Vatican City is the world’s only sovereign state located entirely within the city of Rome.
Vatican City occupies about 49 hectares on the west bank of the Tiber River. It became an independent state through the Lateran Treaty, signed by the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy on 11 February 1929. The agreement resolved the long-running “Roman Question” concerning the papacy’s territorial status.
The state is the headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the pope. Its major landmarks include Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums. The Holy See, rather than Vatican City itself, conducts the Catholic Church’s diplomatic relations.
Vatican City is the world’s smallest independent state by both area and population. It issues euro coins and postage stamps, maintains its own security arrangements, and has the Swiss Guard responsible for protecting the pope and key entrances.