Vatican City — Capital, Flag and Country Facts

Explore Vatican City: capital Vatican City, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.

Vatican City is in Europe. Its capital is Vatican City.

Climate

Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers

Urban; low hill surrounded by the city of Rome

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world by both area and population.

The Vatican has its own postal service, radio station, and railway station.

The Sistine Chapel ceiling, painted by Michelangelo, attracts over 6 million visitors annually.

756: Papal States established under Pope Stephen II

1506: Construction of the current St. Peter's Basilica began

1626: St. Peter's Basilica consecrated after 120 years of construction

1870: Papal States annexed by the Kingdom of Italy

1929: Lateran Treaty signed, establishing Vatican City as an independent state

2013: Pope Francis elected as the first pope from the Americas