- The Vatican City
- The smallest country in the world is the Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy.
- The Vatican City holds this distinction primarily due to its size, with a total area of approximately 0.17 square miles or 0.44 square kilometers.
- Despite its small size, the Vatican City has immense cultural and historical significance as the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
- Furthermore, it serves as the residence of the Pope and houses iconic landmarks like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
- This sovereign state has a population of around 800 people, consisting mostly of clergy, Swiss Guards, and other Vatican employees.
- As a separate entity from Italy, the Vatican City has its own legal system, euro as its official currency, and even issues its own postage stamps.
- While the Vatican City may be the smallest country in terms of size, its influence and historical importance are truly significant.
