Vatican City

Though Vatican City is a landlocked country entirely surrounded by Italy, its guards are neither Italian (nor Vaticanese?) but Swiss. The Swiss Guard has been protecting the Pope since 1506, when it was established by Pope Julius II. Their role seems especially fitting, as they are often referred to as “the world’s smallest army,” a title that aligns well with their duty of guarding the world’s smallest sovereign state.

While the grandeur and history of the Vatican draw over six million visitors each year, the Swiss Guard can’t help but steal a bit of the spotlight themselves. Dressed in bold Renaissance-era tunics striped in red, blue, and yellow, and armed with halberds—a long axe-like weapon that gained prominence in the 13th century—they’re hard to overlook. And that’s probably for the best, considering their role in protecting the Pope, a duty that became all too real during the 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II.

Not just anyone can throw on the primary color tunics and grab a halberd, though. Those joining the guard must be Roman Catholics with Swiss citizenship, between the ages of 19 and 30, single, high school graduates and at least 174 cm tall. They must also complete full Swiss military service. Apologies to any 18 or 31 year-old Swissman who stands at 173 cm… no papal guarding pour vous/für dich.