List of 7 Countries That Do Not Have Military Forces

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Military forces or soldiers are the means of state defense and security. The armed forces are on the frontline of fire during times of external aggression. Even so, several countries in the world chose to close their armed forces and forgo the army, navy, and air force entirely.

Citing Yahoo Finance, research by The Aland Islands Peace Institute states that several reasons are behind a country’s absence of military. One is the size of its territory or the small number of human resources.

A country that does not have a military force does not equal powerlessness. Some of them actually receive protection from larger countries through special agreements.

So, what countries don't have an army? Check out the following summary of information from various sources.

Countries That Do Not Have Armed Forces

1. Costa Rica

The first country with no military is Costa Rica. Having more than 5 million residents, the only law enforcement agency in the country is the National Police which is armed with military-grade weaponry. In 1949, Costa Rica took the bold step of closing its military forces. Having close ties with the United States, the country is a member of the Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance. Therefore, the US would be responsible for Costa Rica's defense if it faced external aggression.

2. Panama

To ensure law and order in the country, there are around 27,000 members of the Panamanian Public Forces as security personnel. Although it does not have armed forces, the Panamanian National Police is equipped with counterterrorism and anti-narcotics units, as well as special forces for rapid response and maritime operations. Panama disbanded its military forces in 1994 after a constitutional amendment.

3. Mauritius

The Mauritius Police Force (MPF) is Mauritius’ national law enforcement force, which oversees policing and other security operations in the country. Numbering around 12,500 security personnel, the MPF includes paramilitary units, special support units, and the national coast guard. The MPF's main military supplier is India, with second-hand Western equipment used to carry out law enforcement.

4. Iceland

Iceland is the next country without armed forces. Although the country does not have a regular military, it has primary law enforcement organizations. These include the Icelandic National Police, the Icelandic Coast Guard, and nine regional police forces. Additionally, Iceland is also a NATO member, which guarantees its security. NATO member countries also guard Iceland's airspace on a rotational basis under the Icelandic Air Policing.

5. Solomon Islands

With a population of more than 700,000, the Solomon Islands do not have an army, navy, or air force. The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force ensures both internal and external security in the country. The country's police force receives regular training from Australia and New Zealand. Additionally, China and Australia also provided patrol boats to the Solomon Islands over the last few years to assist with maritime patrol operations.

6. Federated States of Micronesia

After World War II, the Federated States of Micronesia established long-term relations with the United States. This region is also part of the United Nations (UN) Pacific Islands Trust Territory. In 1986, Micronesia signed a Compact of Free Association with the United States. Since then, the defense of Micronesia has been the US’ responsibility. Even though they do not have special military forces, Micronesian citizens can enlist in the US Army. 

7. Vatican

The next country that doesn't have a military is the Vatican. To maintain neutrality and security in the Vatican, the Italian Armed Forces informally safeguard the country despite the absence of a formal defense agreement. The Vatican's armed forces, named the Palatine Guard and the Noble Guard, were disbanded in 1970. Since then, internal police duties have been entrusted to the Gendarmerie Corps.

RADEN PUTRI

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