When you think of countries, you might imagine huge places like the United States, India, or China. But did you know the world’s smallest country is smaller than a shopping mall? It’s called Vatican City, and it’s unlike any other place on Earth.
How Small Is Vatican City?
Vatican City is just 0.49 square kilometers (0.19 square miles). To understand how small that is:
- You could walk across the country in less than 20 minutes.
- It’s about 1/8 the size of New York’s Central Park.
- It’s smaller than many airports, stadiums, or shopping centers.
Where Is Vatican City Located?
Vatican City is a tiny country inside the city of Rome, Italy. Even though it’s surrounded by Italy, Vatican City is completely independent. It has its own government, rules, and even its own army.
How Many People Live in Vatican City?
Only about 800 to 1,000 people live in Vatican City. Most of them are:
- Priests and members of the Catholic Church
- Swiss Guards who protect the Pope
- Staff working in the museums, churches, or government offices
It’s the least populated country in the world.
Who Rules Vatican City?
The leader of Vatican City is the Pope, who is also the head of the Roman Catholic Church. Right now, the Pope is Pope Francis. He lives in the Vatican and guides millions of Catholics around the world.
Vatican City: A Country Full of History and Art
Even though it’s small, Vatican City is packed with famous landmarks:
- St. Peter’s Basilica: One of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world.
- Sistine Chapel: Home to Michelangelo’s famous ceiling painting of the Creation of Adam.
- Vatican Museums: Filled with ancient sculptures, tapestries, and priceless artwork.
Every year, millions of tourists and pilgrims visit Vatican City to see these wonders.
How Did Vatican City Become a Country?
Vatican City became an independent country in 1929. Before that, the Pope had power over larger areas of land in Italy, called the Papal States. But after Italy became a unified country, the Pope lost that land. To give the Pope his own space and freedom, Italy and the Vatican signed the Lateran Treaty, making Vatican City a country.
What Makes Vatican City Unique?
Here are some amazing things about Vatican City:
- It has no airport, no hospital, and no taxes for its residents.
- It prints its own stamps, has its own passport, and even issues license plates.
- The Vatican uses the Euro as its currency but is not part of the European Union.
- The Swiss Guard, dressed in colorful uniforms, protect the Pope. They have been doing this since 1506.
Daily Life in Vatican City
Life in Vatican City is calm, peaceful, and focused on religion and art. The people living there are mostly clergy, church workers, and guards. Shops and restaurants are located just outside the Vatican walls in Rome.
Even though it’s tiny, the Vatican has its own:
- Radio station
- Newspaper
- Post office
- Police force
Why Is Vatican City So Important?
Vatican City is not just a country — it’s the spiritual center for over 1.3 billion Catholics around the world. The Pope delivers blessings, holds masses, and speaks to the world from the Vatican. It’s also a place that protects ancient history, preserves famous art, and promotes peace and human rights.
Fun Facts About Vatican City
- The ATM machines in the Vatican offer Latin as a language option.
- Vatican City has more tourists per square foot than any other place in the world.
- The Sistine Chapel is used for important ceremonies, like choosing a new Pope.
- Vatican City has no permanent citizens — citizenship is based on your job, not where you were born.
FAQs
Q1: What is the smallest country in the world?
A1: Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, with an area of just 0.49 square kilometers.
Q2: Who lives in Vatican City?
A2: Around 800 people live there, including the Pope, priests, Swiss Guards, and Vatican workers.
Q3: Is Vatican City a real country?
A3: Yes, it is a fully independent country with its own government, rules, and leader (the Pope).
Q4: Can I visit Vatican City?
A4: Yes! Tourists can visit many areas like St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel.
Q5: Does Vatican City have its own money?
A5: It uses the Euro (€) but prints its own Vatican coins, which are special collectibles.
Q6: How old is Vatican City?
A6: Vatican City officially became a country in 1929.
Q7: Why is the Vatican important?
A7: It is the religious center for the Catholic Church and home of the Pope.
