Title: Vatican City | History, Map, Flag, Location, Population, & Facts | Britannica
Headings: Vatican City
Vatican City
Visit the holy site of Saint Peter's Basilica and learn about its history and architectural styles
Explore Vatican City's art treasure and understand Pope Leo Xs love for art which including both Biblical and secular themes
Vatican City

Content: St. Peter's Basilica
St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City. AdstockRF
Vatican City has its own telephone system, post office, gardens, astronomical observatory, radio station, banking system, and pharmacy, as well as a contingent of Swiss Guards responsible for the personal safety of the pope since 1506. Almost all supplies—including food, water, electricity, and gas—must be imported. There is no income tax and no restriction on the import or export of funds. As the Holy See, it derives its income from the voluntary contributions of more than one billion Roman Catholics worldwide, as well as interest on investments and the sale of stamps, coins, and publications. Banking operations and expenditures have been reported publicly since the early 1980s. During the period from the 4th century to 1870, the Vatican gained control of territory around Rome and served as capital of the Papal States. In 1929 Vatican City’s independent sovereignty was recognized by the Fascist Italian government in the Lateran Treaty. Sovereignty is exercised by the pope upon his election as the head of the Roman Catholic Church. He has absolute executive, legislative, and judicial powers within the city.