Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 2008

Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP reflects a country's military focus relative to its economy.

155 data points••Global Coverage•Military spending as a share of GDP | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Georgia flag
Georgia
8.52 %
2
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
7.353 %
3
Israel flag
Israel
6.175 %
4
Jordan flag
Jordan
5.995 %
5
South Sudan flag
South Sudan
5.761 %
6
Sudan flag
Sudan
4.979 %
7
Oman flag
Oman
4.96 %
8
United States flag
United States
4.447 %
9
Yemen flag
Yemen
4.446 %
10
Chad flag
Chad
4.276 %
11
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
4.016 %
12
Singapore flag
Singapore
3.85 %
13
Colombia flag
Colombia
3.737 %
14
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
3.668 %
15
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
3.647 %
16
Angola flag
Angola
3.573 %
17
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
3.552 %
18
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
3.459 %
19
Armenia flag
Armenia
3.396 %
20
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
3.291 %
21
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
3.244 %
22
Morocco flag
Morocco
3.184 %
23
Russia flag
Russia
3.149 %
24
Namibia flag
Namibia
3.137 %
25
Botswana flag
Botswana
3.098 %
26
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
3.059 %
27
Greece flag
Greece
3.024 %
28
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
3.006 %
29
Belarus flag
Belarus
2.912 %
30
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
2.905 %
31
Algeria flag
Algeria
2.867 %
32
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
2.8 %
33
Burundi flag
Burundi
2.721 %
34
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
2.692 %
35
Iran flag
Iran
2.683 %
36
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
2.673 %
37
India flag
India
2.631 %
38
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
2.628 %
39
Chile flag
Chile
2.584 %
40
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
2.476 %
41
South Korea flag
South Korea
2.389 %
42
Iraq flag
Iraq
2.368 %
43
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
2.336 %
44
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
2.262 %
45
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
2.194 %
46
Egypt flag
Egypt
2.181 %
47
Turkey flag
Turkey
2.168 %
48
Taiwan flag
Taiwan
2.153 %
49
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
2.132 %
50
Zambia flag
Zambia
2.08 %
51
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
2.07 %
52
Serbia flag
Serbia
2.05 %
53
Qatar flag
Qatar
2.011 %
54
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
1.999 %
55
Albania flag
Albania
1.928 %
56
France flag
France
1.899 %
57
Montenegro flag
Montenegro
1.872 %
58
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
1.87 %
59
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
1.825 %
60
Croatia flag
Croatia
1.823 %
61
Venezuela flag
Venezuela
1.794 %
62
Australia flag
Australia
1.791 %
63
Congo flag
Congo
1.79 %
64
Estonia flag
Estonia
1.767 %
65
Poland flag
Poland
1.746 %
66
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
1.742 %
67
Togo flag
Togo
1.722 %
68
Latvia flag
Latvia
1.704 %
69
China flag
China
1.689 %
70
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
1.63 %
71
Kenya flag
Kenya
1.616 %
72
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
1.55 %
73
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
1.548 %
74
Italy flag
Italy
1.53 %
75
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
1.525 %
76
Fiji flag
Fiji
1.521 %
77
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
1.5 %
78
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
1.482 %
79
Mali flag
Mali
1.466 %
80
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
1.46 %
81
Brazil flag
Brazil
1.442 %
82
Portugal flag
Portugal
1.416 %
83
Romania flag
Romania
1.4 %
84
Nepal flag
Nepal
1.4 %
85
Finland flag
Finland
1.391 %
86
Norway flag
Norway
1.37 %
87
Spain flag
Spain
1.368 %
88
Denmark flag
Denmark
1.349 %
89
Uganda flag
Uganda
1.347 %
90
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
1.306 %
91
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
1.297 %
92
Senegal flag
Senegal
1.292 %
93
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
1.291 %
94
Libya flag
Libya
1.269 %
95
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
1.256 %
96
Thailand flag
Thailand
1.253 %
97
Philippines flag
Philippines
1.25 %
98
Peru flag
Peru
1.247 %
99
Canada flag
Canada
1.246 %
100
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
1.243 %
101
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
1.234 %
102
Belgium flag
Belgium
1.222 %
103
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
1.221 %
104
Germany flag
Germany
1.189 %
105
Hungary flag
Hungary
1.18 %
106
Sweden flag
Sweden
1.171 %
107
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
1.155 %
108
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
1.153 %
109
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
1.15 %
110
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
1.131 %
111
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
1.124 %
112
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
1.102 %
113
Gambia flag
Gambia
1.095 %
114
Belize flag
Belize
1.078 %
115
South Africa flag
South Africa
1.039 %
116
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
1.022 %
117
Guyana flag
Guyana
1.009 %
118
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
0.963 %
119
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
0.962 %
120
Honduras flag
Honduras
0.954 %
121
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
0.953 %
122
Japan flag
Japan
0.898 %
123
Austria flag
Austria
0.876 %
124
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
0.823 %
125
Argentina flag
Argentina
0.763 %
126
Niger flag
Niger
0.739 %
127
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
0.722 %
128
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
0.7 %
129
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
0.698 %
130
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
0.697 %
131
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
0.683 %
132
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
0.679 %
133
Benin flag
Benin
0.664 %
134
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
0.648 %
135
Malta flag
Malta
0.613 %
136
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
0.609 %
137
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
0.604 %
138
Malawi flag
Malawi
0.593 %
139
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
0.579 %
140
Ireland flag
Ireland
0.577 %
141
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
0.549 %
142
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
0.502 %
143
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
0.493 %
144
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
0.489 %
145
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
0.468 %
146
Mexico flag
Mexico
0.373 %
147
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
0.337 %
148
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
0.3 %
149
Ghana flag
Ghana
0.294 %
150
Laos flag
Laos
0.274 %
151
Liberia flag
Liberia
0.233 %
152
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
0.156 %
153
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
0 %
154
Iceland flag
Iceland
0 %
155
Panama flag
Panama
0 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Georgia flagGeorgia
  2. #2Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia
  3. #3Israel flagIsrael
  4. #4Jordan flagJordan
  5. #5South Sudan flagSouth Sudan
  6. #6Sudan flagSudan
  7. #7Oman flagOman
  8. #8United States flagUnited States
  9. #9Yemen flagYemen
  10. #10Chad flagChad

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #155Panama flagPanama
  2. #154Iceland flagIceland
  3. #153Costa Rica flagCosta Rica
  4. #152Mauritius flagMauritius
  5. #151Liberia flagLiberia
  6. #150Laos flagLaos
  7. #149Ghana flagGhana
  8. #148Luxembourg flagLuxembourg
  9. #147Papua New Guinea flagPapua New Guinea
  10. #146Mexico flagMexico

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2008, Georgia led the world in Military Expenditure (% of GDP) with a staggering 8.52%, while the global range spanned from 0.00% to 8.52%. The worldwide average for military expenditure as a percentage of GDP was 1.88%, providing a benchmark for understanding national defense priorities in relation to economic output during this period.

Drivers Behind High Military Expenditure

The highest levels of military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008 were observed in countries facing significant geopolitical tensions or internal conflicts. Georgia, topping the list, reflects the impact of the Russo-Georgian War, which necessitated increased military spending. Similarly, Saudi Arabia allocated 7.35% of its GDP to military expenditure, driven by its strategic position in the Middle East and ongoing regional conflicts. Israel, with a military expenditure of 6.17% of GDP, also exemplifies how security concerns can lead to substantial defense budgets, given its historical and ongoing security challenges.

Minimal Military Budgets: A Different Approach

On the opposite end of the spectrum, countries like Iceland, Costa Rica, and Panama recorded 0.00% military expenditure as a percentage of GDP. These nations have historically maintained non-militarized policies. For instance, Costa Rica abolished its military in 1949, focusing resources on education and healthcare. Similarly, Iceland relies on defense agreements with NATO allies, reflecting a strategic choice to forego a standing military force.

Economic Capacity and Military Spending

Analyzing the relationship between economic capacity and military spending reveals that countries with smaller economies often allocate a larger percentage of their GDP to defense. For instance, Jordan and South Sudan spent 5.99% and 5.76% of their GDP respectively on military, illustrating a prioritization of security despite limited economic resources. Conversely, wealthier nations like the United States, which spent 4.45%

Year-Over-Year Changes in Military Expenditure

The year 2008 saw notable shifts in military expenditure as a percentage of GDP. Chad experienced the largest increase, rising by 1.03% (31.6%), likely due to escalating internal conflicts and regional instability. In contrast, Oman recorded the largest decrease, reducing its expenditure by 1.76% (-26.2%), potentially reflecting a strategic reassessment of military needs or economic constraints. Similarly, Saudi Arabia reduced its military spending by 1.17% (-13.8%), which may indicate a temporary shift in budgetary priorities or an adjustment to lower oil revenues.

In conclusion, the data on military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008 underscores the complex interplay between security needs, economic capacity, and geopolitical realities. Countries with heightened security concerns or regional tensions tend to allocate a higher GDP percentage to military spending, whereas nations with stable environments or alternative security arrangements often prioritize other areas of public spending. Understanding these patterns provides valuable insights into the strategic priorities and economic challenges faced by nations worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Military Expenditure (% of GDP) in 2008

Which country had the highest military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008?

Georgia had the highest military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008, with 8.52%.

What was the lowest military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008?

The lowest military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008 was 0%, recorded by Iceland.

What was the average military expenditure as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2008?

The average military expenditure as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2008 was 1.88%.

What was the median military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008?

The median military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008 was 1.48%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008?

The top 3 countries for military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008 were Georgia (8.52%), Saudi Arabia (7.35%), and Israel (6.17%).

How many countries are included in the dataset for military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008?

The dataset includes 155 countries for military expenditure as a percentage of GDP in 2008.

Insights by country

1

Papua New Guinea

Papua New Guinea ranked #147 globally for Military Expenditure (% of GDP) in 2008, with a value of 0.33701447 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the country's limited defense budget compared to larger nations. Contributing factors include Papua New Guinea's focus on domestic issues, economic constraints, and its geographic isolation, which influences its defense strategy and priorities.

2

Angola

In 2008, Angola ranked #16 globally for Military Expenditure (% of GDP) at 3.5731204 %. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Angola's focus on military capabilities in a region with ongoing security challenges. The country's military spending is influenced by its post-civil war recovery efforts and a desire to stabilize its borders amidst regional conflicts, particularly in the context of its oil-rich economy.

3

Serbia

In 2008, Serbia ranked #52 globally with a military expenditure of 2.0502 % of its GDP. This figure is relatively modest compared to regional dynamics, as many neighboring countries allocate a higher percentage to defense spending. The historical context of Serbia's military expenditure is influenced by its post-conflict recovery efforts, ongoing regional tensions, and a focus on economic stabilization following the breakup of Yugoslavia.

4

Indonesia

In 2008, Indonesia ranked #139 globally with a military expenditure of 0.57894576 % of its GDP. This figure is notably lower than many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, reflecting a regional trend where military spending varies significantly based on economic priorities and security needs. The relatively low expenditure can be attributed to Indonesia's focus on economic development and addressing domestic challenges, rather than extensive military engagement abroad.

5

Gambia

In 2008, Gambia's military expenditure was 1.0949177 % of GDP, ranking #113 out of 155 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to many nations in the region, reflecting a focus on development rather than military buildup. The country's limited resources and economic challenges have historically constrained its defense spending, prioritizing social services and infrastructure over military investment.

6

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ranked #153 globally for Military Expenditure (% of GDP) in 2008, with a value of 0 %. This figure is notably lower than the regional average for Central America, reflecting the country’s long-standing commitment to maintaining a neutral stance and abolishing its military in 1949. Instead of military funding, Costa Rica prioritizes social investments, particularly in education and healthcare, which are key drivers of its development model.

7

Iraq

In 2008, Iraq ranked #42 globally for Military Expenditure (% of GDP) at 2.36776 %. This figure was notably higher than some neighboring countries, reflecting the ongoing security challenges and the need for military investment in the post-war context. The significant expenditure was driven by Iraq's efforts to stabilize the country after years of conflict, as well as to combat insurgency and maintain territorial integrity.

8

Fiji

In 2008, Fiji ranked #76 globally for Military Expenditure (% of GDP) at 1.5209528 %. This figure is relatively low compared to regional neighbors, reflecting a focus on social and economic development rather than extensive military investment. The country's military expenditure is influenced by its strategic geographic location in the South Pacific and a history of political instability, which has led to fluctuating defense priorities.

9

Kenya

In 2008, Kenya ranked #71 globally with a military expenditure of 1.6158502 % of its GDP. This figure is relatively low compared to the global average, reflecting Kenya's strategic focus on development and stability rather than military expansion. The country's military spending is influenced by its geopolitical position in East Africa, facing threats from terrorism and regional instability, particularly in neighboring Somalia.

10

Japan

In 2008, Japan ranked #122 globally for Military Expenditure (% of GDP) at 0.8984392 %. This figure is significantly lower than many regional neighbors, reflecting Japan's pacifist constitution and post-World War II security policies that prioritize diplomatic solutions over military engagement. The country's focus on economic stability and technological development has historically led to a constrained military budget, despite its status as one of the world's largest economies.

Data Source

Military spending as a share of GDP | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides extensive datasets on various global issues, including military spending as a share of GDP. The dataset offers country-level statistics that illustrate trends and comparisons in military expenditure relative to national economic output.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Military Expenditure (% of GDP) data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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