Europe / VT
Holy See (Vatican City)

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2021 Factbook flag mirror; image identity has not been individually audited. Source.
Last updated: October 29, 2026

Map image could not be loaded. Open source image.
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CIA World Factbook map, February 2021 media edition. Identity reviewed; current boundaries have not been audited. visual contact sheet or original identity check; does not verify current boundaries Boundaries, place names and designations may be dated or disputed; original annotations retained. SHA-256: b95fc26f511c434b6b67f619230c80dd8687a22b94d6e2de1b2fd2a0655baf33. Provenance and inspection record.Introduction
Background:1
Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid-19th century, when the newly established Kingdom of Italy seized many of the Papal States. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between Italy and a series of "prisoner" popes were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified some of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion.
Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, threats against minority Christian communities in Africa and the Middle East, the plight of refugees and migrants, climate change and the environment, conflict and war, nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, sexual misconduct by clergy, humanitarian issues, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About 1.3 billion people worldwide profess Catholicism, the world's largest Christian faith.
Geography
Location:2
Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy)
Geographic coordinates:3
41 54 N, 12 27 E
Map references:4
Europe
Area:5
Area - comparative:6
about 0.7 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries:7
Coastline:8
0 km (landlocked)
Maritime claims:9
none (landlocked)
Climate:10
temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)
Terrain:11
urban; low hill
Elevation:12
Natural resources:13
none
Land use:14
Natural hazards:15
occasional earthquakes
Geography - note:16
landlocked; an enclave in Rome, Italy; world's smallest state
People and Society
Population:17
Nationality:18
Ethnic groups:19
Italian, Swiss, Argentinian, and other nationalities from around the world (2017)
Languages:20
Italian, Latin, French, various other languages
Religions:21
Roman Catholic
Population growth rate:22
0% (2014 est.)
Urbanization:23
Major urban areas - population:24
1,000 VATICAN CITY (capital) (2018)
Environment
Environmental issues:25
some air pollution from the surrounding city of Rome
International environmental agreements:26
Climate:27
temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)
Land use:28
Urbanization:29
Government
Country name:30
Government type:31
ecclesiastical elective monarchy; self-described as an "absolute monarchy"
Capital:32
Legal system:33
religious system based on canon (religious) law
Constitution:34
International law organization participation:35
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
Citizenship:36
Suffrage:37
election of the pope is limited to cardinals under 80 years old
Executive branch:38
Legislative branch:39
Judicial branch:40
Political parties:41
none
Diplomatic representation in the US:42
Diplomatic representation from the US:43
International organization participation:44
CE (observer), IAEA, Interpol, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer)
Independence:45
11 February 1929
Flag:46
National symbol(s):47
crossed keys under a papal tiara
National color(s):48
yellow, white
National anthem(s):49
National heritage:50
Economy
Economic overview:51
limited, tourism-based economy; euro user with own minted coins; produces commemorative stamps, coins, and publications to support museums and religious needs; residents pay no direct taxes; “zero deficit” plan to address budget shortfall
Industries:52
printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; mosaics, staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities
Exchange rates:53
0.924 (2024 est.)
0.925 (2023 est.)
0.95 (2022 est.)
0.845 (2021 est.)
0.876 (2020 est.)
Energy
Communications
Broadcast media:55
the Vatican Television Center (CTV) transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's weekly audiences, as well as his public celebrations; CTV also produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the official broadcasting service via shortwave, AM, and FM frequencies, as well as satellite and web; Vatican News website partners with Vatican Radio and provides Catholic news from the Vatican (2021)
Internet country code:56
.va
Internet users:57
Transportation
Military and Security
Military and security forces:59
the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera Pontificia) serves as the de facto military force of Vatican City; the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City (Corpo della Gendarmeriais) is a police force that helps augment the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps during the Pope’s appearances, as well as providing general security, traffic direction, and investigative duties for the Vatican City State (2025)
Military service age and obligation:60
Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps: 19-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; must be a single Roman Catholic male with Swiss citizenship who has completed basic training with the Swiss military and can obtain a certificate of good conduct; qualified candidates must apply to serve; the service contract is between 2 and 25 years (2024)
Military - note:61
defense is the responsibility of Italy
Notes & sources
- Background. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Location. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Geographic coordinates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Map references. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Area. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Area - comparative. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Land boundaries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Coastline. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Maritime claims. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Terrain. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Elevation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Natural resources. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Natural hazards. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Geography - note. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Population. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Nationality. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Ethnic groups. Reference edition; observation: 2017. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Languages. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Religions. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Population growth rate. Reference edition; observation: 2014. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Urbanization. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Major urban areas - population. Reference edition; observation: 2018. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Environmental issues. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- International environmental agreements. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Climate. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Land use. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Urbanization. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Country name. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Government type. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Capital. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Legal system. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Constitution. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- International law organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Citizenship. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Suffrage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Executive branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Legislative branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Judicial branch. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Political parties. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Diplomatic representation in the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Diplomatic representation from the US. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- International organization participation. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Independence. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Flag. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- National symbol(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- National color(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- National anthem(s). Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- National heritage. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Economic overview. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Industries. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Exchange rates. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Electricity access. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Broadcast media. Reference edition; observation: 2021. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Internet country code. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Internet users. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Heliports. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Military and security forces. Reference edition; observation: 2025. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Military service age and obligation. Reference edition; observation: 2024. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩
- Military - note. Reference edition; observation: dates as stated in text. Field last updated: not supplied; profile fallback: 2025-12-05 07:01:57 -0500 (not a field revision date); needs review. Reference source. Edition last checked 2026-10-29 (retrieval only). ↩