Holy See

Introduction

Background
Popes in their secular role ruled portions of the Italian peninsula for more than a thousand years until the mid-19th century, when the newly established Kingdom of Italy seized many of the Papal States. In 1870, the pope's holdings were further circumscribed when Rome itself was annexed.

Geography

Area
total : 0 sq km
land: 0.44 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
temperate; mild, rainy winters (September to May) with hot, dry summers (May to September)

Natural resources
none

People and Society

Population
total: 1,000 (2024)

Ethnic groups
Italian, Swiss, Argentinian, and other nationalities from around the world (2017)

Languages
Italian, Latin, French, various other languages

Religions
Roman Catholic

Population growth rate
0% (2014 est.)

Government

Government type
ecclesiastical elective monarchy; self-described as an "absolute monarchy"

Capital
name: Vatican City

Executive branch
chief of state: Pope LEO XIV (since 8 May 2025)
head of government: President of the Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City and President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State Fernando VERGEZ ALZAGA (since 1 October 2021)

Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Apostolic Nuncio Cardinal Christophe PIERRE (since 27 June 2016)

Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Brian Francis BURCH II (since 13 September 2025)

Economy

Economic overview
limited, tourism-based economy; euro user with own minted coins; produces commemorative stamps, coins, and publications to support museums and religious needs; residents pay no direct taxes; “zero deficit” plan to address budget shortfall