Vatican City

Vatican City, officially known as the Vatican City State, is the smallest sovereign state in the world. Situated within Rome, Italy, it is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Spanning a mere 0.17 square miles, the country is home to several renowned landmarks, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums housing priceless art collections. As an independent city-state, Vatican City has its own unique political system, governed by the Pope as the absolute monarch. It holds significant religious and cultural influence globally, attracting millions of visitors annually. Though small in size, Vatican City stands as a powerful symbol of Roman Catholicism and remains an important center for Catholic worship and pilgrimage.