Europe > Holy See (Vatican City) > Government

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Administrative divisions	none
Capital city	Vatican City
Definition: Government > Capital city
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Capital city > Geographic coordinates	41 54 N, 12 27 E
Definition: Government > Capital city > Geographic coordinates
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
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)
Definition: Government > Constitution
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address PSC 59, Box 66, APO AE 09624
Definition: Government > Diplomatic representation from the US > Mailing address
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Diplomatic representation in the US > Chief of mission Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Pietro SAMBI
Definition: Government > Diplomatic representation in the US > Chief of mission
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Executive branch > Cabinet Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City appointed by the pope
Definition: Government > Executive branch > Cabinet
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Executive branch > Chief of state Pope BENEDICT XVI (since 19 April 2005)
Definition: Government > Executive branch > Chief of state
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
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
Definition: Government > Flag description
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Government type	ecclesiastical
Definition: Government > Government type
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
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
Definition: Government > Independence
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
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
Definition: Government > Judicial branch
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Legal system based on Code of Canon Law and revisions to it
Definition: Government > Legal system
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Legislative branch unicameral Pontifical Commission for the State of Vatican City
Definition: Government > Legislative branch
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
National holiday Coronation Day of Pope BENEDICT XVI, 24 April
Definition: Government > National holiday
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Political parties and leaders	none
Definition: Government > Political parties and leaders
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Political pressure groups and leaders none (exclusive of influence exercised by church officers)
Definition: Government > Political pressure groups and leaders
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Status	absolute monarchy
Definition: Government > Status
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008
Suffrage limited to cardinals less than 80 years old
Definition: Government > Suffrage
Source: electionworld.org
Transnational Issues > Disputes > International	none
Definition: Government > Transnational Issues > Disputes > International
Source: All CIA World Factbooks 18 December 2003 to 18 December 2008

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