Vatican City
Region
🌍 Europe
Population
👥 882
Currency
💱 Euro
Languages
🗣️ Italian, Latin
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 13 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Vatican City State
Continent
Europe
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Vatican
Independence
Vatican City gained independence on February 11, 1929.
Top-Level Domain
.va
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+379
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+01:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Vatican City
ISO Alpha-2
VA
ISO Alpha-3
VAT
UN Code
336
Geographic Coordinates
41.9,12.45
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
0#249 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
882#242 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
Vatican City has an extremely high population density.
Highest Point (m)
The highest point is 75 meters above sea level.
Lowest Point (m)
The lowest point is 19 meters above sea level.
Land Use
Vatican City is almost entirely urban.
Irrigated Land
Irrigated land is not applicable to Vatican City.
Coastline Length
This landlocked country has no coastline.
Climate
Vatican City has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers.
Natural Resources
Vatican City has no significant natural resources.
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Italy
Major Rivers
Vatican City has no major rivers.
Major Lakes
Vatican City has no major lakes.
Government Type
The Vatican City is a theocratic elective monarchy.
Administrative Divisions
Vatican City is not divided into administrative divisions.
Legal System
The legal system is based on Canon Law and Vatican City laws.
Chief of State
The Pope is the chief of state.
Head of Government
The President of the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State acts as head of government.
Cabinet
The Curia is the governing body that functions as the cabinet.
Elections
The Pope is elected by the College of Cardinals.
Judicial Branch
The judicial branch includes the Tribunal, the Supreme Court, and the Court of Cassation.
Legislative Branch
The Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State exercises legislative functions.
Major Political Parties
Vatican City has no political parties.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
Euro
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)
Data for Vatican City's GDP is limited; it is a microstate with a small economy. Estimates are generally unavailable.
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)
Data for Vatican City's GDP is limited; it is a microstate with a small economy. Estimates are generally unavailable.
GDP per Capita (US$)
Data for Vatican City's GDP per capita is limited; it is a microstate with a small economy. Estimates are generally unavailable.
GDP - Agriculture (%)
—
GDP - Industry (%)
—
GDP - Services (%)
—
Inflation Rate (%)
Inflation data for Vatican City is not readily available.
Labor Force (people)
The labor force primarily consists of employees of the Holy See.
Unemployment Rate (%)
Unemployment data for Vatican City is not readily available.
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Data on public debt for Vatican City is limited.
Budget
The Vatican City's budget primarily covers the Holy See's activities, including administration and religious missions.
Exports (US$ billion)
Vatican City's exports are primarily related to religious items and souvenirs; export data is limited.
Imports (US$ billion)
Vatican City's imports consist mostly of goods for daily use and religious purposes; import data is limited.
Foreign Reserves
Information on Vatican City's foreign reserves is limited.
Currency Exchange
The Vatican City uses the Euro (EUR). Exchange rates are available from major financial institutions.
GDP by Sector
Data for Vatican City's GDP by sector is limited due to the nature of its economy.
Major Industries
Major industries include banking, tourism, and the production of religious items.
Major Export Partners
Export partner data for Vatican City is limited.
Major Import Partners
Import partner data for Vatican City is limited.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)
Literacy is effectively 100%.
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)
Birth rate data is very limited due to the small population.
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)
Death rate data is very limited due to the small population.
Net Migration Rate
Net migration rate data is very limited.
Median Age
Median age data for Vatican City is limited.
Urban Population (%)
Vatican City is entirely urban.
Urbanization Rate
Vatican City is fully urbanized; there is no urbanization rate.
Life Expectancy (years)
Life expectancy is very high, given the population's characteristics.
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
HIV/AIDS prevalence data is limited.
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)
Health expenditures data is limited.
Ethnic Groups
The population mainly consists of clergy, Swiss Guards, and other individuals working for the Holy See.
Religions
The predominant religion is Roman Catholicism.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
Italian, Latin
Education
Education System
Education is primarily managed by institutions run by religious orders, serving a small resident population.
School Life Expectancy (years)
Data on school life expectancy is limited due to the small population and unique educational context.
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education is primarily focused on supporting religious schools and institutions within Vatican City.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
Vatican City hosts pontifical universities and institutions of higher learning, though student enrollment is limited.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Vatican City's culture is deeply rooted in the Catholic Church, its art, architecture, and religious traditions.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- Maria Santissima Madre di Dio (2026-01-01)
- Epifania del Signore (2026-01-06)
- Anniversario della istituzione dello Stato della Città del Vaticano (2026-02-11)
- Anniversario dell'Elezione del Santo Padre (2026-03-13)
- San Giuseppe (2026-03-19)
- Lunedì dell'Angelo (2026-04-06)
- Onomastico del Santo Padre (2026-04-23)
- San Giuseppe lavoratore (2026-05-01)
- Santi Pietro e Paolo (2026-06-29)
- Assunzione di Maria in Cielo (2026-08-15)
- Festa della natività della madonna (2026-09-08)
- Tutti i Santi, Ognissanti (2026-11-01)
Popular Music
Popular music is not a significant aspect of the cultural landscape, though religious music and hymns are prevalent.
Traditional Food
Traditional food is primarily influenced by Italian cuisine, with Vatican City residents often dining in nearby Rome.
Sports
Sports are not a major focus, although the Vatican City participates in some international sporting events.
Major Festivals
Major festivals are primarily religious celebrations and liturgical events.
Famous People
Famous people are primarily associated with the papacy, the Catholic Church, and religious figures.
Cultural Heritage Sites
Vatican City is a cultural heritage site in its entirety, with St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel as key sites.
UNESCO Sites
Vatican City is entirely listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Annual Tourist Visits
Millions of visitors annually.
Tourism Overview
Tourism is a significant part of Vatican City's economy, focused on religious sites and historical attractions.
Top Tourist Attractions
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican Museums (Sistine Chapel), Vatican Gardens.
Famous Cities
Vatican City.
National Parks
None.
Protected Areas
None.
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
Schengen Visa rules apply.
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
Generally considered safe; follow Italian travel advisories.
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
Healthcare quality in Vatican City is generally of high quality.
Medical Cost
Medical costs are likely comparable to those in Italy.
Number of Hospitals
Vatican City has access to hospitals within its borders and in Italy.
Universal Healthcare
Healthcare is provided to Vatican City residents and employees, primarily through the Vatican City health services.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are primarily for Vatican City residents and employees.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical access is available within Vatican City and through cooperation with Italian medical services.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
112 is the emergency number for police.
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
112 is the emergency number for ambulance services.
Emergency Number (Fire)
112 is the emergency number for fire services.
Crime Rate
Crime rate is very low.
Safety Index
Safety index is very high.
Military Expenditure
Vatican City does not have a military budget.
Emergency Services Overview
Emergency services are provided by the Vatican City State.
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
This microstate does not maintain its own military forces.
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
Electricity access is universal.
Water Access
Water access is universal.
Sanitation Access
Sanitation access is universal.
Railways
Vatican City has a short railway line connecting it to Italy.
Roadways
Vatican City has limited roadways primarily for internal transportation.
Transportation System
Transportation within Vatican City is primarily walking, with some use of vehicles for official purposes.
Airports
Vatican City has no airports.
Ports
Vatican City has no ports.
Public Transit
Public transit is not available within Vatican City, relying primarily on walking.
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)
Internet penetration is high due to the small population and advanced infrastructure.
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
Data unavailable.
Tech Startups
Data unavailable.
Innovation Index
Data unavailable.
ICT Development Index
Data unavailable.
TV Broadcast Stations
Limited, primarily religious content.
Radio Broadcast Stations
Limited, primarily religious content.
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)
Data unavailable.
Air Quality Index
Limited data; likely good due to small size and low industrial activity.
Water Pollution Level
Likely low; sources are limited and monitored.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited usage; initiatives for solar panels are present.
Environmental Issues
Limited; potential concerns regarding waste disposal and resource management.
Natural Hazards
None significant.
Waste Management
Relies on external waste management services, with emphasis on recycling.
Environmental Agreements
Parties to international environmental agreements through Italy.
UN Membership
—
Diplomatic Missions
Limited, primarily hosts diplomatic missions; has embassies in other countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Observer status in several international organizations.
Major Treaties
Subject to treaties and agreements made by Italy.
Visa-Free Countries
Generally follows Italy's visa policies due to its size and dependence on Italy.