Correct Answer:
C. Vatican City
The correct answer is Vatican City. Vatican City is an independent city‑state enclaved within Rome, Italy, and holds the title of the smallest sovereign state in the world by both area and population.
Vatican City: The World's Smallest Country
- Area and Population: Vatican City covers just 0.44 square kilometres (about 110 acres) and has a population of around 800 residents, most of whom are clergy and Swiss Guards. This makes it smaller than many urban parks.
- Sovereign Status: It was established as a sovereign state in 1929 with the Lateran Treaty between the Holy See and Italy. It is the spiritual and administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church, headed by the Pope.
- Distinct from Other Micro‑states: Monaco (2.02 km²) and San Marino (61 km²) are also very small European states, but both are significantly larger than Vatican City. Maldives (approx. 300 km²) is much larger still and consists of hundreds of islands.
- Unique Features: Despite its tiny size, Vatican City has its own post office, radio station, railway station, and even a telescope. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, containing St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel.
Therefore, the smallest sovereign country in the world is Vatican City.