Vatican City continues to hold the title of the world’s smallest country, both in land size and population, according to travel and geography reports.
The tiny city-state is located entirely within Rome, Italy, and covers an area of about 0.44 square kilometers. Despite its extremely small size, it operates as a fully independent sovereign state.
Vatican City serves as the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and is the official residence of the Pope. It is home to globally recognized landmarks such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, which attract millions of tourists every year.
With a population of fewer than 1,000 residents, it is also among the least populated countries in the world. Most of its inhabitants are clergy, members of the Swiss Guard, and administrative staff of the Holy See.
Although surrounded by Italy, Vatican City maintains its own governance system, currency arrangements, and diplomatic relations, making it one of the most unique states in the world.