Vatican City

Seal of the State of Vatican City

File:United States Navy Band - Inno e Marcia Pontificale.ogg

Vatikanische Gaerten Museen Rom

Obelisk of St. Peter

Plan of Circus Neronis and St. Peters

Circus of Nero

Vatican City (Latin: Status Civitatis Vaticanae), officially the Vatican City State, is an independent city-state enclaved within Rome, Italy. With an area of approximately 44 hectares (110 acres), and a population of about 800, it is the smallest state in the world by both area and population. However, it is a significant religious and cultural site, being the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church, as well as the residence of the Pope.

History

The history of Vatican City is closely tied to the history of the Catholic Church. The area, known as the Vatican Hill, has been a religious site since Roman times. The Papal States, which included Vatican City, were established in the 8th century. These states were secular territories under the direct sovereign rule of the Pope. In 1870, the Papal States were annexed by the Kingdom of Italy, leaving the Pope confined to the Vatican. The Lateran Treaty of 1929 between the Holy See and Italy established Vatican City as an independent state.

Government

Vatican City is an ecclesiastical or sacerdotal-monarchical state, meaning it is governed by the Pope who has absolute executive, legislative, and judicial powers. The governance of the Vatican City is supported by the Roman Curia, which administers the day-to-day operations of the Catholic Church. The Vatican City State has its own independent judicial system, police force, and postal system. Despite its independence, it delegates defense responsibilities to Italy.

Economy

The economy of Vatican City is supported by the sale of postage stamps, tourist mementos, museum admissions, and publications. The Vatican also receives financial support from contributions made by Roman Catholics worldwide, known as Peter's Pence. Despite its small size, the Vatican has a strong economic infrastructure that supports its religious and administrative functions.

Culture

Vatican City is renowned for its cultural and artistic heritage. It is home to some of the most famous art in the world, housed in the Vatican Museums, which include the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo's ceiling and The Last Judgment, and the Raphael Rooms. The Vatican Library and the Vatican Secret Archives are of immense historical, scientific, and cultural importance, containing many ancient texts and documents.

Demographics

The population of Vatican City is predominantly made up of clergy, including bishops, priests, nuns, and the Swiss Guard, a military force charged with the Pope's protection. Although Vatican City has citizens, citizenship is typically granted only to those who reside in the city because of their work and is revoked upon the cessation of their employment.

Geography

Vatican City is the world's smallest independent state, located on the Vatican Hill in the west-central part of Rome. Its territory includes the Vatican Gardens, which cover more than half of the city-state, providing a green space that includes a variety of flora and fauna.

See also

• Roman Catholic Church
• Pope
• Rome
• Lateran Treaty