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List of sovereign states without armed forces

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Countries without regular military forces
  States with no military forces
  States with no standing army, but with limited military forces

This is a list of countries without armed forces. The term "country" here means sovereign states and not dependencies (e.g., Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Bermuda), whose defense is the responsibility of another country or an army alternative. The term "armed forces" refers to any government-sponsored defense used to further the domestic and foreign policies of their respective government. Some of the countries listed, such as Iceland and Monaco, have no standing armies, but still have a non-police military force.[1][2][3]

Many of the twenty-one countries listed here typically have had a long-standing agreement with a former occupying country; one example is the agreement between Monaco and France, which has existed for at least 300 years.[4][5] The Compact of Free Association nations of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and Palau have no say in their respective countries' defense matters, and have little say in international relations.[6][7][8] For example, when the FSM negotiated a defensive agreement with the United States, it did so from a weak position because it had grown heavily dependent on American assistance.[9] Andorra has a small army, and can request defensive aid if necessary,[10][11] while Iceland had a unique agreement with the United States that lasted until 2006, which required them to provide defense to Iceland when needed.[12][13]

The remaining countries are responsible for their own defense, and operate either without any armed forces, or with limited armed forces. Some of the countries, such as Costa Rica and Grenada, underwent a process of demilitarization.[14][15][16] Other countries were formed without armed forces, such as Samoa over Formatting error: invalid input when rounding years ago;[17] the primary reason being that they were, or still are, under protection from another nation at their point of independence. All of the countries on this list are considered to be in a situation of "non-militarization."[18]

Haiti abolished its army in 1994, after a US invasion deposed the military junta which had ruled the country since 1992. In 2017, after the end of the MINUSTAH, the Haitian government anounced the restoration of the Haitian Armed Forces.[19][20]

Countries without armed forces

Countries with no official military forces
Country Comments Ref(s)
 Andorra Andorra has no standing army but signed treaties with Spain and France for its protection. Its small volunteer army is purely ceremonial in function. The paramilitary GIPA (trained in counter-terrorism and hostage management) is part of the national police. Defense assistance is provided by France and Spain under an informal agreement between the three countries. [21][22]
 Dominica Dominica has not had a standing army since 1981. Defense is the responsibility of the Regional Security System. [23]
 Grenada Has not had a standing army since 1983, after the American-led invasion. The Royal Grenada Police Force maintains a paramilitary special service unit for internal security purposes. Defense is the responsibility of the Regional Security System. [14]
 Kiribati Under the Constitution the only forces permitted are the police, which includes a Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security. The Maritime Surveillance is equipped with small arms, and maintains one Pacific-class patrol boat, the Teanoai. Defense assistance is provided by Australia and New Zealand under an informal agreement between the three countries. [24][25][26]
 Liechtenstein Abolished its army in 1868 because it was deemed too costly. An army is only permitted in times of war, but that situation has never occurred. However, Liechtenstein maintains a police force and a SWAT team, equipped with small arms to carry out internal security duties. Defense assistance is provided by Austria and Switzerland under an informal agreement among the three countries. [27][28]
 Marshall Islands Since the country's foundation the only forces permitted are the police, which includes a Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security. The Maritime Surveillance Unit is equipped with small arms, and maintains one Pacific-class patrol boat, the Lomor. Under the Compact of Free Association, defense is the responsibility of the United States. [6][29][30]
 Federated States of Micronesia Since the country's foundation no military has been formed. The only forces permitted are the police, which maintain a Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security. The Maritime Surveillance is equipped with small arms, and maintains one Pacific-class patrol boat, the Independence. Defense is the responsibility of the United States under the Compact of Free Association. [7][31][32]
 Nauru Australia is responsible for Nauru's defense under an informal agreement between the two countries. However, there is a relatively large armed police force, and an auxiliary police force for internal security. [33][34][35][36][37]
 Palau Since the country's foundation the only forces permitted are the police, which includes a 30-person Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security. The Maritime Surveillance is equipped with small arms, and maintains one Pacific-class patrol boat, the President H.I. Remeliik. Defense assistance is provided by the United States under the Compact of Free Association. [8][38][39]
 Saint Lucia The Royal Saint Lucia Police maintain two small paramilitary forces consisting of 116 people, the Special Service Unit, and the Coast Guard, both units are responsible for internal security. Defense is the responsibility of Regional Security System. [14][40][41]
 Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The Royal Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force maintain two small paramilitary forces consisting of 94 people, called the Special Service Unit, and the Coast Guard, both units are responsible for internal security purposes. All Coastguard Commanders with the exception of Lieutenant Commander David Robin have been officers from the Royal Navy. Defense is the responsibility of Regional Security System. [14][42][43]
 Samoa Since the country's foundation no military has been formed; however, there is a small police force, and a Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security. The Maritime Surveillance Unit is equipped with small arms, and maintains one Pacific-class patrol boat, the Nafanua. In accordance to a 1962 Treaty of Friendship, New Zealand is responsible for defense. [44][45][46]
 Solomon Islands Maintained a paramilitary force until a heavy ethnic conflict, in which Australia, New Zealand and other Pacific countries intervened to restore law and order. Since then no military has been maintained, however, there is a relatively large police force, and a Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security. The Maritime Surveillance Unit is equipped with small arms, and maintains two Pacific-class patrol boats, the Auki and the Lata. Defense and policing assistance was the responsibility of the RAMSI until June 30, 2017. [47][48][49][50][51]
 Tuvalu Since the country's foundation no military has been formed; however, there is a small police force, and a Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security. The Maritime Surveillance Unit is equipped with small arms, and maintains one Pacific-class patrol boat, the Te Mataili. [52][53][53]
 Vatican City Maintains a Gendarmerie Corps for internal policing. The Pontifical Swiss Guard is an armed unit charged with protecting the Pope, although it is officially under the authority of the Holy See, not the Vatican City State. There is no defense treaty with Italy, as it would violate the Vatican's neutrality, but informally the Italian Armed Forces protect Vatican City. The Palatine Guard and Noble Guard were abolished in 1970. [54][55][56][57]

Countries with no standing army but limited military

Countries with no standing army, but having limited military forces
Country Comments Ref(s)
 Costa Rica The constitution has forbidden a standing military since 1949. It does have a public security force with limited military capacities, whose main role includes law enforcement and internal security. For this reason Costa Rica is the headquarters for the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and also the United Nations' University for Peace. [16][58]
 Iceland Has not had a standing army since 1869, but is an active member of NATO. There was a defense agreement with the United States, which maintained an Iceland Defense Force and a military base in the country from 1951 to 2006. Naval Air Station Keflavik closed in late 2006 after 55 years. However, the U.S. announced it would continue to provide for Iceland's defense, but without permanently basing forces in the country. Even though Iceland does not have a standing army, it still maintains a military expeditionary peacekeeping force, an air defence system, an extensive militarised coast guard, a police service, and a tactical police force. There are also agreements regarding military and other security operations with Norway, Denmark, and other NATO countries. [12][59][60][61][62][63][64]
 Mauritius Mauritius has not had a standing army since 1968. All military, police, and security functions are carried out by 10,000 active duty personnel under the command of the Commissioner of Police. The 8,000 member National Police Force is responsible for domestic law enforcement. There is also a 1,500 member Special Mobile Force, and a 500-member National Coast Guard, which are both considered paramilitary units. Both units are equipped with small arms. [65][66][67]
 Monaco Renounced its general military investment in the 17th century because the advancement in artillery technology had rendered it defenseless, but still self-identifies as having limited military forces. Although defense is the responsibility of France, two small military units are maintained; one primarily protects the Prince and judiciary, while the other is responsible for civil defense and fire fighting. Both units are well-trained and equipped with small arms. In addition to the military, an armed national police force is maintained for internal security purposes. [4][68][69][70]
 Panama Abolished its army in 1990, which was confirmed by a unanimous parliamentary vote for constitutional change in 1994. The Panamanian Public Forces include the National Police, National Borders Service, National Aeronaval Service, and Institutional Protection Service, which have some warfare capabilities. [71][72][73]
 Vanuatu The Vanuatu Police Force maintain a paramilitary force, called the Vanuatu Mobile Force for internal security purposes. The Vanuatu Mobile Force is manned by almost 300 men and women, who are well-equipped with small arms. [74][75][76]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ "The Defence Act | Defence and Security Affairs | Subjects | Ministry for Foreign Affairs". Mfa.is. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  2. ^ "Direction de la Sûreté Publique / Département de l'Intérieur / Le Gouvernement / Gouvernement et Institutions / Portail du Gouvernement - Monaco" (in French). Gouv.mc. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  3. ^ "Comparative Criminology | Europe - Monaco". Rohan.sdsu.edu. 2002-01-01. Archived from the original on 2012-04-30. Retrieved 2012-06-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ a b "Monaco signs new treaty with France". Monaco Consulate. Archived from the original on 2007-10-21. Retrieved 2008-02-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  6. ^ a b "Background Note: Marshall Islands". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  7. ^ a b "Inspection of Embassy Kolonia, Federated States of Micronesia (ISP-I-02-09)". United States Department of State. Archived from the original on 2007-08-29. Retrieved 2008-02-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b "PALAU". Encyclopedia of the Nations. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  9. ^ Hara, Kimie. "Micronesia and the Postwar Remaking of the Asia Pacific: "An American Lake"". Japan Focus. Archived from the original on 2008-02-08. Retrieved 2008-03-01. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  10. ^ "Documento BOE-A-1993-16868". BOE.es. 1993-06-30. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  11. ^ "Andorra Defense Forces - 1990". CIA World Factbook. 1990. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  12. ^ a b "Iceland Defense Force". Global Security. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  13. ^ "U.S. Military Forces Leaving Iceland". Usmilitary.about.com. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  14. ^ a b c d "Treaty Establishing the Regional Security System (1996)". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  15. ^ Schanche, Don A. (1990-03-17). "Breakup of Palace Guard Helps to Demilitarize Haiti - Los Angeles Times". Articles.latimes.com. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  16. ^ a b "Costa Rica". World Desk Reference. Archived from the original on February 11, 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  17. ^ "Top 10 Countries Without Military Forces | Top 10 Lists". TopTenz.net. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  18. ^ "Non-militarization". Demilitarization. Archived from the original on December 25, 2007. Retrieved 2008-02-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  19. ^ https://www.reuters.com/article/us-haiti-military/haitian-army-set-to-make-controversial-return-after-two-decades-idUSKBN1DJ01M
  20. ^ https://www.voanews.com/a/haiti-revived-military/4117695.html
  21. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  22. ^ "El Sometent | Tourism". Turisme.andorralavella.ad. 2011-05-17. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  23. ^ . APRED http://www.demilitarisation.org/spip.php?article51&lang=en. Retrieved 2015-07-07. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  24. ^ "Kiribati Defense Forces - 1991". CIA World Factbook. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  25. ^ "Kiribati". Freedom House. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  26. ^ Australian Government, Department of Defence (1943-11-20). "Operation KIRIBATI ASSIST - Department of Defence". Defence.gov.au. Archived from the original on 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2012-06-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  27. ^ "Background Note: Liechtenstein". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  28. ^ "Imagebroschuere_LP_e.indd" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2013-05-16. Retrieved 2012-10-19. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  29. ^ Marshall Islands | Freedom House
  30. ^ "Top 10 Countries Without Military Forces | Top 10 Lists". TopTenz.net. Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  31. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2013-03-30.
  32. ^ Micronesia | Freedom House
  33. ^ "Nauru". The World Factbook. Archived from the original on 2008-09-17. Retrieved 2008-09-21. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  34. ^ "Guns in Nauru: Facts, Figures and Firearm Law". Gunpolicy.org. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  35. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Archived from the original on 2012-05-04. Retrieved 2012-06-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  36. ^ "Comparative Criminology | Asia - Nauru". Rohan.sdsu.edu. Archived from the original on 2015-11-21. Retrieved 2012-06-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  37. ^ "Nauru". Freedom House. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  38. ^ "Palau". Freedom House. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  39. ^ "Palau". State.gov. 2012-02-07. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  40. ^ "Royal Saint Lucia Police Force". Rslpf.com. 1961-11-04. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  41. ^ "Saint Lucian Military statistics, definitions and sources". Nationmaster.com. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  42. ^ "Comparative Criminology | North America - Saint Vincent and the Grenadines". Rohan.sdsu.edu. 1979-10-27. Archived from the original on 2015-06-22. Retrieved 2012-06-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  43. ^ "History". Security.gov.vc. Archived from the original on 2013-03-25. Retrieved 2012-06-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  44. ^ "Samoa". The World Factbook. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  45. ^ "Samoa". State.gov. 2012-02-01. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  46. ^ "Samoa". Freedom House. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  47. ^ "Australian defence presence in solomon islands". Australian Government Department of Defense. Archived from the original on August 17, 2008. Retrieved 2008-02-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  48. ^ The Solomons Islands 1998-2003 Archived 2012-05-09 at the Wayback Machine, britains-smallwars.com/.
  49. ^ "Solomon Islands". Freedom House. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  50. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  51. ^ "Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands - Home". RAMSI. 2012-04-26. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  52. ^ "Country Context". World Health Organization. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  53. ^ a b http://www.vanuatu.usp.ac.fj/library/Paclaw/Tuvalu/Police%20Act.pdf
  54. ^ "Vatican City". World Desk Reference. Archived from the original on November 22, 2006. Retrieved 2008-02-27. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  55. ^ http://www.miwsr.com/2012/downloads/2012-008.pdf
  56. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  57. ^ "The Pope's Soldiers: A Military History of the Modern Vatican Modern War Studies: Amazon.co.uk: David Alvarez: Books". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  58. ^ El Espíritu del 48. "Abolición del Ejército". Retrieved 2008-03-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) (Spanish)
  59. ^ "U.S. Department of State: Iceland". State.gov. 2011-11-08. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  60. ^ "A press release from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs". Regjeringen.no. 2007-04-26. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  61. ^ "An English translation of the Norwegian-Icelandic MoU at the website of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  62. ^ Norway Post: Norway and Iceland to sign defence agreement Archived September 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  63. ^ Aftenposten: Norway to help defend Iceland Archived June 29, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
  64. ^ "Danmarks Radio". Dr.dk. 2007-04-26. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  65. ^ "Background Note: Mauritius". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  66. ^ "Mauritian Military Data". Nationmaster.com. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  67. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  68. ^ [1] Archived December 6, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  69. ^ [2] Archived August 12, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  70. ^ "La Compagnie des Carabiniers de S.A.S. le Prince - Palais Princier de Monaco". Palais.mc. Archived from the original on 2012-06-09. Retrieved 2012-06-17. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  71. ^ "The Panama Defense Forces". Library of Congress. Retrieved 2008-02-27.
  72. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  73. ^ "Panama military - Flags, Maps, Economy, Geography, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements, Population, Social Statistics, Political System". Photius.com. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  74. ^ "Vanuatu". Freedom House. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  75. ^ "The Vanuatu Police Force". Epress.anu.edu.au. Retrieved 2012-06-17.
  76. ^ "CIA - The World Factbook". Cia.gov. Retrieved 2012-06-17.

References

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