Vatican City Country Overview
Where is Vatican City located? The Vatican City State is an independent state that is completely surrounded by Rome. This makes it the smallest country in the world. Despite its prominent position within Italy, Vatican City is in the same time zone as the rest of Italy. The time zone map assigns Italy to the Central European world time zone. There is a time difference of +1 hour to the coordinated world time. In the summer months, the difference to the world clock is increased by one hour due to the time changeover to daylight saving time.
Bordering Countries of Vatican City
According to abbreviationfinder, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is bordered by five other countries: Italy to the north and west, San Marino to the north and east, and Monaco to the east. To the south lies Malta.
The Vatican-Italy border has been a source of great cultural exchange due to its strategic location in Central Europe. This has led to strong cultural ties between Vatican City and Italy as well as strong political cooperation in recent years. In addition, Vatican City also has strong economic ties with its bordering countries due to its thriving tourism industry which have attracted foreign investment.
The relationship between Vatican City and its neighbours is complex but largely peaceful despite occasional disputes over matters such as taxation or religious freedom. In recent years there have been efforts by both sides to improve relations as well as increased trade between them for mutual benefit. For example, Vatican City has signed several free trade agreements with neighbouring countries that have helped boost economic growth in both nations. Furthermore, there have been efforts by all sides to promote regional stability through joint military exercises or peacekeeping operations in conflict zones such as San Marino or Malta.
Population Distribution
As of 2023, the latest population of Vatican City is 1,000, based on our calculation of the current data from UN (United Nations).
| Total population | 1,000 |
| Population growth rate | 0.00% |
| Birth rate | |
| Life expectancy | |
| Overall life expectancy | |
| Men life expectancy | |
| Women life expectancy | |
| Age structure | |
| 0-14 years | |
| 15-64 years | |
| 65 years and above | |
| Median age | |
| Gender ratio (Male to Female) | |
| Population density | 2,272.73 residents per km² |
| Urbanization | 100.00% |
| Ethnicities | |
| approx. 800 residents, of which approx. 450 people have Vatican citizenship | |
| Religions | |
| Catholics (Roman Catholic) | |
People in Vatican City
The Vatican is the smallest state in the world – not only in terms of size, but also in terms of population. Around 1000 people live here (as of 2017). Of these, 605 are Vatican citizens. However, this is only granted on a temporary basis and is associated with a function. Only about 30 residents are women.
The Pope
The most famous resident of Vatican City is of course the Pope. He is not only the head of the Roman Catholic Church, but also the head of state of the small country. Since 2013 this is Pope Francis.
Other residents
All cardinals living here or in Rome and all diplomats of the Holy See are also citizens of the Vatican. Citizenship can be obtained on application if one lives and works in the Vatican. These are, for example, the employees of the papal household, such as cooks, valets and cleaning staff. This also includes the administrative officials, mostly priests.
The Swiss Guard
The Swiss Guard ensures security. Your soldiers ensure the security in the country and are also responsible for the personal safety of the Pope. This tradition dates back to the 16th century. Originally there were four Papal Guards, the Swiss Guard is the only one remaining. 110 men belong to it.
Your tasks are not military, but should be understood as honorary services. They keep watch during audiences and visits and carry out security and security services. To become a Swiss Guard, you have to be Swiss, Catholic and male. As halberdiers and vice corporals (these are ranks) they may not be married.
Languages in Vatican City
The Vatican is the only country in the world where Latin is the official language. In everyday life, however, Italian is mainly used. The command languages of the Swiss Guard are German and Italian.
Religions in Vatican City
All residents are Catholic.