The Vatican City State became independent from Italy in 1929.

With an area of 49 hectares (121 acres) and a population of about 825, it is the smallest state in the world by both area and population.

The home of the Pope and head of the Catholic Church, it’s centre point is the magnificent St Peter’s Cathedral. Officially known as The Papal Basilica of Saint Peter in the Vatican, it was constructed between 1506 and 1626.