NewStats: 3,264,971 , 8,185,232 topics. Date: Friday, 13 June 2025 at 12:42 AM 3j3b33

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

These countries maintain national security without a military – army, navy, or air force – through treaties and strategic diplomacy for external alliances.

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 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 g 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.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/11/10-countries-that-have-no-army-navy-or-air-force/

Many countries need to merge with others while others need to split into 10.

Ok but this leaves them at the mercy of those who offer them such services

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.

No, they didn't choose to. They can't afford to. They shouldn't be countries. Some of them are half of Bayelsa.
Nlfpmod

Welcum:

No, they didn't choose to. They can't afford to. They shouldn't be countries. Some of them are half of Bayelsa.
Nlfpmod

You’re correct..

Iceland is super cold..

To be an army for such a cold region nah die o

Yoruba Nation

I love this setting

The truth is that war is far away from them.

Their is a sprint behind carry arms, you feel like testing if it potent

Hellanus come and say something

Put Nigeria there.

Most of ds country are like city in Nigeria.....
If Nigeria can be divided it could be possible in some region

If they are relying on other countries for military aid, they can as well just merge with those countries and become one country instead

Shey Monaco na country ni

We should do the same by abolishing our military. What do they do except to stay in the barracks, drink beer and pepper soup and carry women

Sonofgod1990:
Hellanus come and say something

helinues baby

The total Populations of all these countries put together is not even up to that of Lagos!

Costa Rica: 5,137,751
Palau: 17,683
Mauritius: 1,270,123
Iceland: 395,160
Liechtenstein: 39,964
Monaco: 38,525
Panama: 4,515,577
Vatican City: 764
Kiribati: 135,231
Samoa: 218,483
Total= 11,758,558.

Lagos state - 15,772,884 - 2023

I can't find Nigeria, pls update the list

Liechtenstein and Mauritius are the only better countries. If you Japa go any of them you're on your own oh

Biafra is number 11

The religion of peace countries can never make the lists. Vatican City, Panama, Monaco, Iceland. Beautiful countries.

PulaPower:
Iceland is super cold..

To be an army for such a cold region nah die o

D

those country uses there police to cater for those three needs

This is serious .

Welcum:

No, they didn't choose to. They can't afford to. They shouldn't be countries. Some of them are half of Bayelsa.
Nlfpmod

You used half of Bayelsa in your analogy cause Bayelsa is too small or too big?

If the HALF in your analogy is cause Bayelsa is small, then there are more than 10 states other than Bayelsa that is more fitting for that purpose.
Conversely, if the HALF is because Bayelsa is too big, there are more than 15 states more suited for your demonstration

MrBroke:
I can't find Nigeria, pls update the list

.

You will never see any Islamic country there, this is becos Muslims are very troublesome people

I bet , Less bloodletting will be experienced in those countries.
Hello Nigeria, sheath thy swords and remould them into Plows, Hoes and Machetes now

TinubuBarawo:
helinues baby

I didn't say helinues I said hellanus. 2 different names with different meanings. Go school you say no. See your life now

Yet there's peace in the land.

Noted