Italy contains Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state.
Vatican City is an enclave inside Rome, Italy. It covers approximately 49 hectares, or 0.49 square kilometres, and has a population of only a few hundred residents. Its territory became sovereign under the Lateran Treaty, signed by Italy and the Holy See in 1929.
The state is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Catholic Church and the residence of the pope. Its landmarks include St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.
Vatican City is distinct from the Holy See. The Holy See is the central governing authority of the Catholic Church, while Vatican City is the territory that guarantees its independence. Italy surrounds the state on every side.