At just 0.49 square kilometres, Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, yet it wields a global spiritual influence unlike any other. Governed by the Pope and home to the Roman Catholic Church's central administration, the Vatican is not just a religious hub—it's a political, economic and historical powerhouse.
Founded in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy, the Vatican operates as a unique blend of monarchy, theocracy and sovereign state. Despite its size, it functions with its own legal system, financial operations and even diplomatic corps.
