The Holy City of Vatican: The Smallest Country in The World

 

The Holy City of Vatican: The Smallest Country in The World

Located in the heart of Rome, the Vatican, known as the holy city, is the smallest country in the world in terms of both area and population. Although it covers only about 44 hectares, this independent country has a tremendous spiritual, historical, and cultural influence on billions of Catholics around the world. The Vatican is not only the administrative center of the Catholic Church, but also a symbol of civilization that preserves centuries-old masterpieces of art, architecture, and tradition. From the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica to the priceless art collection in the Vatican Museum, every corner reflects the power of faith and a global historical heritage.

The Vatican: A State Within a State

The Vatican, officially known as Vatican City State (Stato della Città del Vaticano in Italian or Status Civitatis Vaticanae in Latin), is a unique country located within another country. Also known as Vatican City, it is a sovereign entity located entirely within the Italian capital, Rome. With an area of only about 0.49 square kilometers, it holds the record as the smallest country in the world. This city-state is widely known as the spiritual center for Catholics around the world and is a major religious tourist destination that is never short of visitors.

Vatican's State Status

Vatican, The Smallest Sovereign State In The World

The Vatican has been internationally recognized as an independent country since the signing of the Lateran Treaty on February 11, 1929, between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy. This treaty grants full sovereignty to the Vatican as an independent country with its own system of government. In addition to being the smallest country in the world, the Vatican also does not have permanent representation at the United Nations, although the Holy See is active in various international forums. Its unique existence makes the Vatican the only example of a country whose existence is based entirely on religious authority, rather than ethnicity or geographical boundaries alone.
 
Vatican Absolute Monarchy System of Government
 
The Vatican is one of the few countries in the world that still adheres to an absolute monarchy system of government. The head of state is the Pope, who is also the supreme leader of the Roman Catholic Church. In this system, the Pope has full power in carrying out legislative, executive, and judicial functions. The Pope is elected for life by the College of Cardinals through a secret conclave process. Uniquely, all high-ranking officials in this holy city come from Catholic clergy, making it the only country whose entire government system is run by a religious institution.

Vatican is led by the Pope

Population and Daily Life in The Vatican

St. Peter square

The Vatican is the country with the smallest population in the world. As of mid-2024, the official population was only about 526 people. The majority of them are Catholic clergy, including cardinals, priests, and members of the Swiss Guard. The official language is Latin, but in everyday life, Italian is the main language. For economic matters, this church state uses the Euro currency, even though it is not part of the European Union. All Vatican citizens are Roman Catholics, and citizenship is usually granted based on religious duties, not birth. Daily activities in this exotic city take place in a calm yet sacred atmosphere.
 
Transportation in The Vatican
 

As a small country completely surrounded by Italy, Vatican City has no commercial airport or seaport. The only air facility it has is a heliport located within the Vatican Gardens, which is used for the official transportation of the Pope and important guests. To travel abroad, residents of this holy city utilize Italy's transportation infrastructure, including Fiumicino Airport and Termini Station in Rome. Within the city-state itself, travel can be done on foot given the small size of the Vatican.

 
The Vatican's Unique Defense and Security
 
The Vatican does not have armed forces like other countries. However, internal security and protection of the Pope are taken very seriously. Vatican security is maintained by two main forces, namely the Vatican Gendarmerie Force and the Swiss Guard. For military defense against external threats, the state led by the Pope relies entirely on protection from the Italian government. Nevertheless, the level of security in the Vatican is very high thanks to a strict surveillance system, intensive training of security personnel, and close coordination with Italian security forces.
 
Pontifical Swiss Guard, The Pope's Special Guard
 
The Pontifical Swiss Guard is the Vatican's only official military force, albeit a small one. Founded on January 22, 1506, by Pope Julius II, the force consists of 134 young Swiss men who are Catholic and unmarried. They are known for their unique blue, yellow, and red uniforms designed in the Renaissance style. The Swiss Guard is tasked with physically protecting the Pope and maintaining security in various important areas within the Vatican. They are the only foreigners who are granted Vatican citizenship during their term of service.

Pontifical Swiss Guard

Must Visit Religious Tourist Attractions in The Holy City of Vatican
 
Although small, the Vatican is filled with historic buildings and extraordinary works of art that attract millions of tourists every year. Some of the main tourist destinations that should not be missed include:

1. St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter’s Basilica

St. Peter's Basilica is the largest Catholic church in the world and is the spiritual center of Catholics worldwide. Located in St. Peter's Square, this magnificent building is the burial place of many popes and the site of large masses. Its interior is decorated with various extraordinary works of art, including Michelangelo's Pietà sculpture. Tourists can also climb the basilica's towering dome to enjoy panoramic views of Rome and the Vatican from above.
 
2. Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a complex of museums that house one of the most valuable collections of art and artifacts in the world. It houses thousands of works of art from ancient times to the Renaissance, including the Laocoön sculpture, The Belvedere Torso, and paintings by Raphael. The museum is also the entrance to the Sistine Chapel, making it a must-visit for art and history lovers. Every year, the museum is visited by more than 6 million people from all over the world.

Vatican Museums

3. Sistine Chapel
The Sistine Chapel is famous worldwide for its ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo, including the iconic painting "The Creation of Adam." In addition to being a place of worship, the chapel is also used for papal conclaves. The artwork inside reflects extraordinary beauty and spiritual power. Visiting the Sistine Chapel is not only about seeing paintings, but also feeling the sacred aura that touches the heart.
 
4. Apostolic Palace

The Apostolic Palace is the official residence of the Pope and the administrative center of the Catholic Church. Although only some rooms are open to the public, visitors can enjoy the beauty of the Raphael Rooms, which are filled with historic fresco paintings. The palace complex also includes various important offices, the Pope's private workspace, and the balcony where the Pope often gives his Urbi et Orbi blessing to Catholics around the world.

 
5. Domus Sanctae Marthae (St. Martha House)
Domus Sanctae Marthae is a guest house built to accommodate cardinals during conclaves. Although not open to the public, this place is very important in the history of the Church as it is the temporary residence of the Pope's electors. Interestingly, Pope Francis chose to live in this building permanently, rather than in the Apostolic Palace, as a form of simplicity.
 
6. Paul VI Audience Hall
The Paul VI Audience Hall is a modern hall used for weekly public audiences with the Pope. The hall can accommodate more than 6,000 people and is equipped with a sophisticated sound and lighting system. Its futuristic architectural design contrasts with other classic buildings in the Vatican. This place provides a unique opportunity for tourists to witness firsthand the Pope's messages to Catholics around the world.

7. Castel Sant’Angelo
Although located outside the official boundaries of the Vatican, Castel Sant’Angelo has close ties to the Holy See. This fortress was once the tomb of Emperor Hadrian before being converted into a defensive fortress and emergency shelter for the Pope. A secret corridor even connects the fortress directly to the Vatican. From its summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Rome and the Tiber River.
 
8. Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens cover more than half of the country's area and are a place of tranquility and natural beauty. The gardens are adorned with fountains, sculptures, and various types of plants from around the world. Access to the gardens is only possible through official guided tours, providing an exclusive experience to explore the hidden side of the Vatican. In addition to being a recreational area, the gardens also serve as a place of meditation for the Pope and his staff.

Vatican Gardens

Spiritual Wonders Behind The Vatican Walls
 

Visiting the Vatican is not just about seeing historic buildings, but also about feeling the spiritual power and long history of the Catholic Church that lives on today. Every corner of this city exudes a deep religious aura and holds an extraordinary cultural heritage. With a blend of stunning architecture, world-class art, and a solemn spiritual atmosphere, the world's smallest country is a dream destination for anyone who admires history, religion, and art in one meaningful visit.

(Latest update in 2026)

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