| an independent state within the city of Rome, on the right bank of the Tiber. Established in 1929, it is ruled by the pope and includes St. Peter's Church and the Vatican, 1000; 109 acres (44 hectares). |
Vatican City  (click for larger image in new window) An independent papal state on the Tiber River within Rome, Italy. Created by the Lateran Treaty signed by Pope Pius XI and Victor Emmanuel III of Italy in 1929, it issues its own currency and postage stamps and has its own newspaper and broadcasting facilities. The government is run by a lay governor and council, all responsible to the pope. Population: 821. |