South Africa Military Expenditures (% of GDP) 2025: 0.70 % of GDP

South Africa's military expenditures (% of gdp) in 2025 is 0.70 % of GDP, unchanged from 2024. It ranks #138 of 163 countries.

Military Expenditures as a percentage of GDP highlights national defense spending. Compare countries, explore rankings, and view trends.

South Africa•36 years of data (1990–2025)••CIA World Factbook•
Historical Trend

Military Expenditures (% of GDP) over time

Year-by-Year Data
YearValueChange% ChangeActions
20250.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20240.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20230.7 % of GDP0.1 % of GDP-12.50%
20220.8 % of GDP0.1 % of GDP-11.11%
20210.9 % of GDP0.1 % of GDP-10.00%
20201 % of GDP+0.02 % of GDP+2.04%
20190.98 % of GDP0.09 % of GDP-8.41%
20181.07 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20171.07 % of GDP0.13 % of GDP-10.83%
20161.2 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20151.2 % of GDP+0.2 % of GDP+20.00%
20141 % of GDP0.7 % of GDP-41.18%
20131.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20121.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20111.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20101.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20091.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20081.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20071.7 % of GDP+0.2 % of GDP+13.33%
20061.5 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20051.5 % of GDP0.2 % of GDP-11.76%
20041.7 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20031.7 % of GDP+0.1 % of GDP+6.25%
20021.6 % of GDP+0.1 % of GDP+6.67%
20011.5 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
20001.5 % of GDP0.7 % of GDP-31.82%
19992.2 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
19982.2 % of GDP0 % of GDP0.00%
19972.2 % of GDP——
1996———
1995———
1994———
1993———
1992———
1991———
19905 % of GDP——

Frequently Asked Questions About South Africa Military Expenditures (% of GDP)

What is South Africa's military expenditures (% of gdp) in 2025?▾

South Africa's military expenditures (% of gdp) is 0.70 % of GDP in 2025, according to CIA World Factbook.

Is South Africa's military expenditures (% of gdp) increasing or decreasing?▾

South Africa's military expenditures (% of gdp) was essentially unchanged from 2024 (0.70 % of GDP) to 2025 (0.70 % of GDP). Over the past decade (2015–2025) it fell by 41.7%.

How does South Africa rank for military expenditures (% of gdp)?▾

In 2025, South Africa has the 138th highest military expenditures (% of gdp) out of 163 countries with data.

What was South Africa's military expenditures (% of gdp) in 1990?▾

In 1990, South Africa's military expenditures (% of gdp) was 5 % of GDP. By 2025 it fell by 86.0%.

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