In international general knowledge, which country has the phrase "This is the root of all evil" written on its coins as a reflection of a religious teaching about money?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Vatican City

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Many countries include mottos, phrases, or symbols on their coins that reflect their history, beliefs, or cultural values. This question asks you to identify which country has the phrase This is the root of all evil written on its coins. The phrase is linked with a religious teaching about the love of money, which provides an important clue about the type of state that might choose such a message for its currency.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The words on the coins are This is the root of all evil.
  • The options are Italy, Vatican City, Cuba, and Russia.
  • We assume standard GK knowledge of symbolic inscriptions on national currencies.


Concept / Approach:
The main concept is to connect the phrase with the nature of the state. The expression about the root of all evil comes from a biblical teaching about the love of money. Vatican City is an independent city state that serves as the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church. Because of its religious character and its role as the seat of the Pope, it is natural that its coins feature religious messages and warnings related to moral issues, including the dangers of greed. Therefore, if any of the given countries would choose such a phrase on its coins, Vatican City is the most logical answer.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Observe that the phrase This is the root of all evil refers to money and moral teachings about greed.Step 2: Identify which of the given states has a strong religious identity and might place a moral phrase on its currency.Step 3: Recall that Vatican City is the smallest independent state and the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.Step 4: Recognise that many Vatican coins feature inscriptions with religious themes and biblical messages.Step 5: Conclude that Vatican City is the country whose coins carry this phrase.


Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to consider the other options. Italy is a secular republic, Cuba has a socialist political system, and Russia is a large federation with its own symbols, but none of them are structured as religious microstates whose coins are dedicated to conveying religious teachings. Study material on unusual facts about currencies often highlights Vatican coins and this specific inscription as a unique example, confirming the link between the phrase and Vatican City.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Italy: Although Vatican City is geographically surrounded by Italy, the Italian Republic has its own separate currency designs and does not typically use this religious phrase on Italian national coins.

Cuba: Cuban currency focuses more on revolutionary leaders and national symbols, not on Christian teachings about the love of money.
Russia: Russian currency features national emblems, buildings, and historical figures, but not this specific phrase about the root of all evil.


Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse Italy and Vatican City because of their close physical proximity, or they may overthink and imagine that a large, powerful country like Russia must be involved. The key to avoiding this confusion is to remember that the question clearly hints at a religious moral teaching, which fits best with the home of the Catholic Church. Recognising Vatican City as an independent state with its own coins and inscriptions is essential for answering correctly.


Final Answer:
The country that has This is the root of all evil written on its coins is Vatican City.

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