Vatican City

tiny country · history · religion · Europe

Smallest country ever. Vatican City is only about 110 acres, smaller than many city parks. It's a completely independent nation even though it sits right in the middle of Rome, Italy.

Ruled by the Pope. The Pope is the leader of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church. He makes decisions for the country and guides the faith of nearly 1 billion Catholics around the world.

Born in 1929. Vatican City didn't become its own country until 1929, when Italy and the Pope made an agreement called the Lateran Treaty. Before that, the Pope had ruled much larger territories in Italy for over 1,000 years.

Home to St. Peter's. The famous St. Peter's Basilica, one of the most beautiful churches ever built, stands in Vatican City. It's the main church of the Catholic faith and a stunning work of art and architecture.

Spiritual capital. Vatican City isn't just a country, it's the spiritual center of Catholicism. People from every corner of the world come here to worship, study, and connect with their faith.