Did you know that Vatican City actually has the highest crime rate per capita in Europe? Covering just 44 hectares (110 acres), Vatican City is entirely surrounded by Rome with a population of only 825. However, this figure is hugely inflated due to the Vatican’s small population and the large number of tourists and pilgrims who visit each year, making it the fourth-most criminal city in the world!

Most of these crimes are petty thefts, like pickpocketing, which occur in the crowded areas where tourists gather. Despite its reputation as a religious and cultural hub, the sheer volume of visitors creates opportunities for such incidents. The tiny population combined with millions of annual visitors dramatically skews the crime statistics, giving Vatican City this surprising title.

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