In the modern-day world, armed forces have become an integral part of almost every nation in the world. Measuring the power and influence of any country is relatable to the strength of its army. Each country is in the race to possess more powerful weapons than the other.
10 Nations Who Would Be Impossible To Be Invaded By Other Countries
The term armed forces here refers to any government-backed defense used to implement the domestic or foreign policies of its governance. Countries are often seen spending big in order to strengthen its armed forces. Despite most of the countries engaged in some sort of arms race, there are few countries that have no army at all. Here is the list of countries that chose not to have a standing army within its borders:
1. Andorra
A small landlocked country squeezed between France and Spain has no standing military of its own. The law and order are maintained by the police itself, along with some basic parliamentary duties. However, it does receive protecting from Spain and France, which are carried out under separate military treaties.
2. Costa Rica
The country chose to renounce its army since 1948. In the year 1948, Costa Rica faced civil war, after the war ended, the country decided to abolish its armed forces. The internal security is managed by the police force. It has constant border conflicts with Nicaragua, but that still chose not to have a standing army.
3. Dominica
An attempted army coup in 1981, was responsible for the abolishment of armed forces in Dominica. The police force oversees the internal security of the country. For being in the Caribbean, Dominica enjoys the services of the Regional security system that is responsible for the defense of Caribbean countries.
4. Grenada
This country has no standing army since 1983. It was an American invasion that led to such a step. The police force maintains internal security and the Regional security system is responsible for the defense.
5. Haiti
It is without any standing army since 1995. Before 1995, military coups were quite common in Haiti. More than a dozen military coups and internal conflicts forced the government to disband the Army. But the rebels have demanded the creation of an army.
6. Iceland
This country does not have an army since 1869. You would be surprised to know that this country does not have an army since 1869. The country is a member of NATO and has defense agreements with the United States.
7. Kiribati
This country too has no standing army of its own since 1978. This is a small country that is actually a conglomerate of three groups of islands namely the Gilbert Islands, the Phoenix Islands, and the Line Islands. Australia and New Zealand provide defense assistance to this country when it is required.
8. Liechtenstein
This country has no standing army since 1868. It abolished the army because the country could not bear the cost of maintaining an army. This country has a provision for the creation of an army, in the case of war but thankfully this situation has never occurred.
9. The Marshall Islands
This country has no army since its formation. The sole force would see in this country is the police. The police also maintain a Maritime Surveillance Unit which deals with internal security. Just like many other countries on this list, the United States is responsible for its security.
10. Mauritius
This multicultural country is without an army since 1968. Mauritius is another popular country which has no standing army. Although the country has no army of its own yet it has active police personnel of around 10,000, which is responsible for all military, police, and security functions. It is under the command of the Commissioner of Police.
11. Micronesia
The Federated States of Micronesia has no army of its own. So, who protects this country in times of crisis? Well, you guessed it, the United States of America. The US has full authority and responsibility for this country’s defense.
12. Monaco
The country is without an army since the 17th century. This small country renounced its military investment way back in the 17th century. Interestingly, this country does have two small military units. One protects the Prince and the second for the civilians. France is responsible for its defense.
13. Nauru
Nauru too does not have its own standing army. Australia is responsible for its defense. However, this country does have a competent police force that maintains its internal security. It is one of the smallest countries in the world by area and population.
14. Palau
Since the country’s foundation, they do not have a standing army. The only forces permitted are the police. The country has a 30 man Maritime Surveillance Unit which is responsible for internal security. Defense assistance is provided by the United States under the Compact of Free Association.
15. Panama
This country without an army since 1990. This country does have something called the Panamanian Public Forces which is responsible for internal security and border problems.
16. St. Lucia
Just like many other Caribbean nations, this country too does not have its own army. Its defense is supervised by the Regional Security System Defense, which is responsible for most of the Caribbean countries. The country has its own police force called the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, which maintains internal security.
17. St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Another Caribbean country without an army. St. Vincent and Grenadines is another Caribbean country that does not have an army of its own. Just like other Caribbean nations, this country too receives protection from the Regional Security System.
18. Samoa
This country has no military since its foundation. However, there is a police force that takes care of its internal security. In accordance with a 1962 pact of relationship, New Zealand is responsible for defense.
19. Solomon Islands
It has not maintained an army since the heavy ethnic conflict. Initially, this country maintained its own force. After a heavy ethnic conflict, which forced countries like Australia and New Zealand to intervene, this country has not maintained any military of its own. However, the country does have a relatively large police force.
20. Tuvalu
Tuvalu too does not have its own military since its foundation. Just like many other countries, this country too has its own police force which is responsible for internal security.
21. Vanuatu
Vanuatu does not have a standing army of its own. However, this country has something called the Vanuatu mobile force which maintains internal security and is equipped with small arms.
22. Vatican City
The smallest country of the world has no standing army of its own. However, it does maintains a Gendarmerie Corps for internal policing. The Swiss Guard protects the Holy See, not the Vatican City State. Although there is no formal defense accord with Italy, informally, the Italian military protects Vatican City. The Palatine Guard and Noble Guard were abolished in 1970.
Well, if these countries can manage to survive without an army, then why not the whole world?
