Economy of Vatican City

Economy of Vatican City
View of St. Peter's Square from the top of Michelangelo's dome
CurrencyEuro (EUR)
Calendar year
Statistics
GDP19.80 M
GDP growth
0%
GDP per capita
US$27,461
6.9%
Population below poverty line
0%
35.16
Labour force
4,822 (2016)
Labour force by occupation
note: essentially services with a small amount of industry; nearly all dignitaries, priests, nuns, guards, and the approximately 3,000 lay workers live outside the Vatican
Main industries
printing, production of coins, medals, postage stamps, mosaics and staff uniforms and financial services
Public finances
Revenues$315 million (2013)
Expenses$334 million (2013)
All values, unless otherwise stated, are in US dollars.
A souvenir shop on the roof of St. Peter's Basilica
An ATM in Vatican City with Latin instructions

The economy of Vatican City is mainly supported financially by the sale of stamps, coins, medals, and tourist mementos as well as fees for admission to museums and publication sales. Vatican City employed 4,822 people in 2016.[1]

The Vatican City receives subsidies from the Italian state, which include the water supply free of charge, tax exemptions and other kinds of dedicated public funding.

Vatican City issues its own coins and stamps. It has used the euro as its currency since 1 January 1999, owing to a special agreement with the European Union (council decision 1999/98). Euro coins and notes were introduced on 1 January 2002—the Vatican does not issue euro banknotes. Issuance of euro-denominated coins is strictly limited by treaty, though somewhat more than usual is allowed in a year in which there is a change in the papacy.[2] Because of their rarity, Vatican euro coins are highly sought by collectors.[3]

  1. ^ "Europe :: Holy See (Vatican City) — The World Factbook - Central Intelligence Agency". www.cia.gov. Retrieved 2019-11-18.
  2. ^ "Agreements on monetary relations (Monaco, San Marino, the Vatican and Andorra)". Activities of the European Union: Summaries of legislation. Retrieved 23 February 2007.
  3. ^ "Benedict Vatican euros set for release". Catholic News. 21 April 2006. Retrieved 25 September 2014.