Which country is the world’s smallest by both area and population?

Vatican City is the world’s smallest country by both area and population.

The independent city-state occupies about 49 hectares, or 0.49 square kilometres, inside Rome, Italy. It is the territorial headquarters of the Holy See and the spiritual centre of the Roman Catholic Church.

Vatican City was established as an independent state by the Lateran Treaty of 1929, signed by the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy. Its major landmarks include St Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums.

Monaco is smaller in area than many countries but is not as small as Vatican City. Vatican City’s population is also unusual because many residents are clergy, members of the Swiss Guard, or employees whose citizenship may be connected to their office.