Did you know that the country with the smallest population is Vatican City?

Vatican City is an independent city-state, enclaved within Rome, Italy, and has 824 residents. It covers just 44 hectares (110 acres). Despite its small size, Vatican City plays a significant role on the global stage. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is the residence of the Pope.

The population primarily consists of clergy, including high-ranking officials, priests, nuns, and a small number of laypeople working in various administrative and service roles. Vatican City also houses some of the world’s most famous cultural and religious sites, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the Sistine Chapel, and the Vatican Museums, which contain an extensive collection of art and historical artifacts. The governance of Vatican City is unique, with the Pope holding absolute executive, legislative, and judicial power over the state.

The image accompanying this article was created by Stefan Wloch via flickr.com