Wikijunior:Europe/Holy See
From Wikibooks, the open-content textbooks collection
Vatican City is an independent state that is located inside Rome. It came into existence only in 1929. It is clearly distinct from the central authority of the Roman Catholic Church, known as the Holy See, which existed long before 1929. Vatican City is ruled by the Pope and he represents all of the world's Roman Catholics. Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, with an area of 44 hectares (110 acres). Vatican City has its own constitution, postal system, seal, flag, and other symbols of statehood.
Contents |
[edit] Vatican City's History
During the Middle Ages, the Papacy, where the pope resided, controlled much of central Italy, (known commutatively as the Papal States). However, soon pressure from outside and the reunification of Italy made it so the Papacy lost all of it's land except the Holy See.
[edit] Vatican City's Geography
Because of its minute size, the Vatican City has a climate and geography similar to that of Rome. Vatican City has a temperate, Mediterranean climate with mild, rainy winters from September to mid-May and hot, dry summers from May to August.
[edit] Vatican City's People
Vatican city's population is around 800. Vatican City uses Italian in its legislation and official communications. Italian is also the everyday language used by most of those who work in the state.
[edit] The sights of Vatican City
The Vatican City is itself of great cultural significance. Buildings such as St. Peter's Basilica and the Sistine Chapel are home to some of the most famous art in the world, which includes works of art by artists such as Botticelli, Bernini, Raphael and Michelangelo.
