The Five Largest Countries That Have Abolished Their Armies
2- 25.08.2026, 16:03
- 3,202
They have developed their own security models.
Most countries in the world spend enormous amounts of money on their armed forces, but about 20 countries have taken a different path and done away with standing armies. Among them are five relatively large countries that ensure their security through international agreements, police forces, and partnerships with other nations, writes The National Interest.
Abandoning a standing army is “a profound vote of confidence in one’s neighbors and the geopolitical situation.” At the same time, each of the five countries has developed its own security model.
5. Iceland
Iceland’s population is approximately 390,000. It has not had a standing army since 1869. The country relies on its geographic location and international alliances.
Iceland is one of NATO’s founding members and has a defense agreement with the United States. Its location is particularly important for controlling the northern Atlantic and the route between Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom.
4. Solomon Islands
The islands are home to about 750,000 people. The country has no armed forces of its own and has historically relied on the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States.
In recent years, the country has found itself at the center of rivalry between Washington and Beijing. An agreement with China allows Chinese military ships to call at local ports, a move that has raised concerns in the U.S. and Australia.
3. Mauritius
Mauritius, with a population of about 1.3 million, decided against establishing an army after gaining independence in 1968. It decided to allocate resources toward the development of industry, tourism, and the financial sector.
The country’s security is ensured through close cooperation with India, including defense and intelligence collaboration.
2. Panama
Panama has a population of about 4.5 million and controls one of the world’s most important transportation hubs—the Panama Canal.
After the overthrow of military dictator Manuel Noriega by U.S. forces in 1989, the country disbanded its army. In 1994, a constitutional amendment prohibited the establishment of a standing military. The security of the canal is largely ensured by an international system of guarantees, including a treaty with the United States.
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica, with a population of about 5.2 million, is the largest country without an army on this list. After the civil war of 1948, President José Figueres Ferrer abolished the armed forces.
The funds thus freed up were redirected to healthcare, education, and nature conservation. Internal security is provided by the police, while external security is ensured by international agreements. “Costa Rica, in particular, has become the most striking example of how abandoning a military can change a nation’s priorities,” the authors assert.
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