Which country is the smallest sovereign state bordering Italy?

Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state bordering Italy.

Vatican City is an enclave within Rome and covers about 49 hectares, or 0.49 square kilometres. Its boundary with Italy is formed by walls and open areas around sites including St Peter’s Square. The Holy See governs the city-state and maintains diplomatic relations worldwide.

The Lateran Treaty of 1929 established Vatican City as an independent state and resolved the long-running Roman Question between the Holy See and Italy. Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent country by area.

San Marino is another sovereign state surrounded by Italy, but it is much larger and lies outside Rome. Vatican City is also distinct from the Holy See: the city-state is the territory, while the Holy See is the central governing authority of the Catholic Church.