Vatican City

Operating a fully recognized sovereign state with a population of only 882 presents highly specialized governance and logistical challenges. Unlike other nations, its population is primarily composed of clergy, Swiss Guards, and officials, leading to unique demographic structures (e.g., lack of native-born citizens) not captured by standard population metrics.

Vatican City is unique in that its capital city shares the exact same name as the country itself, reflecting its status as a city-state. This structural identity means that all national governance, administration, and infrastructure are concentrated within a single, minimal geographic footprint.

While geographically located in Southern Europe and categorized within the European region, Vatican City's status as a sovereign enclave entirely surrounded by Rome (Italy) is highly unusual. This location dictates its political, economic, and logistical dependencies, making its regional classification distinct from typical European nations.

With a population of 882 living within 0.49 square kilometers, Vatican City has an estimated population density of approximately 1,800 people per square kilometer. This density is comparable to major global metropolitan centers, highlighting the intense concentration of administrative and residential functions within its tiny borders.