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The '''State of the Vatican City''' or simply the '''Vatican City''' is an independent state. The head of state and ruler is the Bishop of Rome — the [[Pope]], and the highest state functionaries are all clergymen of the [[Roman Catholic Church]].
The '''State of the Vatican City''' or simply the '''Vatican City''' is an independent state. The head of state and ruler is the Bishop of Rome — the [[Pope]], and the highest state functionaries are all clergymen of the [[Roman Catholic Church]].
The Vatican City houses the Government of the Roman Catholic Church and is surrounded by the city of [[Rome]].
The Vatican City houses the Government of the Roman Catholic Church and is surrounded by the city of [[Rome]].
Until 1871 the Pope held civil power over a considerable territory, called the [[Papal States]]. This land was made a part of [[Italy]] during the unification of 1871. By the Treaty of the Lateran in 1929, Italy restored the Pope's temporal, or civil, power within the confines of Vatican City.
Until 1871 the Pope held civil power over a considerable territory, called the [[Papal States]]. This land was made a part of [[Italy]] during the unification of 1871. By the Treaty of the Lateran in 1929, Italy restored the Pope's temporal, or civil, power within the confines of Vatican City, which totals 108.7 acres in area.
[[Image:vatican-city.jpg]]
[[Image:vatican-city.jpg]]
The State of the Vatican City has its own [[Euro]] coins and [[postage stamp]]s and postal service.
The State of the Vatican City has its own [[Euro]] coins and [[postage stamp]]s and postal service. Security is provided by the Pontifical Swiss Guard.
A few critics have pointed out that the Vatican City has one of the highest crime rates in the world.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2639777.stm] However, this may have something to do with Vatican City's population, which is much smaller than any country, at 778.
A few critics have pointed out that the Vatican City has one of the highest crime rates in the world.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/2639777.stm] However, this may have something to do with Vatican City's population, which is much smaller than any country, at 778.
[[Category:European Countries]]
[[Category:European Countries]]