Vatican City
Vatican City, the world’s smallest country by both population and area, covering only 0.17 mi2. The marshy land on which the city was built was first developed by Agrippina the Elder, the mother of Roman Emperor Caligula, as her official gardens. The area, which had long been considered insufficiently hospitable and too sacred for habitation, gradually came under the control of the Pope, along with other regions known as the Papal States. The Vatican complex was first constructed in the year 326, and has continued to expand ever since. At the time, popes did not live in the Vatican, but rather resided across Rome in the Lateran Palace. After the return of the papacy to Rome in 1377, the Vatican became the official residence of the Pope, a distinction which it briefly lost and regained in the years to come. During the period of Italian unification, much property owned by the church was seized by the new Italian state, but the land within the Vatican walls was left untouched. After a period of uncertainty regarding the right to rule in Rome, in 1929 the last ruler of the Papal States, Pope Pius IX, was forced to formally renounce the former secular powers of the papacy, reducing the role of Pope to one of strictly religious authority. During World War II, Vatican City was allowed to remain neutral territory, and pursued a series of strict negotiations with the Italian government and those of the Allied forces to ensure the security of those living within the walls of the Vatican.
Today Vatican City is a popular destination for tourists, particularly those wishing to celebrate their Roman Catholic faith. The economy of the city is unique in that it is based largely on the tourism industry, and the contributions of Catholic parishioners around the world. The Sistine Chapel, the largest tourist attraction within the Vatican’s walls, was built between 1473 and 1481, and now houses some of the world’s most renowned pieces of art and sculpture. The Creation of Adam, painted on the ceiling of the chapel by Michelangelo from 1508 to 1512, has come to represent the city in popular culture. As an enclave within Italy, Vatican City remains heavily dependent upon it for transportation services, military defense, and practical resources unavailable within its own walls.
The Puzzle
When it came time to put together this last puzzle, I wasn't sure how difficult I wanted it to be. As the last one, I was tempted to make it as evil as possible, but decided against it. To solve this puzzle, you will travel a total of 61,217 miles, as the crow flies, and visit the six inhabited continents. Assume N 41 xx.xxx W 71 xx.xxx.
Good luck!
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.