The Vatican (City State)

The Vatican City is a tiny independent country entirely within Rome, Italy, serving as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. It covers about 44 hectares (110 acres) and is governed by the Pope, who is both the spiritual leader of Catholics worldwide and the sovereign ruler of this city-state. The Vatican houses important religious sites like St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums. It functions as a diplomatic entity, maintains its own laws and governance, and issues passports and currency---all while being the religious and cultural heart of millions worldwide.