Living in the Vatican guide for expats

The Vatican City is home to iconic sites, notably the St. Peter's Basilica, a renaissance church designed by Michelangelo and others, and the largest church in the world. The Sistine Chapel is also located in the Vatican City, and is the official home of the Pope. Its ceiling was painted by Michelangelo, and is considered one of the greatest art work of all times.

The Pope is the sovereign of the Vatican City, and he appoints cardinals with legislative authority to form part of the Pontifical Commission for a five-year period. The President of the Pontifical Commission has executive power. Foreign relations are managed by the Secretariat of State of the Holy See, a jurisdiction responsible for the governance of the whole Church and all Catholics. However, the Pope still has absolute power over the Vatican City, and is the only absolute ruler in Europe.

Since it is located in Rome, Vatican City has the same climate as Italy's capital. It is a mediterranean climate with a mild rainy winters and dry hot summers. The Vatican Gardens covers more than half of this sovereign state, and is filled with sculptures, fountains, orchards, and beautiful lawns.

The citizens of the Vatican are mostly clergies working for the Holy See, Swiss Guards, or officials of the state. Others who work in the Vatican reside right outside of the state and are Italian citizens. There is no official language, but the Vatican uses Italian in most official communications and as the everyday language. Citizenship is offered when someone is appointed to work for the Holy See, and spouses and immediate family members are also given citizenship if they live with a citizen. Once the work contract is over, citizenship ceases as well.