Vatican City
Visited
At a glance
- Region
- Southern Europe
- Capital
- Vatican City
- Population
- 800 (2023)
- Area
- 0.44 km²
- Languages
- Italian, Latin
- Currency
- Euro (EUR)
- Drives on the
- right
- Calling code
- +379
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Before you go
Overview
The Vatican City State is a landlocked independent city-state. It is wholly surrounded by Rome in Italy. It is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. Vatican is a monarchial country; the head of the city state is the Pope who resides in it. It is the smallest country by area in the world.
Vatican recorded a population of 825 in 2019 and covers an area of 49 ha.
The city has its own laws and embassies in foreign countries.
St. Peter’s Basilica.
History
The city’s history as the headquarters of the Catholic Church began after a basilica was built over St. Peter’s grave in Rome during the 4th century AD.
The region became a pilgrimage site and a commercial district.
The city was first recognized as an independent state in February 1929 after the signing of the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy. The treaty recognized the city state a new creation rather than a vestige of the larger Papal States which included most parts of central Italy from 756 to 1870.
Food & culture
It imports all agricultural products and foodstuffs from Italy. Italy also provides it with electricity, gas and water. It does not export any agricultural product.
There are no particular staple foods in the country; just small cafes sell products such as Pizza for visitors.
Wildlife
There is no wildlife in Vatican as it is a city-state. A small numbers of animals are kept in the Vatican Gardens.
Festivals & events
The major festivals celebrated in Vatican City are Christmas and Easter holidays.
Things to see
The tourism in these state is mainly centered on religious tourism and city tourism. It is a major source of income for the country. The common tourism sites are;
- The Basilica of St. Peter’s Saint Square.
- The Vatican Museum
- Vatican Art Gallery
- The Sistine Chapel
- The Raphael’s Rooms.
The Sistine Chapel.
Interesting facts
All the residents of the Vatican City are Catholics.
The only people who reside here are the clergy and Swiss Guards.
It is the smallest country and has the smallest population in the whole world
The official languages spoken are Latin and Italian.
City guides
Cities & towns I’ve visited
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Vatican City
2 of 2 visited. See every site I've been to.
- Historic Centre of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura 1980
- Vatican City 1984
My photos from Vatican City
February 2015 Vatican Museums and St Peter's Square
Vatican Museums, St Peter's Square, St Peter's Basilica
Whole trip gallery
Plan your trip to Vatican City
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld NomadsWe receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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