10 countries that do not have an army
The majority of countries have large military forces that are able to to protect or be deployed at any time (the largest army is that of China, with about 1.6 million soldiers). But other countries have no army at all. The history of the country or the geographical situation generally explain the absence of military personnel. One may think that having armed forces is a necessity for a sovereign country, yet there are countries that see things differently. However, there is an emergency plan in the event that these countries are attacked or if the war was declared to them.
The japon is not included in this list because, despite the Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution which prevents it from having an army, the country has its own self-defence forces, a military force for the defence of the national territory and which can only be deployed outside Japan for United Nations peacekeeping missions.
10. Marshall Islands
Wikimedia – Hendrik Scholz
The only force allowed on this state of Micronesia is a marine surveillance unit for internal security. This unit is equipped only with weapons of fists, and has only one patrol boat, the Lomor. As part of the free association pact, the defense of the atoll is provided by the United States.
9. Palau_Palau_)
Flickr – Matt Kieffer
We are here in the same case as the Marshall Islands: located in Micronesia, the islands of Palau have only the authorized armed forces, which includes a 30-man maritime surveillance unit for internal security. Equipped with light weapons and a boat Pacific-class patrol boat , the PSS President H.I. Remeliik, this unit cannot defend the country in the event of an armed attack. Thus, under the free association pact, the United States deals with their defence.
8. Samoa
Flickr – Rene
Since the founding of the country, no army has been created. However, there is a small police force as well as a maritime surveillance unit for internal security. The latter is not heavily armed and has a patrol boat (like previous countries). In accordance with a 1962 pact, New Zealand has responsibility for the defence of Samoa.
7. Tuvalu
Flickr – Stefan Lins
This country, which has only about 12,000 inhabitants, has no army. We are in the same case as the previous countries with a small police force and a sea patrol boat.
6. The Vatican
Flickr – NKCPhoto
The security of the Vatican is ensured by the Pontifical Swiss Guard (constituted of 110 guards) which is a unit belonging to the Holy See, not to the Vatican City. There is no defence agreement with Italy, because this would violate the neutrality of the Vatican, but informally the Italian army protects the Vatican City. The Palatine Guard and the Noble Guard were abolished in 1970.
5. Nauru
Wikimedia
Australia is responsible for defending Nauru according to informal agreement (via strong ties) between the two countries. However, this small island State in Oceania has a relatively large military police force and an extra police force for internal security.
4. Solomon Islands
Flickr – U.S. Pacific Command
This country close to Papua New Guinea had a paramilitary force until a heavy ethnic conflict occurred between 1998 and 2006, in which Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific countries intervened to restore order. However, there is a large police force and a maritime police unit with 2 patrol boats. The safety of Solomon Islands is ensured by RAMSI (Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands).
3. Liechtenstein
Fotopedia – Gerhard Suster
The small country abolished its army in 1868 because it considered it too costly. A mobilization of major citizens under the age of 60 is possible only in time of war. This situation has never happened. The Principality of Liechtenstein still employs a specialized unit to maintain security and law within its territory.
2. Grenada
Wikimedia - Varun Kapoor
Grenada, a state of the West Indies, has been out of ground since 1983 because of the invasion by the Americans this year. A special paramilitary service unit allows to keep internal security. The defence of the country is the responsibility of Regional Security System .
1. Andorra
Flickr – Stéphan Peccini
The defence of the country is provided by France or Spain upon request. In addition to the local police, there is a small intervention unit called GIPA (Grup d’Intervenció Policia d’Andorra) which is responsible for counter-terrorism and hostage-release missions.
In all of the world there are 28 countries that have no army, in general of the principalities ( Monaco for example) or tiny countries. Note that the Costa Rica one of the most important countries without an army, has a security force of 8,000 men and the United States defends it.
Loading comments ...