Vatican City is the world’s smallest fully independent nation-state. It is ruled by the pope, who is the head of the Holy See, the central government of the Catholic Church.

Pope Leo XIV acknowledges a Chicago flag in the crowd, waved by Leo Karmanos, as he arrives for his installation Mass in St. Peter's Square on May 18, 2025, at the Vatican.

Vatican City is located in Rome, along the Tiber River. Yes, the Vatican is its own country. In fact, it's the smallest fully independent nation state in the world, according to Britannica .