The smallest country in the world by land area is Vatican City. It is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy, covering approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) or about 0.17 square miles. Vatican City serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is the residence of the Pope. Established as a sovereign entity in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty, it is renowned for its historical and cultural significance, housing masterpieces like St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel. Its unique status as a theocratic state is also notable, making it a focal point for millions of Catholics around the globe.