Nations That Thrive Without Militaries

Countries Without a Standing Army Radiocity By Radiocity Team Published Jul 22, 2025 [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Costa Rica Abolished its military in 1949 and invests in education and health instead. It relies on police and international agreements for defense. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Iceland Has no standing army. Relies on NATO, especially the U.S., for defense, and maintains a civilian-based peacekeeping force. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Liechtenstein Abolished its army in 1868 due to costs. Depends on neighboring countries like Switzerland for protection. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Vatican City Has no military. Its protection is handled by the Swiss Guard and Italy through mutual agreements. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

Palau No army of its own. The U.S. is responsible for its defense under the Compact of Free Association. [{ "selector": ".custom-gradient", "duration": "500ms", "fill": "forwards", "keyframes": [ { "offset": 0, "transform": "translateY(100px)" }, { "offset": 1, "transform": "translateY(0)" } ] }]

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