When we think of the smallest countries in the world, names like Malta o Maldives come to mind. However, the reality is that none of these occupy the first place in the ranking.
Surprisingly, the title of smallest country in the world is held by a very particular place: Vatican City. Nestled in the heart of Rome, this tiny territory is not only the smallest state, but is also home to great historical, cultural and religious wealth.
The Vatican City It is the smallest country in the world, with an area of only 0,44 km²which is equivalent to a quarter of the surface of Central Park in New York. Despite its diminutive size, the Vatican has a global importance that transcends the physical borders of its territory. This microstate, nestled in the heart of Romais the headquarters of the Catholic church and residence of Papaspiritual leader of more than one billion Catholics around the world. It is a center of fe, until y cultureknown for iconic monuments such as the St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums.
Although the Vatican has a deep history linked to the Church, it was not until the Lateran Treaty in 1929 when it was established as a sovereign state independent, separating itself from the Papal states that existed until that moment. The Pope, as a religious and political figure, exercises both spiritual and governmental leadership, making the Vatican a theocracy. The Pope is not only the leader of the Church, but also the political ruler of this small territory, giving him unique influence in global diplomacy.
The independence of the Vatican and its special status inside Italia allows it to function as an autonomous state, despite being completely surrounded by Rome. This situation turns the Vatican into a “state within a city.” Despite its size, the Vatican city-state is home to some of the most valuable art collections in the world and is a travel destination. pilgrimage for millions of Catholics. Monuments like the Sistine Chapel and the St. Peter’s Square attract both tourists and faithful, making the Vatican a place of great cultural and spiritual relevance.
In terms of population, the Vatican has less than 800 inhabitantsmost of whom are clergy or church workers Vatican State. Although small in terms of numbers, their impact on politics, art, religion and diplomacy is enormous. The Vatican remains an example of how a small territory can have significant weight in global history, demonstrating that power is not always related to the physical size of a country.
The Vatican City It has a very particular history that makes it unique among the countries of the world. Although its importance as a religious center dates back centuries, its status as a sovereign state is much more recent.
Until the 19th centurythe Vatican was part of the Papal statesa territory that covered large areas of central Italy and was under the direct control of the Pope. These territories were fundamental to the Catholic Church, and their political control was linked to papal authority, which had not only religious power, but also temporal power over a vast region.
However, in 1870, following the unification of Italy, the Papal States were invaded and annexed by the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. This event marked the beginning of a long dispute between the Church and the new Italian state, since the Pope lost his territory and, consequently, his temporal power over the territories that had formed the Papal States. In response, Pope Pius IX declared that he would not recognize the authority of the Kingdom of Italy, which gave rise to the well-known “Prisoner of the Vatican” (Vatican Prisoner), a situation in which the Pope considered himself a captive within what remained of Vatican City, not leaving it for several years.
The resolution of this conflict came in 1929with the signature of Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italygoverned by Benito Mussolini. This agreement officially established the independence of Vatican City, recognizing its status as a sovereign state and ending the Pope’s “prison” within the city. The Lateran Treaty not only led to the creation of the Vatican as an independent country, but also guaranteed the Catholic church a series of privileges and rights in Italy, such as the recognition of its religious authority.
He Lateran Treaty It is of great importance because it consolidated the sovereignty of the Vatican and, at the same time, established the foundations for the relationship between the Church and the Italian state. This agreement established that the Pope would have exclusive control over Vatican City and the Holy See would be recognized as a sovereign entity, distinct from any country.
Therefore, although the Vatican already had a fundamental importance in the history of Christianity, became a sovereign state officially in 1929. Since then, it has maintained its political and territorial independence, being the only country in the world governed directly by the Pope. This particularity makes the Vatican City It is not only the smallest country in the world, but also one of the most unique, as it combines religious and political power in a single figure.
Although the Vatican holds the title of smallest country, there are other territories that, due to their small size, are also considered some of the smallest countries on the planet. These are the 10 smallest countries in the world:
Surface: 0,44 km²
Population: 519 inhabitants
Location: Rome, Italy
The smallest country in the world, it is the center of Catholic churchwith iconic monuments such as the St. Peter’s Basilica.
Surface: 2,02 km²
Population: 36,297 inhabitants
Location: Costa Azul, between France and Italy
A microstate known for its luxury, the Monte Carlo Casino and the Formula 1 Grand Prix.
Surface: 21 km²
Population: 12,780 inhabitants
Location: Micronesia, Central Pacific
An island in the Pacific, famous for being the smallest country in the region and for its history of colonization and phosphate exploitation.
Surface: 26 km²
Population: 1,396 inhabitants
Location: Polynesia, Pacific
A set of atolls that is one of the countries most exposed to climate change due to rising sea levels.
Surface: 61,2 km²
Population: 33,600 inhabitants
Location: Italia
Considered the oldest sovereign state in the world, with a history dating back to the 300 AD and various sites World Heritage.
Surface: 160 km²
Population: 39,584 inhabitants
Location: Central Europe, between Switzerland and Austria
Famous for being a tax havenits mountainous territory is home to beautiful castles and art museums.
Surface: 181 km²
Population: 41,996 inhabitants
Location: Peaceful
A small archipelago that gained independence from the United States in 1990, known for its atolls and history of nuclear testing.
Surface: 260 km²
Population: 47,775 inhabitants
Location: Caribbean
Known for its beaches and colonial history, it has a small population and an economy dependent on tourism and agriculture.
Surface: 298 km²
Population: 520,617 inhabitants
Location: Indian Ocean
An archipelago famous for its paradisiacal beaches and its luxury tourism, it is the smallest country in Asia.
Surface: 316 km²
Population: 535,468 inhabitants
Location: Mediterranean, southern Italy
An island country with a rich history influenced by various civilizations, famous for its ancient temples and beautiful coastal landscapes.
