Which nation has the smallest army in the world?

Vatican City, the world’s smallest country, has the smallest army. This army of 110 men is also known as the Swiss Guard. In the year 2006, the Vatican celebrated the 500^th anniversary of the Swiss Guard. The celebration commemorated the 150 Swiss Helvetian mercenaries who came to Rome to serve Pope Julius II, on January 22, 1506. The mercenaries covered a distance of 723 km in 27 days to enter Rome from Bellinzona, Switzerland. Swiss Helvetian mercenaries, famous for their courage, die-hard attitude and loyalty to their employers, were part of the regular armies of various countries at that time. As allies of the Pope, they helped to shape Italy’s destiny and thus they were granted the title ‘Defenders of the Church’s Freedom’ by the Pope. During the sack of the Rome on May 6, 1527, the Swiss Guard, comprising 189 personnel at that time, resisted a Spanish attack on Rome and the Vatican. But they had to retreat after suffering heavy casualties. Only 42 men survived the attack. However, the guard was able to ensure Pope Clement VII’s escape to safety.