Active Military Personnel 2013

Portugal

In 2013, Portugal had 43,000 personnel in active military service, ranking #70 out of 189 countries. This figure is notably lower than the NATO average, reflecting Portugal's smaller military footprint compared to larger European nations. Contributing factors include Portugal's strategic focus on international alliances and a relatively stable regional security environment, which has influenced its defense policy and military size.

Antigua and Barbuda

In 2013, Antigua and Barbuda had 0 personnel in active military service, ranking #164 out of 189 countries. This absence of military personnel is notable compared to regional neighbors, many of which maintain small defense forces. The country’s focus on tourism and limited geographic threats, combined with a policy of reliance on regional security agreements, contribute to its lack of a standing army.

Botswana

In 2013, Botswana had 9,000 personnel in active military service, ranking #124 out of 189 countries. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors like South Africa, which has a significantly larger military force. Botswana's modest military size can be attributed to its stable political environment and a focus on peacekeeping rather than extensive military engagement.

Croatia

In 2013, Croatia had 19,000 personnel in active military service, ranking #96 out of 189 countries. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors like Serbia, which has a larger military presence. Croatia's military size is influenced by its post-war recovery and a focus on NATO integration, which has shaped its defense policy and personnel requirements.

Belgium

In 2013, Belgium had 33,000 personnel in active military service, ranking #74 out of 189 countries. This number is relatively low compared to neighboring countries like France, which has a significantly larger military force. Belgium's military size is influenced by its strategic focus on NATO commitments and a smaller population base, which limits the pool for recruitment.

Latvia

In 2013, Latvia had 5,000 personnel in active military service, ranking #138 out of 189 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to NATO allies, reflecting Latvia's focus on multinational defense cooperation rather than maintaining a large standing army. The country's military size is influenced by its strategic location near Russia and ongoing efforts to enhance security through increased defense spending and participation in NATO missions.

Gambia

In 2013, Gambia had 1,000 personnel in active military service, ranking #159 out of 189 countries. This number is relatively low compared to regional neighbors, reflecting Gambia's small population and limited defense budget.

The country's military size is influenced by its economic constraints and a focus on internal security rather than external threats, which shapes its defense policy and military investments.

Liechtenstein

In 2013, Liechtenstein ranked #172 globally with 0 personnel for Active Military Personnel. This places the country at the bottom of the military personnel rankings, reflecting its unique status as a landlocked microstate in Europe. The absence of an active military is primarily due to Liechtenstein's policy of neutrality and its reliance on Switzerland for defense, alongside a small population that limits military recruitment.

Slovakia

In 2013, Slovakia had 16,000 personnel in active military service, ranking #102 out of 189 countries. This figure is notably lower than many of its NATO allies, reflecting Slovakia's relatively modest defense budget and military commitments compared to larger European nations. The country's geographic position in Central Europe and its historical context, including post-Soviet military restructuring, have influenced its current military size and capabilities.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

In 2013, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines ranked #184 globally with 0 personnel in Active Military Personnel. This places the country among the lowest in the world, comparable to other small island nations with limited military capabilities. The absence of an active military force reflects the nation's focus on diplomatic solutions and regional cooperation, as well as its relatively low defense spending due to a small population and economic constraints.