World Smallest Country Population

The World Smallest Country Population is not a tough one to crack. Vatican City, an Independent City-State located in the heart of Rome, has the distinction of being both the smallest country and the smallest city in the world. The city covers 109 acres, and its population is approximately 800 people.

As you can see by its size, the Vatican is a small country that relies heavily on tourism and donations to keep it running. It also mints its own Euro coins and stamps for sale worldwide. It is a landlocked sovereign city-state whose territory consists of a walled enclave within the city of Rome.

The Vatican is open for tourists to visit, although some areas are only accessible during certain seasons or times of the year. Meeting with high officials or a visit from the Pope himself must be scheduled far in advance.

Facts About Vatican City

• It has no airport or train station, but its one road is used by around 21 million tourists every year. More than half of these tourists come from Italy, with Germany coming in second place.
• Rome, Italy, surrounds Vatican City, and its population comprises clergy working within the Vatican.
• The Vatican Citizens include cardinals residing in the city, diplomats serving at the Apostolic Nunciature (the Vatican's diplomatic mission) and priests serving in different departments of the Holy See. The rest are employees of the city-state itself.
• The population grows twice a year when the Pope appoints new cardinals and when men begin their studies at Pontifical Ecclesiastical Academy (academy for training diplomats of the Holy See). The Vatican also has an open border policy with Italy so residents can freely move to and from Italy at any time.
• It's a misconception that every person who works for the Vatican resides there. Many people commute back and forth from Rome to do their jobs. They work for the church but don't necessarily live there.

Which Are the World's Smallest Countries?

The world's smallest countries, including the Vatican, Monaco, Nauru, and Tuvalu, offer a window into how nations with limited resources can develop economic resilience. While these nations are small, they make essential contributions to the international community. For example, the Vatican's Pontifical Academy of Sciences has brought together scientists worldwide to discuss climate change and alternative energy sources.

Vatican City Significance

The sole reason for establishing this tiny state was to serve as a home for the Pope after Italy unified in 1870 and took control of Rome and surrounding areas. Vatican City is the world's smallest country by both area and population. Vatican City is also the world's smallest country by population, consisting of around 800 people. The Pope is the head of state and exercises executive, legislative and judicial power over Vatican City.

The Vatican City is governed by the Bishop (Pope) of Rome, also the head of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican City's government also has a Secretary of State acting as its prime minister and overseeing foreign affairs, internal affairs, and communications. The Lateran Treaty also made Catholicism the state religion of Italy and renounced any Italian claims to sovereignty over Vatican City.

It is pretty tricky to determine which countries are the smallest in the world. While landmass may seem like an excellent way to resolve this, many islands are considered territories or dependencies. Some microstates are so small that they can be found within other countries.

FAQs on World Smallest Country Population

Q.1) Which country is the smallest in the world by population?

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world by population.

Q.2) Which is the second-smallest country in the world by area and population?

Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world by area and population.

Q.3) What are the smallest countries in the world identified as?

The smallest countries in the world are referred to as microstates.