Country Information
| Sovereign State | Yes |
| Country Codes | VA, VAT, 336 |
| Official Name | Vatican City State |
| Continent | Europe |
| Capital | Vatican City |
| Government Type | Ecclesiastical, Elective, Absolute Monarchy |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Calling Code | +379 |
| Member Of | None (Permanent Observer Status at the United Nations) |
| Population | About 800 |
| Total Area | 0.49 square kilometers |
| Highest Point | Vatican Hill (75 meters, 246 feet) |
| Lowest Point | Saint Peter’s Square (33 meters, 108 feet) |
| GDP Per Capita | Not available |
| Life Expectancy | Not available |
| Internet TLD | .va |
Vatican City National Anthem
Inno e Marcia Pontificale (Pontifical Anthem and March)
O Rome immortal of Martyrs and Saints,
O immortal Rome, accept our praises.
Glory in the heavens to God our Lord,
Peace to us on earth, peace to us on earth.
Flags of Neighboring Countries
History of the Vatican City Flag
The flag of Vatican City is one of the two square sovereign-state flags in the world. Established on June 7, 1929, following the signing of the Lateran Treaty, it symbolizes the sovereignty of the Holy See and represents Vatican City as an independent state.
The flag is split vertically into two halves: the gold or yellow half represents spiritual power, while the white half, featuring the crossed keys of Saint Peter and the Papal Tiara, represents the world’s smallest independent state. The silver key signifies spiritual authority, and the gold key symbolizes heavenly power, both under the patronage of Saint Peter, the first Pope.
The presence of the Papal Tiara in the flag’s design highlights the Pope’s role as the Bishop of Rome and the spiritual leader of the Catholic Church. The colors of the flag, gold and white, have been the colors of the Papacy for centuries.
The adoption of this flag marked a significant moment in the Catholic Church’s history, signifying the recognition of Vatican City’s sovereignty and its unique status in international politics. The Vatican City flag symbolizes not only the state’s political status but also its spiritual significance, embodying the traditions and beliefs of the Catholic Church. The flag’s design and colors continue to be a potent symbol of the Pope’s dual role as a spiritual leader and a sovereign monarch.