The smallest country in the world is the Vatican City, located in the center of Rome, the capital of Italy, with an area of only 0.44 square kilometers, making it the smallest country in the world. The Vatican City State is the official residence and principality of the Catholic Pope and the center of the Catholic Church.
The history of the Vatican City State dates back to 753 BC, when it was a hill settlement known as the "Roman Hill". In the centuries that followed, the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and various religious organizations built buildings and facilities such as monasteries here. It was not until February 11, 1929 that the Italian government and the Vatican signed the Lateran Treaty, officially recognizing the Vatican City State as an independent state. Since then, the Vatican City State has become a globally renowned religious and cultural center, attracting visitors from all over the world to visit and make pilgrimages.
Although the Vatican City State is very small, it has a very rich cultural and artistic heritage. Among the most famous buildings are St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square, which are among the most important landmarks in the Catholic faith. In addition, the Vatican Museums have one of the world's most valuable art collections, attracting thousands of visitors.
Although the Vatican City State is small, it plays a very important role in the global political and cultural sphere. As one of the centers of the Catholic Church, it influences global Christian culture and moral values and has a profound impact on the development of human society.