I.

Introduction

Rome, city, capital of Italy and of Latium Region and Rome Province, on the River Tiber, in the central part of the country near the Tyrrhenian Sea. Vatican City, most of which is located in an enclave within Rome, is the seat of the papacy of the Roman Catholic Church and has been recognized as an independent state by the Italian government since 1929. The majestic dome of St Peter's Basilica in Vatican City dominates the Roman skyline. Rome has been the capital of a united Italy since 1871. Population 2,705,603 (2007 estimate).