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What is the Smallest Country in the World? What is the Smallest Country in the World?
ByKristin Persyn
May 30, 2024

What is the Smallest Country in the World?

Learn about the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City, its significance, key features, and how it operates as an independent city-state.

What is the Smallest Country in the World?

When people ask, “what is the smallest country in the world?”, they are looking for information on which nation holds this unique distinction. The title is held by the Vatican City, an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy.

Introducing the Vatican City

The Vatican City is a mere 44 hectares (110 acres) in size, making it the smallest country in the world. It became independent from Italy with the signing of the Lateran Treaty in 1929. Despite its size, it serves a significant role as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church.

Key Features of the Vatican City

  • St. Peter’s Basilica: One of the largest churches in the world and a significant pilgrimage site for Christians globally.
  • The Vatican Museums: Home to one of the most impressive art collections in the world, including the iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo.
  • The Apostolic Palace: The official residence of the Pope, which includes the Vatican Library and the Vatican Secret Archives.

Size and Population

Despite its small size, the Vatican City is highly influential. Its population is around 800 people, though many of its workers live outside its walls. The population mainly consists of clergy and officers of the Swiss Guard, the world’s smallest and oldest standing army.

Governance and Economy

The Vatican City is a unique polity ruled by the Pope. It operates with its own postal system, banking system, and even issues its own passports. The economy is supported through contributions from Catholics worldwide, tourist revenues, and the sale of postage stamps and publications.

Pros and Cons

Positive Aspects:

  • The Vatican City is a cultural and historical treasure trove, offering vast educational value.
  • It plays an essential role in global religious and moral discourse.

Negative Aspects:

  • Due to its small size, it faces challenges related to limited space and resources.
  • It can sometimes be overwhelmed by the sheer number of tourists.

Conclusion

Now you know that the answer to “what is the smallest country in the world?” is Vatican City, a place that combines spiritual significance with rich history and culture. Despite its size, it holds a unique place in the international community and continues to be a major pilgrimage site for millions of people worldwide.

Disclaimer: This article was prepared with the assistance of an AI language model to ensure timely and relevant information. While AI helps enhance the reliability and accuracy of the content, it is based on the data available up to the training cut-off and may not include the most recent developments. For the most accurate and comprehensive understanding, we recommend further verification from reliable sources. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice or encouragement to engage in any dangerous activities.

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