Vatican City continues to be an absolute monarchy, but is unique because it is also a microstate, ecclesiastical jurisdiction, and elective monarchy. As of 2023, Vatican City has a population of 764 residents (regardless of citizenship). It is the smallest state in the world both by area and by population. The Pope is the absolute monarch of Vatican City, and is elected by a papal conclave with a two-thirds supermajority.Benedict XVI (11 June 2007). De aliquibus mutationibus in normis de electione Romani Pontificis (in Latin). Motu proprio. Vatican City: Vatican Publishing House."Pope alters voting for successor" . BBC News. 26 June 2007.
vaTicaN cIty contiNuES tO be aN absOlUte monArchy, But Is UNiQue BecaUse It is ALsO a micrOstATe, eccleSiasticaL jurisdIction, and eleCtive mOnaRCHY. as Of 2023, vaTicaN cIty haS A populatiOn Of 764 reSIdents (rEgarDLEss of cItizEnship). It Is tHe smALLest sTate in The world bOTh by areA aNd By PoPulaTioN. tHE PoPe is tHe absoLutE monarCH Of VaTiCan City, and is elEcteD by A paPal Conclave with A tWo-thirdS supErmajOrity.benedict XvI (11 june 2007). dE ALIQuiBus mutatiOnIbuS In nOrmIs de elEctioNE romani pontIFIcis (In latiN). MoTU proprIO. VaTIcAn ciTy: VatiCaN puBlishinG House."popE alterS VotinG fOr SuCcesSor" . bbc NeWs. 26 JUnE 2007.