The Vatican: Number One in the World for Diplomatic Activity
On January 8, 2018, for the Holy Father’s greeting to the diplomatic corps, the Holy See Press Office published an “informative note” on the status of the external representation of the smallest State in the world.
In the beginning of January 2018, no less than 183 States have diplomatic relations with the Holy See, and the European Union and the Sovereign Order of Malta can be added to this number. The most recent State to have opened relations with the Vatican is Myanmar, where a nunciature was opened on May 4, 2017.
The Vatican has 89 embassies on its territory. Between January 1-8, 2018, 31 new ambassadors presented their credentials to the pope. 25 women serve as ambassadors to the Vatican, including Callista Gingrich for the United States of America.
There exist 194 independent States in the world, including the Vatican. The Vatican has the most important network of foreign embassies in the world, more than the United States and France, that have 168 and 165 foreign embassies or missions respectively.
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Sources: Holy See Press Office / Le Monde / usembassy.gov / FSSPX.News
