The Vatican, officially Vatican City State, is a sovereign micro-state located in Rome, Italy. It is the smallest country in the world in both area (0.44 km²) and population (764 inhabitants). Its form of government is a theocracy organized as an absolute monarchy, headed by the Pope, who delegates functions to the Secretary of State.

Founded as an independent state in 1929 after the signing of the Lateran Pacts between the Holy See and the Kingdom of Italy, the Vatican offers territorial and sovereign support to the Holy See, the highest institution of the Catholic Church. Although often confused, Vatican City refers to the territory, while the Holy See refers to the ecclesiastical institution that maintains international diplomatic relations.

The architectural and artistic ensemble of the Vatican was declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco in 1984. The history of the Vatican is marked by significant events such as the capture of several popes during European conflicts and the creation of the Vatican State in 1929 to guarantee the independence of the pope and the Catholic Church.

The pope is the highest authority and exercises executive, legislative and judicial powers through the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State. During periods of vacancy, the College of Cardinals temporarily assumes the government. The most widely spoken language in the Vatican is Italian, and the currency is the Euro, according to an agreement with the European Union.

The name of the Vatican comes from the Vatican Hill, associated with prophecies and oracles in antiquity.