The smallest country by land area is Vatican City, an independent sovereign state entirely surrounded by the city of Rome, Italy. Vatican City covers approximately 44 hectares (110 acres) or 0.17 square miles, making it not only the least populous but also the smallest country in the world. It serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church and is home to the Pope. Despite its small size, Vatican City plays a significant role in global religious and diplomatic matters, influencing millions of people around the world.