Vatican City

The smallest state in the world is located in the middle of Rome: Vatican City, also known simply as "the Vatican". The 0.44 square kilometer city-state is governed by the Pope as spiritual and temporal head - making it an absolute monarchy. The Vatican City State's most important source of income is tourism: around six million people visit the most important sites of Christianity every year, including St. Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums. This year, the number of visitors is even expected to increase significantly: The motto of the Holy Year 2025 in Rome is "Pilgrims of Hope". In addition, a new pope, Leo XIV, was elected in the spring.