Vatican City Facts

by countryaah · Published June 18, 2019 · Updated December 12, 2024

Vatican City, independent papacy located in the northwest of Rome; 0.44 km², 801 residents (2018).The Vatican City is counted as the world’s smallest independent state. It is surrounded in the north, west and south by a city wall, which in the east opens to St. Peter’s Square. The Vatican City also includes a number of buildings and lands outside the actual Vatican City, including the papal summer residence Castel Gandolfo and the churches of Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, San Paolo fuori le mura and San Giovanni in Laterano.

The Vatican City has its own postal, coin and ordering system, where the so-called Swiss Guard has mainly police functions. In addition, the Vatican has its own judicial system and a foreign administration, which handles the Vatican’s far-flung diplomatic relations (since 1982 also with Sweden). In addition to revenues from tourism, stamp sales and donations, the Vatican City economy is based on interest income from its own funds and profits from entrepreneurship (with a large number of owners, mainly Italian companies).

The Vatican City is counted as the world’s smallest independent state. It is surrounded in the north, west and south by a city wall, which in the east opens to St. Peter’s Square. The papacy also includes a number of buildings and lands outside the actual Vatican City.

The Vatican City is a sovereign and internationally recognized state. The pope is the head of state and at the same time bishop of Rome as well as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The papal office, the Holy See, based in the Vatican City has diplomatic representatives in more than 170 countries. These, like foreign policy, are led by a secretary of state. The Vatican City is governed by the Pope, who is elected for life by the Cardinal College. The central chair of the Holy See consists of the Pope with the Holy Cardinal College at his side. The Cardinals are appointed for life by the Pope. The Roman Catholic Church’s highest administrative leadership, the Curia, is made up of the Cardinals in Rome. They also function as the Pope’s court.

Geography

Location and Borders

Vatican City, officially known as the Vatican City State, is an independent city-state entirely surrounded by Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world by both area and population, covering just 44 hectares (110 acres) and with a population of around 800 people. Despite its small size, Vatican City holds immense global significance as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope, the leader of over a billion Catholics worldwide.

Vatican City is landlocked, and it shares no borders with any other countries. Its unique position within Rome gives it a symbolic and practical connection to Italy, although it operates as a sovereign state. The country is located on the western bank of the Tiber River, providing it with a central location in the heart of the city. The entire territory of Vatican City is one cohesive area, including St. Peter’s Square, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Apostolic Palace, all of which serve as key religious, cultural, and administrative sites.

Major Landforms

Vatican City is largely flat, but its most iconic feature is St. Peter’s Hill, which provides the elevation for St. Peter’s Basilica. The city-state is not characterized by diverse or dramatic landforms like those of larger countries, but its architectural and religious structures give it a distinct topographical significance. St. Peter’s Square, designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini in the 17th century, is one of the most famous urban spaces in the world, with an elliptical shape, vast colonnades, and a central obelisk.

Within Vatican City, the landscape is shaped primarily by human-made structures, including the Vatican Gardens, which cover about half of the state’s area. These meticulously maintained gardens provide a serene, green contrast to the dense, historical architecture that surrounds them. The gardens contain fountains, groves, and religious monuments, creating a peaceful space for reflection and prayer within the heart of a bustling city.

Rivers and Lakes

Vatican City does not have any rivers or natural lakes, but it is situated near the Tiber River, which forms the natural boundary between Vatican City and the rest of Rome. The Tiber River has historically been important for trade, water supply, and transportation in Rome, though it does not have the same direct significance to Vatican City as it does to the broader Italian capital. The Tiber provides scenic views from several parts of the Vatican and has long been a symbol of the historical and spiritual connection between the city and the Church.

The absence of lakes within Vatican City reflects the city-state’s focus on religious and cultural landmarks rather than natural water bodies. The Vatican’s emphasis on monumental architecture, sacred art, and spiritual symbolism has led to a man-made environment rather than a geographical focus on natural landscapes.

Climate

Mediterranean Climate Zone

Vatican City experiences a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Given its location in the heart of Rome, the climate in Vatican City mirrors that of the Italian capital, with some slight variations due to the urban environment. Summer temperatures in Vatican City can rise to the low 30s °C (mid-80s °F), particularly in July and August, with occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures even higher. The city’s geographical location, within the central Mediterranean basin, exposes it to seasonal winds that can influence its weather patterns.

Winter in Vatican City is mild compared to much of Europe, with average temperatures rarely dipping below 3°C (37°F) in December and January. The rainfall is concentrated in the autumn and winter months, with occasional showers and cooler days. Rainfall is moderate, and the climate is typically more conducive to outdoor activities during the spring and autumn months.

Seasonal Variation

Vatican City’s climate undergoes clear seasonal shifts, with the summer months marked by tourist influxes and outdoor celebrations. The warm and sunny summer is a peak time for visitors to the Vatican Museums, St. Peter’s Square, and other iconic religious sites. The moderate climate allows for large outdoor religious ceremonies, such as the annual Easter Mass and the Pope’s Sunday Angelus prayers.

In contrast, the winter season brings cooler weather, with occasional rain, but it is generally much quieter in terms of tourism. During this time, Vatican City, though still a center for worship and prayer, sees fewer visitors than in the summer months. The low winter temperatures offer a chance for the Pope and Church officials to attend to the more administrative aspects of the Vatican’s religious governance.

People

Demographics

Vatican City has an extremely small population, with about 800 residents, most of whom are clergy, including cardinals, priests, and bishops, as well as members of religious orders, such as the Swiss Guard, who provide security and serve in other roles. Vatican City has no permanent civilian population as a whole, as most residents are in Rome temporarily, fulfilling religious, administrative, or diplomatic duties. The population fluctuates based on seasonal and administrative needs, such as the influx of pilgrims, dignitaries, and tourists during significant Catholic holidays.

The city-state is unique in that its population is primarily made up of men, due to the male-only requirement for religious roles within the Catholic Church. The population’s focus is overwhelmingly religious, and there are no schools, hospitals, or other large-scale services for families. The Vatican’s residents, therefore, represent a small but highly important global community that has religious significance.

Language and Religion

The official language of Vatican City is Italian, as the country is situated within Rome, but Latin is also used in official Church functions and ceremonies. Latin, the traditional language of the Catholic Church, is still the language of many liturgical texts and is used in official Church communication and documents. Latin’s presence in Vatican City is a reflection of the Vatican’s historical role as the central authority of the Catholic Church, where liturgy and doctrine have long been conducted in this ancient language.

Vatican City, as the spiritual and administrative center of the Catholic Church, is primarily inhabited by members of the Roman Catholic faith. Although Vatican City is a sovereign state, its population is deeply tied to the global Catholic community, and its purpose is to support the papacy, maintain the traditions of the Church, and serve as a spiritual hub for Catholics worldwide. The Pope, who serves as both the religious leader of Catholics and the head of state of Vatican City, plays a central role in maintaining the religious and diplomatic functions of the city-state.

Economy

Economic Overview

Vatican City’s economy is unique, as it does not engage in traditional economic activity, such as agriculture or manufacturing, but instead relies on a few specific sources of revenue. The primary economic activities of Vatican City include donations, investments, and the income derived from tourism. The Vatican’s vast art collection and the attractions associated with it, such as St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums, bring millions of visitors each year, generating significant income through entrance fees, donations, and sales of religious items.

In addition to income from tourism, the Vatican has substantial investments, particularly in financial assets, real estate, and art. The Vatican Bank, officially known as the Institute for the Works of Religion (IOR), manages the Church’s finances and has provided resources for charitable and religious activities. Although Vatican City does not have an official currency, the euro is used in the city-state, as it is located within the European Union’s monetary zone.

Challenges and Opportunities

The Vatican’s economy faces certain limitations due to its size and unique status as a religious institution. Given its small land area, there is no opportunity for industrial development or large-scale resource extraction. Economic growth in Vatican City is largely tied to global donations, investments, and the tourism sector. The Vatican has also faced financial difficulties in recent years, particularly related to its investments, and efforts have been made to ensure greater transparency and accountability in financial operations.

However, Vatican City has several economic opportunities, particularly in terms of cultural tourism. The Vatican Museums, which house some of the world’s greatest art collections, attract millions of tourists annually. The Vatican also leverages its religious significance to attract donations from Catholic communities around the world. The Pope’s diplomatic relations with global leaders offer opportunities to promote peace, humanitarian initiatives, and charitable efforts.

Government

Political Structure

Vatican City is an ecclesiastical monarchy, with the Pope serving as both the head of state and the leader of the Catholic Church. The government is unique in that it blends religious leadership with political governance. The Pope holds supreme power within the Vatican, and his authority extends over both spiritual and temporal matters, making Vatican City a theocratic state.

The administrative apparatus of Vatican City includes various bodies, such as the Secretariat of State, which assists the Pope in governing the city-state, and the Vatican City Governorate, which is responsible for the daily operations and logistics of the country. The government is not democratic, as the Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals, and the Vatican’s leadership structure is centered around the Pope’s authority and the Church’s hierarchy.

The Vatican’s laws are based on canon law, the body of laws and regulations developed and maintained by the Church. These laws govern the administration of Vatican City, the behavior of its residents, and the conduct of official Church functions. Although Vatican City maintains its independence, it has a close relationship with Italy, with which it has negotiated various treaties that regulate the city-state’s operations within Rome.

Political History

The history of Vatican City as a political entity is closely tied to the development of the Roman Catholic Church. Throughout much of history, the papacy controlled large territories in Italy, known as the Papal States, until the unification of Italy in the 19th century. After the unification, the Papal States were absorbed into the Kingdom of Italy, and the Pope lost secular control over these lands. The Lateran Treaty of 1929 between the Holy See and Italy established Vatican City as an independent city-state, effectively granting the Church sovereignty over a small territory in the heart of Rome.

Since its establishment as a sovereign state, Vatican City has maintained its status as the spiritual capital of the Catholic Church. The city-state’s political history has been marked by its role as a neutral diplomatic entity, facilitating peace efforts, international dialogue, and support for humanitarian causes. The Pope’s political influence extends beyond Vatican City, as he is regarded as a moral authority by millions of Catholics and plays an important role in global diplomacy.

Culture

Art and Architecture

Vatican City is home to some of the world’s most important art and architecture, much of which reflects the history and religious significance of the Catholic Church. The Vatican Museums, which include the Sistine Chapel and the Raphael Rooms, are among the world’s most visited art museums, housing masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, and other Renaissance artists. The Sistine Chapel, famous for its ceiling painted by Michelangelo, serves as the site for papal conclaves, where new popes are elected.

St. Peter’s Basilica, located in St. Peter’s Square, is one of the most recognizable religious buildings in the world. Designed by renowned architects such as Michelangelo and Bernini, the basilica’s vast dome and ornate interior reflect the grandeur and significance of the Catholic Church. Vatican City’s architectural landmarks are not only spiritual centers but also symbols of Catholicism’s rich history and global reach.

Festivals and Cuisine

Vatican City celebrates various religious festivals, many of which have global significance for the Catholic community. Christmas and Easter are the most important celebrations, marked by grand masses and services in St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square. The Pope presides over these services, and millions of pilgrims gather to witness these events. The Vatican also celebrates the Feast of the Assumption, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and other saints’ days throughout the year.

The culinary traditions of Vatican City are influenced by Italian cuisine, with a focus on simple yet flavorful dishes such as pasta, pizza, and olive oil-based preparations. As Vatican City is located in the heart of Rome, its cuisine reflects the broader Italian food culture, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Although Vatican City does not have a large culinary scene, the residents and visitors to the state enjoy access to some of Italy’s finest culinary traditions.

Literature and Cinema

Vatican City plays a significant role in Catholic religious literature, with many documents, encyclicals, and theological works published by the Vatican Press and other Church entities. These texts often address moral, social, and theological issues from the perspective of Catholic doctrine and have a significant impact on global Catholic communities.

In cinema, Vatican City is often depicted as a center of power, faith, and intrigue. The Holy See’s influence on international politics, combined with its role in the lives of millions of people, makes it a frequent subject of film and documentary. Films such as The Da Vinci Code have fictionalized aspects of Vatican history, while documentaries about the Church and the Pope provide insight into the spiritual, cultural, and political role of the Vatican in modern times.