Discover Vatican City | The smallest country in the world

The Vatican City is located near the Tiber's right bank, on a small slope that was once part of the ancient Vatican Hill, on which some villas were built prior to Christ's birth. The state's territory, which covers 44 hectares, is partially besieged by the walls and continues up to a strip of travertine on St. Peter's Square that connects the external ends of the colonnade to the ground, marking the state border at the edge of the square, which is usually open to the public.

There are 825 people of the state, although only 246 (including 104 Swiss Guards members) dwell within the walls. Approximately half of the citizens live outside of the country, primarily for reasons of service. Vatican citizenship is not based on birth or blood but granted only to those who reside and work for the Vatican office. Cardinals who live in Vatican City or Rome, as well as diplomats of the Holy See, are also considered citizens. Citizenship is lost when the term of office comes to an end. Children cannot inherit it from their parents. The Vatican allows keeping dual citizenship.

Its entire population comprises of Christians. Catholicism is the official religion of the Vatican City. The Vatican City is the center of the Roman Catholic Church and the seat of the Pope. The pope is not only the Bishop of Rome, and head of the Roman Catholic Church, but also head of the Vatican City State. Catholics believe that the Pope is the successor to Saint Peter, who is believed to have been appointed by Jesus as the first head of his church.

Home to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest church in the world and the Vatican Museums that holds some of the most famous art in the world, it is of no doubt that the Vatican City is a place of great cultural significance. The Vatican Library holds a collection of great historic, scientific and cultural value. In 1984, the Vatican was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is the only country to have made it to the list. The Vatican is also considered to be the de facto custodian of the Latin language. By virtue of being a theocracy, religion is an integral part of the country.

Established in 1861, L'Osservatore Romano is the official newspaper of the Holy See, offering unique insights into the Vatican's perspective on global issues, religious matters, and papal pronouncements. Read by a largely Catholic audience, it exists in both print and digital formats. However, it's also widely read by diplomats, scholars, and anyone interested in understanding the Vatican's stance on various issues.

Also known as the Swiss Guard, they are the world's oldest continuously operating military unit, steeped in rich history and tradition. Their iconic yellow, red, and blue uniforms (rumored to be designed by Michelangelo but not confirmed), are instantly recognizable and a major tourist attraction. Established in 1506, they swear an oath of loyalty to the Pope, becoming his personal protectors and defenders of the Vatican City.

Vatican City's legal system is multifaceted, comprising the Fundamental Law, akin to a constitution; Canon Law, governing Church affairs; Curia Law, for administrative bodies; and Civil and Penal Law, covering secular legal matters. This framework allows it to function as both a sovereign state and the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church, addressing secular and religious matters within its unique dual jurisdiction.

Italian is the official language of Vatican City; it is the language used in official documents and for administrative and diplomatic affairs. Earlier, during the Roman Empire and the era of Papal States, Latin was the main language spoken in the area of the present Vatican City. While Italian is the lingua franca, the Holy See uses Latin as its official language. French is also sometimes used as a diplomatic language. In the Swiss Guard, Swiss German is used for giving commands, but the individual guards take their oath of loyalty in their own languages.

Yes, Vatican City has its own flag. The papal or Vatican City flag is a two-part yellow (towards the shaft) and white cloth with the decussate keys loaded in the middle and the Triregno atop; the shaft is topped with a spear ornamented with a cockade in the same colors as the flag and trimmed with gold. In ancient times, the Papal State's flag was yellow and crimson, the Senate's and Roman people's customary colors.

The Vatican is a sovereign state with its own currency. By virtue of the monetary arrangement with the Italian government, Vatican coins are legal money in Italy and all other countries. Despite not being a member of the European Union or the Eurozone, Italy and the Vatican City struck a deal in 2000 that permitted the Vatican to use the euro as its official currency. The Vatican Euro, on the other hand, was designed with an image of the Pope on the back to differentiate itself as an autonomous city-state.

The Holy See is the name given to the Roman Catholic Church's government, which is led by the pope, who is also the bishop of Rome. As a result, the Holy See's jurisdiction extends to all Catholics worldwide. It has been based in Vatican City since 1929 when it was founded as an autonomous state to allow the pope to exercise its universal authority. Although the Holy See and Vatican City, the independent territory over which the Holy See has sovereign authority, are intimately linked, the two entities are separate and distinct.

The Supreme Pontiff and, in his name, the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State, which also perpetuates the basic norms, issue the clauses. Both are issued in a special addendum to the Holy See's Official Bulletin, Acta Apostolicae Sedis. The Cardinal President of the Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State, who bears the title of 'President of the Governorate' in this position, has executive authority. The Governorate's organization is based on the President's Directorates and Central Offices. The Pontifical Commission and the President of the Governorate might enlist the help of the General Councilor and the State Councilors in creating legislation and other matters of key significance.

Established in 1891 and supported by the Holy See, the Vatican Observatory primarily focuses on scientific research while contributing to public outreach and fostering dialogue between faith and science.

The chapel, historically known as the Redemptoris Mater Chapel, is located just outside the papal quarters and is designated for the Pope's exclusive use, is noteworthy for its varied mosaics that resemble early Byzantine religious artwork.

St Peter's Square serves as a ceremonial forecourt to St. Peter's Basilica, the largest Christian church. At the centre of the grand elliptical square, stands a towering pink granite obelisk, towering over 25 meters tall. Originally erected in Egypt around 1500 BC, it is one of the oldest standing obelisks in the world.

A towering pink granite obelisk stands over 25 meters tall at the center of the square. Originally erected in Egypt around 1500 BC, it is one of the oldest standing obelisks in the world. Holds symbolic significance in both ancient Egyptian and Christian traditions, often representing the sun god or Christ's light.