Nations Without Armies: Peace Over Power

Jul 05, 2025 Khushi Kumari

Costa Rica Abolished its army in 1948 to invest in education and healthcare. Costa Rica relies on a civilian police force and international alliances for security

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Vatican City The world’s smallest country has no army, but security is provided by the Swiss Guard and Italy under informal arrangements

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Liechtenstein Disbanded its army in 1868 due to cost concerns. It maintains neutrality and depends on Switzerland for defense if needed

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Panama Abolished its army in 1990 after U.S. intervention. Panama has public security forces, but no formal military

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Grenada Disbanded its military after a U.S.-led invasion in 1983. Now relies on regional security partnerships and a police force

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Iceland Has no standing army but is a NATO member. Defense is handled through agreements with the U.S. and coast guard operations

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Andorra Relies on France and Spain for military protection. Maintains only a ceremonial army for special occasions

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Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Palau These Pacific nations have Compacts of Free Association with the U.S., which ensures their defense in exchange for strategic benefits

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