- Basic Facts
- Vatican City is Rome's smallest sovereign state governed by the Holy See
- Located on ancient Vatican Hill, covering 44 hectares
- Population of 825, with 246 residents within walls
- Official language is Italian, with Latin used for Holy See
- Government and Religion
- Became independent state in 1929 through Lateran Treaty
- Pope serves as both head of Catholic Church and state
- Catholicism is official religion, with Catholicism as de facto custodian
- Uses Vatican Euro as official currency
- Notable Attractions
- St. Peter's Basilica, world's largest church
- Vatican Museums with 1400 rooms and 3000-year-old art collection
- Vatican Gardens covering 109 acres
- Vatican Observatory focusing on scientific research
- Practical Information
- No passport required for entry
- Euro is official currency
- Best time to visit is September to October
- Vatican City has own flag with yellow and white stripes