Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook

Vatican City

Status Civitatis Vaticanæ

VA / VATeurope
CapitalVatican City
Population
GDP
Area0 km²
Regioneurope
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:11 am

Country facts

Official nameStatus Civitatis Vaticanæ
CapitalVatican City
Area0 km²
Official language(s)Italian, Latin
Calling code+379
Form of governmentpapacy, theocracy, constitutional monarchy
Time zoneCentral European Time, UTC+01:00, Europe/Vatican

Overview

Wikidata population (fallback)8822024 · Reported

Background

Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid-19th century, when the newly established Kingdom of Italy seized many of the Papal States. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed. Disputes between Italy and a series of "prisoner" popes were resolved in 1929 by three Lateran Treaties, which established the independent state of Vatican City and granted Roman Catholicism special status in Italy. In 1984, a concordat between the Holy See and Italy modified some of the earlier treaty provisions, including the primacy of Roman Catholicism as the Italian state religion.
Present concerns of the Holy See include religious freedom, threats against minority Christian communities in Africa and the Middle East, the plight of refugees and migrants, climate change and the environment, conflict and war, nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, sexual misconduct by clergy, humanitarian issues, interreligious dialogue and reconciliation, and the application of church doctrine in an era of rapid change and globalization. About 1.3 billion people worldwide profess Catholicism, the world's largest Christian faith.
Reference: 1984, 1929

Geography

Latitude (Wikidata)41.9040°current · Reported
Longitude (Wikidata)12.4530°current · Reported

Location

Southern Europe, an enclave of Rome (Italy)

Map references

Europe

Area

total: 0 sq km
land: 0.44 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Area - comparative

about 0.7 times the size of the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

Land boundaries

total: 3.4 km
border countries: Italy 3.4 km

Coastline

0 km (landlocked)

Maritime claims

none (landlocked)

Climate

temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)

Terrain

urban; low hill

Elevation

highest point: Vatican Gardens (Vatican Hill) 78 m
lowest point: Saint Peter's Square 19 m

Natural resources

none

Land use

agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 0% (2022 est.)
other: 100% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022

Natural hazards

occasional earthquakes

Geography - note

landlocked; an enclave in Rome, Italy; world's smallest state

Population & Society

Wikidata population (fallback)8822024 · Reported

Nationality

noun: none
adjective: none

Ethnic groups

Italian, Swiss, Argentinian, and other nationalities from around the world (2017)
Reference: 2017

Languages

Languages: Italian, Latin, French, various other languages
major-language sample(s): L'Almanacco dei fatti del mondo, l'indispensabile fonte per le informazioni di base. (Italian)
The World Factbook, the indispensable source for basic information.

Religions

Roman Catholic

Population growth rate

0% (2014 est.)
Reference: 2014

Urbanization

urban population: 100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020

Major urban areas - population

1,000 VATICAN CITY (capital) (2018)
Reference: 2018

Migration & Displacement

Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.

International emigrant stock3132024 · Estimated

Government & Politics

Form of governmentpapacy, theocracy, constitutional monarchycurrent · Reported
OfficeHolderAffiliationFromStatusEvidence
Head of stateLeo XIV2025-05-08CurrentReported
Head of governmentRaffaella Petrini2025-03-01CurrentReported

Country name

conventional long form: The Holy See (Vatican City State)
conventional short form: Holy See (Vatican City)
local long form: La Santa Sede (Stato della Citta del Vaticano)
local short form: Santa Sede (Citta del Vaticano)
etymology: "holy" comes from the Greek word hera, meaning "sacred"; "see" comes from the Latin word sedes, meaning "seat," and refers to the episcopal chair; the name Vatican derives from the hill Mons Vaticanus on which the Vatican is located and which comes from the Latin vates (prophet), referring to the fortune tellers and soothsayers who frequented the area in Roman times

Capital

name: Vatican City
geographic coordinates: 41 54 N, 12 27 E
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
etymology: the name derives from the hill called Mons Vaticanus, on which the Vatican is located and which comes from the Latin vates (prophet), referring to the fortune tellers and soothsayers who frequented the area in Roman times

Legal system

religious system based on canon (religious) law

Constitution

history: previous 1929, 2000; latest issued by Pope FRANCIS 13 May 2023, effective 7 June 2023 (Fundamental Law of Vatican City State, the main governing document of the Vatican's civil entities); the Roman Curia is the administrative apparatus – the departments and ministries – used by the pontiff in governing the church
amendment process: although the Fundamental Law of Vatican City State makes no mention of amendments, Article Four (drafting laws), states that this legislative responsibility resides with the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State; draft legislation is submitted through the Secretariat of State and considered by the pope
Reference: 2023, 2000, 1929

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Citizenship

citizenship by birth: no
citizenship by descent only: no
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: not applicable
note: note: in the Holy See, citizenship is acquired by law, ex iure, or by adminstrative decision; in the first instance, citizenship is a function of holding office within the Holy See as in the case of cardinals resident in Vatican City or diplomats of the Holy See; in the second instance, citizenship may be requested in a limited set of circumstances for those who reside within Vatican City under papal authorization, as a function of their office or service, or as the spouses and children of current citizens; citizenship is lost once an individual no longer permanently resides in Vatican City, normally reverting to the citizenship previously held

Suffrage

election of the pope is limited to cardinals under 80 years old

Executive branch

chief of state: Pope LEO XIV (since 8 May 2025)
head of government: President of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City and President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State Fernando VERGEZ ALZAGA (since 1 October 2021)
cabinet: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City appointed by the pope
election/appointment process: pope elected by the College of Cardinals, usually for life or until voluntary resignation; Secretary of State appointed by the pope
election results: 2025: Robert PREVOST elected Pope LEO XIV
Reference: 2025, 2021

Legislative branch

legislature name: Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City (Pontificia Commissione per lo Stato della Citta del Vaticano)
legislative structure: unicameral
number of seats: 7
term in office: 5 years
most recent election date: 22 September 2018
percentage of women in chamber: 0%
Reference: 2018

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court or Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura (consists of the cardinal prefect, who serves as ex-officio president of the court, and 2 other cardinals of the Prefect Signatura)
judge selection and term of office: cardinal prefect appointed by the pope; the other 2 cardinals of the court appointed by the cardinal prefect on a yearly basis
subordinate courts: Appellate Court of Vatican City; Tribunal of Vatican City
note: note: the Motu Proprio (papal directive) of Pope PIUS XII established judicial duties on 1 May 1946; most Vatican City criminal matters are handled by the Republic of Italy courts
Reference: 1946

Political parties

none

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio Cardinal Christophe PIERRE (since 27 June 2016)
chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121
FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036
email address and website: nuntiususa@nuntiususa.org
http://www.nuntiususa.org/
Reference: 2016

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Brian Francis BURCH II (since 13 September 2025)
embassy: Via Sallustiana, 49, 00187 Rome
mailing address: 5660 Holy See Place, Washington DC  20521-5660
telephone: [39] (06) 4674-1
FAX: [39] (06) 4674-3411
email address and website: https://va.usembassy.gov/

International organization participation

CE (observer), IAEA, Interpol, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Independence

11 February 1929
note: note: the three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged the full sovereignty of the Holy See and established its territorial extent, but the origin of the Papal States, which over centuries varied considerably in extent, can be traced back to A.D. 754
Reference: 1929

Flag

description: two vertical bands of yellow (left side) and white, with the arms of the Holy See centered in the white band; the arms show the crossed keys of Saint Peter under the three-tiered papal tiara 
meaning: yellow stands for the pope's spiritual power, and white for his worldly power

National symbol(s)

crossed keys under a papal tiara

National color(s)

yellow, white

National anthem(s)

title: “Hymnus Pontificius" (Pontifical Anthem)
lyrics/music: Raffaello LAVAGNA/Charles-Francois GOUNOD
history: adopted 1949
Reference: 1949

National heritage

total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Historic Center of Rome, the Properties of the Holy See in that City Enjoying Extraterritorial Rights and San Paolo Fuori le Mura; Vatican City

Legislature & Elections

Legislature

NameChamberSeatsElectoral system
Pontifical Commission for the Vatican City State7

Economy

Economic overview

limited, tourism-based economy; euro user with own minted coins; produces commemorative stamps, coins, and publications to support museums and religious needs; residents pay no direct taxes; “zero deficit” plan to address budget shortfall

Industries

printing; production of coins, medals, postage stamps; mosaics, staff uniforms; worldwide banking and financial activities

Exchange rates

Currency: euros (EUR) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2024: 0.924 (2024 est.)
Exchange rates 2023: 0.925 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022: 0.95 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021: 0.845 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020: 0.876 (2020 est.)
note: note: while not an EU member state, the Holy See has a 2000 monetary agreement with Italy and the EU to produce limited euro coinage—but not banknotes—that began enforcement in January 2002
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

Trade

No trade data is currently available for this country.

Energy & Resources

Electricity access

electrification - total population: 100% (2021)
Reference: 2021

Infrastructure

No infrastructure data is currently available for this country.

Health

No health data is currently available for this country.

Education

No education data is currently available for this country.

Rights, Freedoms & Society

LGBTQ+ Rights & Law

Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.

Same-sex sexual activityYes Legal since 1890 (As part of Italy)Reported
Recognition of same-sex relationshipsNoReported
Same-sex marriageNoReported
Same-sex adoptionNoReported
Open military serviceHas no militaryReported
Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination lawNoReported

Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.

Crime & Justice

Legal system

religious system based on canon (religious) law

Judicial branch

highest court(s): Supreme Court or Supreme Tribunal of the Apostolic Signatura (consists of the cardinal prefect, who serves as ex-officio president of the court, and 2 other cardinals of the Prefect Signatura)
judge selection and term of office: cardinal prefect appointed by the pope; the other 2 cardinals of the court appointed by the cardinal prefect on a yearly basis
subordinate courts: Appellate Court of Vatican City; Tribunal of Vatican City
note: note: the Motu Proprio (papal directive) of Pope PIUS XII established judicial duties on 1 May 1946; most Vatican City criminal matters are handled by the Republic of Italy courts
Reference: 1946

Military & Security

Military and security forces

the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps (Corpo della Guardia Svizzera Pontificia) serves as the de facto military force of Vatican City; the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City (Corpo della Gendarmeriais) is a police force that helps augment the Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps during the Pope’s appearances, as well as providing general security, traffic direction, and investigative duties for the Vatican City State (2025)
note: note: the Swiss Guard Corps has protected the Pope and his residence since 1506

Military service age and obligation

Pontifical Swiss Guard Corps: 19-30 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription; must be a single Roman Catholic male with Swiss citizenship who has completed basic training with the Swiss military and can obtain a certificate of good conduct; qualified candidates must apply to serve; the service contract is between 2 and 25 years (2024)
Reference: 2024

Military - note

defense is the responsibility of Italy

International Relations

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

Diplomatic representation in the US

chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio Cardinal Christophe PIERRE (since 27 June 2016)
chancery: 3339 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
telephone: [1] (202) 333-7121
FAX: [1] (202) 337-4036
email address and website: nuntiususa@nuntiususa.org
http://www.nuntiususa.org/
Reference: 2016

Diplomatic representation from the US

chief of mission: Ambassador Brian Francis BURCH II (since 13 September 2025)
embassy: Via Sallustiana, 49, 00187 Rome
mailing address: 5660 Holy See Place, Washington DC  20521-5660
telephone: [39] (06) 4674-1
FAX: [39] (06) 4674-3411
email address and website: https://va.usembassy.gov/

International organization participation

CE (observer), IAEA, Interpol, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Treaties & Organisations

International law organization participation

has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt

International organization participation

CE (observer), IAEA, Interpol, IOM, ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), OAS (observer), OPCW, OSCE, Schengen Convention (de facto member), UN (observer), UNCTAD, UNHCR, UNWTO (observer), UPU, WIPO, WTO (observer)

Transportation & Logistics

Heliports

1 (2025)

Environment

Environmental issues

some air pollution from the surrounding city of Rome

International environmental agreements

party to: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection
signed, but not ratified: Air Pollution, Environmental Modification

Climate

temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)

Land use

agricultural land: 0% (2022 est.)
forest: 0% (2022 est.)
other: 100% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022

Urbanization

urban population: 100% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 0% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020

Communications & Media

Broadcast media

the Vatican Television Center (CTV) transmits live broadcasts of the Pope's weekly audiences, as well as his public celebrations; CTV also produces documentaries; Vatican Radio is the official broadcasting service via shortwave, AM, and FM frequencies, as well as satellite and web; Vatican News website partners with Vatican Radio and provides Catholic news from the Vatican (2021)
Reference: 2021

Internet country code

.va

Internet users

percent of population: 87% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023

Historical Trends

International emigrant stock

Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.

View International emigrant stock data table
PeriodValueSource
199022un_migrant_stock_2024
199530un_migrant_stock_2024
200041un_migrant_stock_2024
200552un_migrant_stock_2024
201074un_migrant_stock_2024
2015128un_migrant_stock_2024
2020284un_migrant_stock_2024
2024313un_migrant_stock_2024

Sources & Methodology

Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.

IndicatorValuePeriodSourceStatus
Wikidata population (fallback)8822024WikidataReported
International emigrant stock3132024UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024Estimated
Same-sex sexual activityYes Legal since 1890 (As part of Italy)currentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Recognition of same-sex relationshipsNocurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Same-sex marriageNocurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Same-sex adoptionNocurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Open military serviceHas no militarycurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination lawNocurrentWikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territoryReported
Latitude (Wikidata)41.9040°currentWikidataReported
Longitude (Wikidata)12.4530°currentWikidataReported
Time zoneCentral European Time, UTC+01:00, Europe/VaticancurrentWikidataReported
Form of governmentpapacy, theocracy, constitutional monarchycurrentWikidataReported

Data attribution

Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.

  • CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
  • United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
  • United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49 availability) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
  • Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: availability) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
  • Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
  • Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence

Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.

Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 00:08:54