Vatican City

The Vatican takes first place in the list of the least populated countries in the world. It is an inland city-state. Vatican City is also the head of the Catholic Christian faith. In fact, the city of Rome completely surrounds this walled city-state. The country occupies an area of 110 acres with a population of only about 1000. It is an internationally recognized country. Its ruler is the Bishop of Rome, who resides in the Apostolic Palace in the Vatican. However, it was established in 1929 by the Treaty of Laterano signed by Pietro Gaspari (Cardinal Secretary of State). The country is now ruled by Pope Francis.

The state dates back to the first church built in 326. In 592 Pope Gregory became bishop of Rome. He ruled the surrounding area, including the Italian Peninsula. In the 19th century, the king of Italy conquered the papal territories. As a result, the Pope used the Palace of Quirinale and the Palace of Laterano as his daily residence. The 1929 Treaty of Sides resolved the issue of the creation of the Vatican State between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See.

• Population: 1000