Rome is the national capital of Italy. The President of the Italian Republic officially resides in the Quirinal Palace. Rome also hosts the Italian Parliament, Prime Minister and all the ministries.

Current local political debate includes a discussion on turning the comune or Province of Rome into a “capital district,” allowing it special powers of local jurisdiction. In this case, Rome would be separate from the Latium (Lazio) region.

The comune of Rome’s territory is divided into 19 Municipalities, or area subdivisions (Municipi.) There are 22 districts (rioni) within the city centre. Outside of the centre there are 35 urban sectors (quartieri urbani) and 6 suburbs (suburbi) contained by the city limits. Much of the comune of Rome is located outside the municipal boundaries.

Rome hosts foreign embassies to both Italy and the Holy See. The city hosted the treaty of Rome in 1957, which established the European Economic Community, predecessor to the European Union. Many international organizations are based out of Rome including the Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations.