The smallest independent nation in the world is Vatican City. Located entirely within the city of Rome, Italy, Vatican City is an ecclesiastical state and serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. It covers an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) and is home to around 800 residents, including the Pope. Vatican City was established as an independent state in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty, allowing it to function independently of Italy. This unique sovereignty grants it its status as a separate nation.