The Smallest City in the World: Vatican City

Vatican City (Città del Vaticano) is the world's smallest independent city-state by both area and population.

Vital Statistics

• Area: 0.44 km² (0.17 sq mi; ~110 acres)
• Population: ~800 (2024 est.) – clergy, Swiss Guard, officials.
• Status: Sovereign entity under Holy See; enclaved within Rome, Italy.
• Government: Absolute elective monarchy (Pope); UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Key Sites: St. Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums, Apostolic Palace, Vatican Gardens.

Despite its size, it issues its own stamps, coins, passports, license plates, and top-level domain (.va). It is the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.