Vatican City State Country Report

The Vatican City is a sovereign city-state located within the city of Rome. The Vatican City has an ecclesiastical political system whose head of state is the Bishop of Rome, the Pope of the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican City territory is a walled enclave within the Italian Republic. Roman Catholicism is the official religion and the primary business of the state itself.

Crime in Vatican City is rare. Petty crime including pickpocketing can be a concern for tourists and other travelers in the city. Vatican City has no history of terrorism. However, the threat of terrorist attacks against the city's infrastructure and/or the governing religious authorities remains significant. The symbolic value of its buildings has in the past raised concern over possible attacks undertaken by radical Islamist networks operating in Italy and in Western Europe. The Vatican City has no history of political violence and episodes of civil unrest are almost non-existent, although one-off rallies can occur. Religious large-scale events are known to be well-attended and to result in partial traffic and pedestrian delays.

There is no public transport in Vatican City. Most visitors will walk from a nearby Italian bus or train stop, or car parking. Visitors may use the two airports of Rome, Ciampino and Fiumicino.

The vast majority of travel in the Vatican City is conducted safely. Crime is rare and episodes of public unrest are almost nonexistent. The Vatican City may be exposed to potential radical Islamist terrorist plots.

The infrastructure in the Vatican City is generally well maintained. There is no public transport in Vatican City. Most visitors will walk from a nearby Italian bus, train stop, or car parking.

The environmental situation in the Vatican City does not generate any specific health and safety concern. Periodic seismic activity in Italy may lead to tremors in the Vatican City.

Vatican City is not significantly exposed to infectious diseases. There are no public hospitals in Vatican City; however, travelers can access healthcare services in Rome, Italy. Tap water is considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

The Vatican City is a theocratic Catholic absolute elective monarchy. The Pope, head of the Catholic Church, is the head of state and exercises legislative, executive, and judicial power. The Pope is voted in by the College of Cardinals. In practice, the Pope delegates legislative powers to the Pontifical Commission for Vatican City State and executive power to the President of the Commission, who is comparable to a head of government. The Holy See’s Secretariat of State assists the Pope with general affairs, foreign affairs, and diplomatic staff management. The judiciary became more independent of the Pope after recent reforms. State institutions are competent and effective and provide reliable services across the country.