Which country is the smallest in the world?

The smallest country in the world is Vatican City, an independent city-state completely surrounded by the city of Rome, Italy. It covers only about 0.49 square kilometres, or roughly 44 hectares, and has a population of just a few hundred people. Established as an independent state by the Lateran Treaty in 1929, it is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church and the residence of the Pope. Despite its tiny size, it contains world-famous treasures, including St Peter Basilica, the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo ceiling, and the Vatican Museums. The next smallest countries are Monaco and Nauru. Vatican City has its own postal service, currency designs, and even a small ceremonial guard, the Swiss Guard, making it a fully sovereign nation in miniature.