including food, water, electricity, and gas. There is no income tax here and there are no restrictions on the import or the export of funds from Vatican. Its unique economy is made possible by the sale of postage publications, stamps, tourist mementos, and collecting fees for admission to museums.

World famous religious and cultural sites form the major attractions of this city. The St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museum are some of them. Celebrated paintings and sculptures can be found in these buildings.

Picture Credit : Google