10 countries that have no army, navy, or air force

As the United States deepens its involvement in Ukraine by allowing military contractors to maintain and repair weapons, it is a timely reminder of how crucial military backing can be for nations under threat.

Although many nations like the US invested heavily in military strength for protection, over 20 countries have chosen to exist without standing militaries but rely on foreign nations for defense.

These countries maintain national security without a military through treaties and strategic diplomacy for external alliances, while they channel resources toward social development, healthcare, and infrastructure.

In this article, we’ll explore ten countries belonging to that group.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica abolished its army and redirected military funds to education and healthcare after the 1948 civil war. The country now relies on the United States and other allies for military defense if needed.

This decision has helped the country build a reputation as a peaceful nation, prioritizing social progress and environmental stewardship over the military.

Iceland

Iceland is another country that has no standing military due to its dependence on NATO for defense purposes. The lack of a formal military can be traced back to the country’s independence in 1944. However, Iceland relies on a civilian Icelandic Coast Guard, which handles national security concerns, search and rescue, and maritime patrols.

The country has chosen to prioritize social welfare, peaceful diplomacy, cooperative defense, environmental protection, and social services over a traditional military, which has helped define it as one of the world’s most peaceful nations.

Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein made a decisive move in 1868 to abolish its military, due to the high cost and the relative security offered by Switzerland and Austria.

Liechtenstein disbanded its army in 1868 due to financial constraints. It maintains neutrality and depends on Switzerland for defense, if necessary. Liechtenstein has a small police force for internal security and relies on its neighbours for its defence under a mutual agreement. The country maintains a neutral stance in global conflicts and it is a member of various international organizations.

Monaco

Monaco is a peaceful, low-crime country that relies on France for its defence under the 1918 Franco-Monégasque Treaty. Monaco’s emphasis on luxury tourism, finance, and maintaining a stable, neutral stance has allowed it to thrive without a military, attracting high-net-worth residents from around the globe. Although the country has a small, ceremonial police force to maintain internal order and ensure the security of its royal family and its citizens.

Panama

Panama abolished its standing military in 1990 and established the Panama Public Forces, which includes a combination of police, maritime, and air services dedicated to internal security and border protection. While Panama has no official army, it does have a treaty with the United States, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.

Vatican City

Vatican City relies on the protection of Italy as part of its bilateral agreement under the 1929 Lateran Treaty and maintains a unique security arrangement within its borders. The City is guarded by a ceremonial unit, the Swiss Guard, established in 1506 to protect the Pope and ensure the security of the Apostolic Palace.

Kiribati

Kiribati, a small island nation in the Pacific, has no standing military but relies on mutual defence pacts with neighbouring countries, particularly Australia and New Zealand for the defence of its territories if the need arises.

Kiribati, an island country in the Central Pacific Ocean and south of Hawaii, on November 10, Criticizes the Chinese nuclear-capable ICBM test on September 25.

Samoa

Samoa is one of the few countries that maintain sovereignty without a military presence after signing a friendship treaty established in 1962 with New Zealand after it gained independence. Samoa now allocates more of its resources toward essential domestic needs like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Last week, Samoa qualified for the 2026 World Cup after 18 years with a win over Fiji in the women’s Pacific Bowl.

Mauritius

Mauritius abolished its standing army shortly after gaining independence from Britain in 1968. The southeast African country which will head out to its 12th national election on 10t of November 2024 has successfully maintained a strong, vibrant parliamentary democracy without having a standing military

The country instead relies on a paramilitary force, the Special Mobile Force (SMF), and the National Police to manage both internal and external security. The country currently imposed a social media ban until November 11, a day after the elections.

Palau

Palau has been in existence without a military since its independence in 1994 but relies on a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which guarantees American protection in case of a threat. The country handed a second successive term to President Surangel Whipps Jr after Americans reelected Donald Trump on November 5.