Overview of Vatican

Profile

Vatican City State is a city-state occupying 0.49 km² housing St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Palace, and museums, governed by the Pope as a theocratic state. Bordered by walls and completely surrounded by Italy, it shares certain infrastructure such as currency, postal services, and railways with Italy. Official documents use Latin, while daily operations are primarily conducted in Italian. A rare example where the entire World Heritage site constitutes the national territory, visited annually by millions of pilgrims and tourists. Vatican-minted Euro coins and stamps are highly popular among collectors.

Official name: Stato della Città del Vaticano
Common name: Vatican
Numeric code: 336
Alpha-3 code: VAT
Alpha-2 code: VA
Population: Approximately 800 (2023)
Population density: Approximately 1,630/km2
Primary languages: Latin, Italian
Major religions: Roman Catholicism
National anthem: Inno e Marcia Pontificale (Pontifical Anthem and March)
Calling code: +379
Internet TLD: .va

History

After the Papal States from 752 onwards, gained independence through the Lateran Treaty of 1929.

Vatican Hill, an ancient Roman communal cemetery, became the center of Christianity since the 4th century when a basilica was built on St. Peter's martyrdom site. During the medieval and early modern periods, the Papal States controlled central Italy, but lost secular territories during 19th-century unification, with the Pope becoming the "Prisoner of the Vatican" confined within walls. In 1929, the Lateran Treaty with the Kingdom of Italy established territorial sovereignty and international legal status, creating the current Vatican City State. Post-WWII, active diplomatic engagement established diplomatic relations with 184 countries, maintaining global moral influence.

Geography & climate

Walled city built on gentle hills on the right bank of the Tiber River, densely packed with historic architecture.

Mediterranean climate

Area: Europe / 0.49 km²
Capital: Vatican City
Largest city: Vatican City
Coastal status: No
Bordering countries: Italy

Natural resources

Cultural properties, Historical documents, Artworks, Tourism resources, Religious authority, Educational institution materials, International diplomatic network, High-value commemorative coins, Orchard olives, Intellectual property

Politics

Government: Elective monarchy and theocratic absolute monarchy with the Pope as head of state

Economy

Currency: Euro (EUR)

GDP (nominal):

GDP (PPP):

Language & timezone

Primary languages: Latin, Italian

Time zone: CET, CEST

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Italian clergy, Swiss Guards, Polish clergy, Latin American clergy, African clergy

National sports

Football, Athletics, Cycling, Cricket, Softball