Europe > Holy See (Vatican City) > Government

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Administrative divisions	none
Capital city	Vatican City
Capital city > Geographic coordinates	41 54 N, 12 27 E
Constitution new Fundamental Law promulgated by Pope JOHN PAUL II on 26 November 2000, effective 22 February 2001 (replaces the first Fundamental Law of 1929)
Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address PSC 59, Box 66, APO AE 09624
Diplomatic representation in the US > Chief of mission Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro SAMBI
Executive branch > Cabinet Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City appointed by the pope
Executive branch > Chief of state Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19 April 2005)
Flag description two vertical bands of yellow (hoist side) and white with the arms of the Holy See, consisting of the crossed keys of Saint Peter surmounted by the three-tiered papal tiara, centered in the white band
Government type	ecclesiastical
Independence 11 February 1929 (from Italy); note - the three treaties signed with Italy on 11 February 1929 acknowledged, among other things, the full sovereignty of the Vatican and established its territorial extent; however, the origin of the Papal States, which over the years have varied considerably in extent, may be traced back to the 8th century
Judicial branch there are three tribunals responsible for civil and criminal matters within Vatican City; three other tribunals rule on issues pertaining to the Holy See; note: judicial duties were established by the Motu Proprio of Pope PIUS XII on 1 May 1946
Legal system based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to it
Legislative branch unicameral Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City
National holiday Coronation Day of Pope BENEDICT XVI, 24 April
Political parties and leaders	none
Political pressure groups and leaders none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers)
Status	absolute monarchy
Suffrage limited to cardinals less than 80 years old
Transnational Issues > Disputes > International	none

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