embassy

An embassy is a diplomatic mission, typically representing one country's government in another country. The development of modern diplomacy and foreign ministries, including the establishment of embassies, began in the 17th century. Cardinal Richelieu in France established the first modern foreign ministry in 1626, viewing diplomacy as a continuous process of negotiation focused on national interest.1

Embassies and legations became common as larger states emerged in Europe after the Thirty Years' War. French became the dominant language of diplomacy, and by the 18th century, many states had foreign ministries and sent ambassadors who could conclude treaties independently. Unlike diplomats, consuls are public officials focused on fostering commercial affairs and performing routine functions like issuing visas, and they do not typically have diplomatic immunity.12