In the United States, which has 1.3 million active-duty troops and spends more on defence than the next seven countries combined, it’s hard to imagine that there are countries without a standing military. But there are, in fact, three dozen such countries and regions.
The CIA World Factbook lists 36 nations and territories without armed forces, there are a number of countries around the world without any form of military force. These countries have chosen to forge an army, navy, and air force in favour of other methods of national defence. Some of these countries have put their trust in treaties and alliances with other nations, while others rely on their economic and political power to deter aggression.
One example of a country without military forces is Costa Rica. Since the end of the Costa Rican Civil War in 1948, the country has chosen not to maintain a military. Instead, they have focused on education and human rights. Costa Rica has been able to avoid conflict by relying on treaties with other Central American countries and by being a member of the United Nations.
Another example is Panama. Panama has also chosen not to maintain a military since the end of their own civil war in 1989.
Here Are Countries Without Military Forces 2020
10. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small country located in the Alps between Austria and Switzerland. It has a population of about 37,000 and a GDP of about $6.5 billion. Despite its small size, Liechtenstein does not have a military force. It abolished its military in 1868 and has not had one since. Liechtenstein’s decision to abolish its military was based on two factors.
The first was financial; at the time, it was cheaper to pay fines for not having a military than it was to maintain one. The second factor was strategic; Liechtenstein believed that it could better protect itself by joining an alliance with another country (Austria or Switzerland) than by maintaining its own military. Since abolishing its military, Liechtenstein has relied on Austria and Switzerland for defence.
9. Kiribati
Kiribati is a small country in the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of 33 islands, and it has a population of about 110,000 people. Kiribati does not have a military force. In 2020, the United States Department of Defense listed Kiribati as one of the countries without military forces.
8. Iceland
Iceland is a NATO member country, but it has no military forces. The country’s defense is provided by the United Kingdom and the United States through the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Iceland has relied on its membership in NATO and the protection of other allies since it disbanded its military in 2006.
The decision to disband Iceland’s military was made following a referendum in which Icelandic voters decided that they did not want to contribute to the war in Iraq. At the time, Iceland had about 1,000 active-duty military personnel. The cost of maintaining a military was determined to be too expensive for a small country with a population of only 330,000 people.
Since disbanding its military, Iceland has developed other means of providing for its security. These include increased cooperation with other NATO member countries and participation in peacekeeping missions around the world.
7. Grenada
Grenada is a small island country in the Caribbean Sea that has no military forces. The country is surrounded by water and has a population of about 110,000 people. Grenada has a history of being invaded by other countries, so the government decided not to have a military force. In 2020, Grenada is still a peaceful country with no military forces.
6. Federated States of Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia is a small country located in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. It is made up of more than 600 islands and has a population of just over 100,000 people. The country does not have a military force and relies on the United States for defence.
In 2020, the United States announced that it would be withdrawing all troops from Micronesia, leaving the country without any military protection. This decision has caused concern among many residents, who worry that they will be vulnerable to attacks from other countries in the region.
5. Monaco
Monaco is a small country located on the French Riviera. With a population of less than 40,000, Monaco is one of the smallest countries in the world. Monaco has no military forces and relies on France for defence. In 2020, Monaco will become the first country in the world to completely eliminate its military forces.
4. Dominica
Dominica is a country in the Caribbean that does not have an army, air force, or navy. It is one of several countries without a military force. In 2020, there were about 20 countries without a military force. Most of these countries are small island nations in the Pacific and Caribbean.
3. Vatican City
Pope Francis has called for an end to the use of war as a means to resolve disputes, saying that “the weapons of war are not just physical, but also spiritual.” In a world where tensions are high and military forces are present in almost every country, the Vatican City stands out as a unique place. The tiny country, which covers just over 100 acres in the heart of Rome, does not have its own military force.
The Vatican City has been neutral since it was established as an independent state in 1929. It is home to the Pope and the headquarters of the Catholic Church, and its neutrality is seen as a way to ensure that Christian values can be spread without fear of retribution. The Vatican City has also been spared from many of the horrors of war, including bombings and sieges.
2. Costa Rica
From time to time, smaller countries make the news by deciding not to have a military. In 2020, Costa Rica was one of those countries. Some people might wonder why a small country like Costa Rica wouldn’t need a military. After all, they’re surrounded by other countries that do have militaries.
Costa Rica’s president at the time, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, gave two reasons for the decision. He said that having a military costs money and that it’s also a waste of resources. He said that money could be better spent on things like education and healthcare.
There are some people who worry about what will happen if another country attacks Costa Rica. But President Alvarado Quesada says that his country has other ways of defending itself.
1. Andorra
Andorra is a small country in the Pyrenees mountain range between France and Spain. It has a population of only about 78,000 people. Andorra has no military forces and depends on France and Spain for defense. In 2020, it will become the first country in the world to completely eliminate its military forces. Andorra’s decision is based on the recognition that war is no longer an effective way to resolve disputes and that spending money on weapons and soldiers is not a good use of resources.
Source: | The CIA World Factbook
