Vatican City, officially recognized as the Vatican City State, is a sovereign city-state enclave within Rome, Italy. It holds the distinction of being the world's smallest internationally recognized independent state in terms of both land area and population. Vatican City serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, with the Pope as its leader.

Spanning slightly over 44 hectares (110 acres), Vatican City encompasses renowned landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, renowned for Michelangelo's iconic ceiling frescoes. The Vatican's extraordinary collection of art and cultural treasures entices millions of visitors annually.