Vatican City State (Holy See) is located in Southern Europe, and its capital is Vatican City. It has a population of approximately 764 and covers an area of about 0 km². Its official currency is the Euro (EUR).
What stands out
People & place
1,559 /km² across 0 km²
Vatican City State (Holy See) has a recorded population of 764 and a reported surface area of 0 km².
Practical reference
Euro (EUR)
Vatican City State (Holy See) uses Euro (EUR), calling code +379, internet domain .va.
About Vatican City State (Holy See)
Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world, an independent enclave within the city of Rome and the spiritual and administrative heart of the Roman Catholic Church. Ruled by the Pope, it is home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and priceless treasures of art and faith. Despite its tiny size, its influence is global.
Covering just about 44 hectares, Vatican City is entirely surrounded by Rome and the territory of Italy. It consists of St. Peter's Basilica and Square, the Apostolic Palace, the Vatican Museums and meticulously kept gardens. It is the smallest country on Earth by both area and population.
Life in the Vatican centres on the Catholic Church, its liturgy, and the stewardship of an extraordinary artistic and architectural heritage. The Swiss Guard, in their distinctive uniforms, protect the Pope, and the city draws millions of pilgrims and visitors each year to its sacred sites and museums.
The site, traditionally the burial place of Saint Peter, has been central to Christianity for nearly two millennia. After the Papal States were absorbed into a unified Italy, the 1929 Lateran Treaty created the modern sovereign state of Vatican City, securing the Pope's independence within Rome.
Key facts
It is the smallest country in the world by area and population.
The Sistine Chapel ceiling was painted by Michelangelo.
The Pope is its head of state.
It was established as a sovereign state by the Lateran Treaty of 1929.
This overview is AI-assisted and grounded with available atlas facts and reference material. Treat linked primary data as authoritative. Read the methodology.
Population, area and economic figures use the latest available values from World Bank Open Data; reporting years can vary by country. See sources and methodology for indicator definitions, mapping attribution, and editorial limitations.
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Vatican City State (Holy See): Frequently Asked Questions
What is the capital of Vatican City State (Holy See)?
The capital of Vatican City State (Holy See) is Vatican City.
What is the population of Vatican City State (Holy See)?
Vatican City State (Holy See) has a recorded population of approximately 764 people.
How big is Vatican City State (Holy See)?
Vatican City State (Holy See) covers an area of about 0 km².
What is the population density of Vatican City State (Holy See)?
Vatican City State (Holy See) has a population density of roughly 1,559 /km² (people per square kilometre).
What currency is used in Vatican City State (Holy See)?
Vatican City State (Holy See) uses the Euro (EUR), with the symbol €.
Where is Vatican City State (Holy See) located?
Vatican City State (Holy See) is located in Southern Europe, Europe.
What is the native name of Vatican City State (Holy See)?
The native name of Vatican City State (Holy See) is Vaticano.
What are people from Vatican City State (Holy See) called?
People from Vatican City State (Holy See) are referred to as Vatican.
What is the phone calling code for Vatican City State (Holy See)?
The international dialing code for Vatican City State (Holy See) is +379.
What is the internet domain for Vatican City State (Holy See)?
The country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Vatican City State (Holy See) is .va.
What time zone is Vatican City State (Holy See) in?
Vatican City State (Holy See) uses the Europe/Vatican time zone.
What is Vatican City State (Holy See) known for?
Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world, an independent enclave within the city of Rome and the spiritual and administrative heart of the Roman Catholic Church. Ruled by the Pope, it is home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and priceless treasures of art and faith. Despite its tiny size, its influence is global.
Southern Europe