Vatican City is a tiny independent city-state enclosed within Rome, Italy, making it the smallest country in the world by both area and population. It serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. The state is renowned for its extraordinary artistic and architectural treasures, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
- Capital
- Vatican City
- Continent
- Europe
- Region
- Southern Europe
- Area
- 0.44 km²
- Coordinates
- 41.9° N, 12.45° E
Country facts
- Vatican City was established as an independent state by the Lateran Treaty signed with Italy in 1929.
- Latin is used as the official language for formal Church documents and communications.
- The Swiss Guard, founded in 1506, is responsible for the personal protection of the Pope.
- Vatican City issues its own postage stamps, coins, and passports.
- The state has no permanent natural-born citizens — citizenship is granted based on working for the Holy See.
Capital facts
- Vatican City the capital is coextensive with the country itself, covering just over 44 hectares.
- St. Peter's Basilica, one of the largest churches in the world, stands at the heart of Vatican City.
- The Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo's ceiling painted between 1508 and 1512, is located within the Apostolic Palace.
- Vatican City contains its own railway station, connected to the Italian rail network by a short spur line.
- The Vatican Apostolic Library, founded in the 15th century, holds one of the world's most significant collections of historic manuscripts.