The Vatican, officially known as the Vatican City State, is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is the residence of the Pope. The Vatican covers about 44 hectares, making it the smallest country in the world by both area and population. Home to iconic landmarks like St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, the Vatican attracts millions of visitors each year. It is also the site of important religious events and ceremonies, playing a crucial role in the global Catholic community.