96 Years Without A Baby! Why No Child Has Ever Been Born In Vatican City

India's path to becoming the world's most populous country has been shaped by family planning slogans such as "Hum Do, Humare Do." However, in stark contrast, there exists a country where no child has been born for the past 96 years. Even more surprising is that this country does not have a single hospital.

It may seem unimaginable that a country in the 21st century lacks a hospital, yet such a place does exist. It is one of the smallest recognised countries in the world and serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.

Vatican City, the world's smallest country, holds a unique record-no child has ever been born there. Established on February 11, 1929, this independent city-state has never witnessed a birth within its borders.

For millions of Catholics worldwide, Vatican City is a sacred place, serving as the administrative and spiritual centre of the Catholic Church. The Pope, senior clergy members, and religious leaders reside and work here, overseeing the affairs of the Church globally.

Despite its historical and religious significance, Vatican City has never had a hospital. Over the years, there have been several requests for one, but none has been built. As a result, critically ill individuals and expectant mothers must travel to Rome for medical care. This is despite Vatican City being located right in the heart of the Italian capital.

The primary reason for the lack of a hospital is its limited geographical space. Vatican City spans only 118 acres, making it impractical to accommodate a full-scale medical facility. Additionally, Rome, with its advanced healthcare infrastructure, is easily accessible, ensuring that medical assistance is always within reach.

Another contributing factor to the absence of childbirths is the lack of a maternity ward. With no medical facilities to support childbirth, it is no surprise that no births have been recorded within the country's borders for nearly a century.

Interestingly, despite its small population of around 800 to 900 residents-mostly senior Roman Catholic clergy-Vatican City has a notably high crime rate compared to other nations. This is due to the high number of tourists visiting every year. Many fall victim to petty crimes such as pickpocketing, shoplifting, and purse snatching.

Vatican City also houses the world's smallest railway station, Citta Vaticano. Built during the tenure of Pope Pius XI, this station consists of two tracks, each approximately 300 metres long. However, it is primarily used for transporting goods, and no passenger trains operate within the city-state.

Apart from Vatican City, the Pitcairn Islands, a British overseas territory, have also witnessed a significant decline in births. With a population of fewer than 50, no births have been recorded there in recent years.

Similarly, Antarctica has never had a native-born population. Although it is a continent rather than a sovereign country, it remains largely uninhabited except for scientific researchers. As a result, childbirths in Antarctica are extremely rare.

While the world continues to witness rapid population growth, Vatican City remains an exception-without hospitals, maternity wards, or births for nearly a century.