The Swiss guards of holy Vatican
The Vatican City State has the distinctions of having the smallest and oldest regular army in the world, the Swiss Guards. It was founded by Pope Julius II on January 22, 1506 originally made up of Swiss mercenaries from the Swiss Confederation. They currently number a little over 100 men and are also the personal bodyguards of the Pope. Recruitment is restricted to Catholic male Swiss citizens.
The Vatican gendarmes act as the internal police force.
The Vatican has no navy and no airforce. External defense is handled by Italy.
