Vatican City
Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, occupying a landlocked enclave of 0.49 km² (0.19 sq mi) within Rome, Italy. Recent estimates place the population at approximately 800 residents, consisting primarily of clergy and members of the Swiss Guard. As an ecclesiastical elective monarchy, it serves as the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church.
Where is Vatican City?
Vatican City
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Vatican City
- Coordinates
- 41.90°, 12.45°
Population Details
- Area
- 0 km²
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Vatican City
- Region
- Europe
- Area
- 0 km²
- Languages
- Italian, Latin
- Currency
- euro (€)
- Timezones
- UTC+01:00
- UN Member
- No
Neighboring Countries
Economy
The economy is non-commercial and unique, supported by the sale of postage stamps, tourist mementos, and fees for admission to the Vatican Museums. Financial contributions from Catholics globally, known as Peter's Pence, also provide significant revenue for the state's operations. The state uses the euro (€) as its official currency and maintains its own banking system, the Institute for the Works of Religion. While traditional GDP growth and unemployment rates are not typically reported, the workforce consists of approximately 4,800 lay employees who commute from Italy.
Society
The literacy rate is estimated at 100 percent, reflecting a population of highly educated clergy and specialized staff. Although specific life expectancy data is generally aligned with Italian statistics, the resident population enjoys exceptional access to healthcare and specialized services. Internet use is universal, and the state manages its own telecommunications and the .va internet domain. Most residents are multilingual, with Italian and Latin serving as the primary languages for administration and official documentation.
Climate & Environment
The territory experiences a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Temperatures typically range from an average low of 3 °C (37 °F) in the winter to highs of 30 °C (86 °F) during the summer months. The urban environment and the greenery of the Vatican Gardens, which sit at an elevation of 78 m (256 ft), influence the local microclimate.
Government & Politics
- Government Type
- Ecclesiastical elective monarchy; self-described as an "absolute monarchy"
- Independence
- 1929-02-11 (Italy)
Geography
- Highest Point
- Vatican Gardens (Vatican Hill) (78 m)
- Lowest Point
- Saint Peter's Square (19 m)
- Coastline
- 0 km
Major Cities
Largest Cities in Vatican CityExplore weather and climate data for cities in Vatican City
Climate & Weather
View full climate guideMonthly averages for Vatican City
| Month | Temp | Feels Like | Rain | Sun | Humidity | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C / 5°C | 11°C / 3°C | 10days (71 mm) Wet | 6.8h Fair | 79% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| February | 15°C / 6°C | 13°C / 4°C | 7days (56 mm) Good | 8.4h Good | 76% Humid | Fair | View Details |
| March | 17°C / 8°C | 15°C / 5°C | 11days (80 mm) Wet | 9.6h Good | 73% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| April | 20°C / 10°C | 19°C / 8°C | 9days (54 mm) Wet | 11.4h Excellent | 71% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| May best | 25°C / 14°C | 25°C / 14°C | 11days (70 mm) Wet | 12.5h Excellent | 70% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| June best | 30°C / 19°C | 32°C / 20°C | 5days (33 mm) Good | 13.6h Excellent | 63% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| July | 33°C / 22°C | 36°C / 24°C | 2days (10 mm) Excellent | 13.9h Excellent | 58% Moderate | Good | View Details |
| August | 33°C / 22°C | 36°C / 24°C | 6days (40 mm) Good | 12.8h Excellent | 61% Muggy | Good | View Details |
| September best | 28°C / 18°C | 30°C / 19°C | 9days (97 mm) Wet | 10.8h Excellent | 70% Muggy | Excellent | View Details |
| October best | 23°C / 14°C | 23°C / 14°C | 10days (95 mm) Wet | 9h Good | 76% Humid | Excellent | View Details |
| November | 18°C / 10°C | 17°C / 8°C | 11days (102 mm) Wet | 7.5h Good | 79% Humid | Good | View Details |
| December | 14°C / 7°C | 13°C / 4°C | 11days (110 mm) Wet | 6.5h Fair | 81% Humid | Fair | View Details |
Temperature
Line chart showing monthly temperatures. Jan: 13°C / 5°C . Feb: 15°C / 6°C . Mar: 17°C / 8°C . Apr: 20°C / 10°C . May: 25°C / 14°C . Jun: 30°C / 19°C . Jul: 33°C / 22°C . Aug: 33°C / 22°C . Sep: 28°C / 18°C . Oct: 23°C / 14°C . Nov: 18°C / 10°C . Dec: 14°C / 7°C .
Rainfall
Bar chart showing monthly rainfall. Jan: 71 mm. Feb: 56 mm. Mar: 80 mm. Apr: 54 mm. May: 70 mm. Jun: 33 mm. Jul: 10 mm. Aug: 40 mm. Sep: 97 mm. Oct: 95 mm. Nov: 102 mm. Dec: 110 mm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Population data for Vatican City is currently being loaded.
The capital of Vatican City is Vatican City.
GDP data for Vatican City is currently being loaded.
GDP data for Vatican City is currently being loaded.
Vatican City covers 0 km² (0 sq mi).
Vatican City has 2 official languages: Italian, Latin.
Vatican City uses the euro (€) as its sole official currency.
The best months to visit Vatican City are May, June, September, October, based on climate data for the capital.
Vatican City is the smallest sovereign state in the world, encompassing an area of approximately 0.49 km² (0.19 sq mi). It is entirely landlocked within the city of Rome, Italy. Despite its tiny size, it operates as an independent country with its own postal system, radio station, and banking infrastructure.
Vatican City is an independent country, having gained its independence from Italy on 11 February 1929 through the Lateran Treaty. It is recognized internationally as a sovereign state, though it is not a member of the United Nations. Instead, it maintains permanent observer status, allowing it to participate in UN activities.
Vatican City has a 100 percent literacy rate, as the population consists entirely of highly educated clergy and staff. Education is not provided through a traditional school system within the walls, as there are no children residing there permanently. Instead, inhabitants are typically graduates of international universities or ecclesiastical institutions.
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