Vatican City

Vatican City is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, and serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. It is the smallest sovereign state in the world, both in area and population, and is the residence of the Pope. Established in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty, Vatican City contains significant religious and cultural sites, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, which house masterpieces like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. It plays a crucial role in global diplomacy and interfaith dialogue, representing the Catholic Church's interests worldwide.