| HOLY SEE (VATICAN CITY) GOVERNMENT STATS: |
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Administrative divisions
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none |
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Capital city
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Vatican City |
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Capital city > Geographic coordinates
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41 54 N, 12 27 E |
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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 |
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Government type
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ecclesiastical |
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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 |
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Political parties and leaders
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none |
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Political pressure groups and leaders none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers) |
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Status
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absolute monarchy |
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Suffrage limited to cardinals less than 80 years old |
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Transnational Issues > Disputes > International
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none |
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