VATICAN CITY: Independent state under the absolute authority of the pope an enclave within Rome with an area of 44 ha (109 acres) It was established in 1929 under terms of the Lateran Treaty (q.v.) concluded by the Italian government and the papacy after many years of controversy. This treaty was superseded in 1984 by a new concordat which like its predecessor recognized the full sovereignty of the Holy See within the state of Vatican City.
Vatican City has its own currency and postal system. It also has a railroad station a radio station and manages its own telephone and telegraph services. A daily newspaper and an official monthly journal are published as are books and pamphlets in numerous languages.
(E. Brittanica)
Article extracted from this publication >> February 1, 1991
