Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Switzerland: A Vatican-like Nation



Filipinos do not have to be naturalized Swiss citizens in order to have a similar travel freedom with Pope Francis.  They just have to qualify for the Swiss Residency Program.  Being residents of Switzerland, Filipinos can now travel around the Schengen Area in Europe without a visa!

Schengen Area in E.U. and E.F.T.A.
Using only his Argentine passport, Pope Francis can still travel to Europe visa-free.  The currency of Vatican City is euro.


Swiss francs are as colorful as euros.  They are associated with the pope's name.


Just like the euros, the currency in Switzerland has religious symbols: crosses (addition symbols) and halos (laurel or floral wreaths).  Their national anthem originated as a church hymn.