What is the smallest country in the world?

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world with an area of 0.17 square miles. Popes have traditionally resided within Vatican City in the Apostolic Palace.

Within Vatican City, there are 11 Vatican museums which include the Vatican Gardens and the restored Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. Vatican City was built over the tomb of Saint Peter, and it is the sovereign territory of the Holy See. Vatican City is so small that there is not a single street address within the country. This country is located in Rome, Italy, and is heavily guarded by the Swiss Guard, which is the smallest and oldest regular army in the world.