10 Countries With Lowest Military Expenditure

In 2025, some countries continue to allocate minimal resources to military expenditure, focusing instead on healthcare, education, and infrastructure. These nations prioritise diplomacy and regional cooperation, relying on international organisations for security.

While their military budgets remain low, advancements in cyber security and surveillance technology help address modern security challenges. However, limited defence spending affects their negotiating power in global affairs.

According to data from Global Firepower, here are the 10 countries with the lowest military expenditure in 2025.

1. Bhutan – $14 million

Bhutan has the lowest military expenditure, allocating only $14 million. The country follows a strict policy of non-aggression and does not maintain large armed forces. Instead, it relies on its strong diplomatic ties with India for defence support. Bhutan prioritises peace and regional stability over military expansion.

2. Belize – $29.54 million

Belize spends $29.54 million on its military. With a small defence force, the country focuses on internal security and border protection. Belize collaborates with regional security organisations to manage external threats while directing resources toward national development.

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3. Central African Republic – $45.99 million

Despite ongoing security concerns, the Central African Republic (CAR) allocates $45.99 million to its military. The country depends heavily on international peacekeeping forces for stability. Limited military funding has led to reliance on external aid to address conflicts and internal security threats.

4. Burkina Faso – $81.28 million

Burkina Faso’s military expenditure stands at $81.28 million, with a focus on counterinsurgency operations. The country faces security threats from extremist groups and receives international assistance to strengthen its military capabilities. Defence partnerships with other nations help supplement its security efforts.

5. Nicaragua – $91 million

Nicaragua allocates $91 million to its defence budget. The country prioritises internal security, disaster response, and national safety. Although military spending is low, Nicaragua maintains strategic alliances to enhance its security framework.

6. Benin – $98.35 million

Benin spends $98.35 million on military activities, maintaining a modest defence force. The country focuses on national security, regional stability, and international cooperation. Benin works closely with neighbouring countries to address security challenges in West Africa.

7. Madagascar – $112.21 million

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Madagascar’s defence budget stands at $112.21 million, with primary investments in coastal surveillance and internal security. The island nation faces security threats from piracy and illegal fishing, requiring ongoing monitoring of its maritime borders.

8. Laos – $135 million

Laos allocates $135 million to its military, focusing on border security and maintaining a small but functional defence force. The country relies on diplomatic ties and regional security collaborations for additional support.

9. Suriname – $144 million

Suriname’s military expenditure is $144 million. The country has a small defence force, focusing on domestic security and disaster response. Suriname’s military plays a significant role in handling natural disasters and ensuring internal stability.

10. Montenegro – $148.1 million

Montenegro completes the list with a military budget of $148.1 million. As a NATO member, the country depends on its alliances for security while maintaining a limited national defence force. Montenegro’s military efforts focus on training, peacekeeping, and border security.

The countries with the lowest military expenditure in 2025 prioritise diplomacy, regional security cooperation, and non-military strategies for national defence. While their defence budgets remain small, many rely on international partnerships and technological advancements to address security challenges.

These nations demonstrate that military power is not the only path to national security. Instead, they invest in peacekeeping, international relations, and development to maintain stability.