The smallest country in the world is Vatican City. Nestled within Rome, Italy, Vatican City covers an area of about 44 hectares (110 acres) or 0.17 square miles. Established as an independent sovereign state in 1929 through the Lateran Treaty, Vatican City serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, housing the Pope and numerous historical and cultural sites. It is renowned for its architecture, including St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, as well as its artistic treasures. Despite its tiny size, Vatican City has a significant influence on global affairs, particularly in religious and diplomatic matters.