Military Expenditure (% of GDP) 2008
Military expenditure as a percentage of GDP reflects a country's military focus relative to its economy.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Georgia | 8.52 % | |
2 | Saudi Arabia | 7.353 % | |
3 | Israel | 6.175 % | |
4 | Jordan | 5.995 % | |
5 | South Sudan | 5.761 % | |
6 | Sudan | 4.979 % | |
7 | Oman | 4.96 % | |
8 | United States | 4.447 % | |
9 | Yemen | 4.446 % | |
10 | Chad | 4.276 % | |
11 | Lebanon | 4.016 % | |
12 | Singapore | 3.85 % | |
13 | Colombia | 3.737 % | |
14 | United Arab Emirates | 3.668 % | |
15 | Timor-Leste | 3.647 % | |
16 | Angola | 3.573 % | |
17 | Syrian Arab Republic | 3.552 % | |
18 | Pakistan | 3.459 % | |
19 | Armenia | 3.396 % | |
20 | Azerbaijan | 3.291 % | |
21 | Sri Lanka | 3.244 % | |
22 | Morocco | 3.184 % | |
23 | Russia | 3.149 % | |
24 | Namibia | 3.137 % | |
25 | Botswana | 3.098 % | |
26 | Mauritania | 3.059 % | |
27 | Greece | 3.024 % | |
28 | Kuwait | 3.006 % | |
29 | Belarus | 2.912 % | |
30 | Kyrgyzstan | 2.905 % | |
31 | Algeria | 2.867 % | |
32 | Bahrain | 2.8 % | |
33 | Burundi | 2.721 % | |
34 | Ecuador | 2.692 % | |
35 | Iran | 2.683 % | |
36 | Ukraine | 2.673 % | |
37 | India | 2.631 % | |
38 | Djibouti | 2.628 % | |
39 | Chile | 2.584 % | |
40 | United Kingdom | 2.476 % | |
41 | South Korea | 2.389 % | |
42 | Iraq | 2.368 % | |
43 | Afghanistan | 2.336 % | |
44 | Brunei Darussalam | 2.262 % | |
45 | Bolivia | 2.194 % | |
46 | Egypt | 2.181 % | |
47 | Turkey | 2.168 % | |
48 | Taiwan | 2.153 % | |
49 | Bulgaria | 2.132 % | |
50 | Zambia | 2.08 % | |
51 | Vietnam | 2.07 % | |
52 | Serbia | 2.05 % | |
53 | Qatar | 2.011 % | |
54 | Eswatini | 1.999 % | |
55 | Albania | 1.928 % | |
56 | France | 1.899 % | |
57 | Montenegro | 1.872 % | |
58 | Uruguay | 1.87 % | |
59 | Malaysia | 1.825 % | |
60 | Croatia | 1.823 % | |
61 | Venezuela | 1.794 % | |
62 | Australia | 1.791 % | |
63 | Congo | 1.79 % | |
64 | Estonia | 1.767 % | |
65 | Poland | 1.746 % | |
66 | North Macedonia | 1.742 % | |
67 | Togo | 1.722 % | |
68 | Latvia | 1.704 % | |
69 | China | 1.689 % | |
70 | Cyprus | 1.63 % | |
71 | Kenya | 1.616 % | |
72 | Central African Republic | 1.55 % | |
73 | Lesotho | 1.548 % | |
74 | Italy | 1.53 % | |
75 | Ethiopia | 1.525 % | |
76 | Fiji | 1.521 % | |
77 | Slovenia | 1.5 % | |
78 | Equatorial Guinea | 1.482 % | |
79 | Mali | 1.466 % | |
80 | Slovakia | 1.46 % | |
81 | Brazil | 1.442 % | |
82 | Portugal | 1.416 % | |
83 | Romania | 1.4 % | |
84 | Nepal | 1.4 % | |
85 | Finland | 1.391 % | |
86 | Norway | 1.37 % | |
87 | Spain | 1.368 % | |
88 | Denmark | 1.349 % | |
89 | Uganda | 1.347 % | |
90 | Rwanda | 1.306 % | |
91 | Netherlands | 1.297 % | |
92 | Senegal | 1.292 % | |
93 | Tunisia | 1.291 % | |
94 | Libya | 1.269 % | |
95 | Cameroon | 1.256 % | |
96 | Thailand | 1.253 % | |
97 | Philippines | 1.25 % | |
98 | Peru | 1.247 % | |
99 | Canada | 1.246 % | |
100 | Burkina Faso | 1.243 % | |
101 | Czech Republic | 1.234 % | |
102 | Belgium | 1.222 % | |
103 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 1.221 % | |
104 | Germany | 1.189 % | |
105 | Hungary | 1.18 % | |
106 | Sweden | 1.171 % | |
107 | Kazakhstan | 1.155 % | |
108 | New Zealand | 1.153 % | |
109 | Seychelles | 1.15 % | |
110 | Lithuania | 1.131 % | |
111 | Bangladesh | 1.124 % | |
112 | Côte d'Ivoire | 1.102 % | |
113 | Gambia | 1.095 % | |
114 | Belize | 1.078 % | |
115 | South Africa | 1.039 % | |
116 | Tajikistan | 1.022 % | |
117 | Guyana | 1.009 % | |
118 | Madagascar | 0.963 % | |
119 | El Salvador | 0.962 % | |
120 | Honduras | 0.954 % | |
121 | Jamaica | 0.953 % | |
122 | Japan | 0.898 % | |
123 | Austria | 0.876 % | |
124 | Mongolia | 0.823 % | |
125 | Argentina | 0.763 % | |
126 | Niger | 0.739 % | |
127 | Switzerland | 0.722 % | |
128 | Dominican Republic | 0.7 % | |
129 | Tanzania | 0.698 % | |
130 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 0.697 % | |
131 | Paraguay | 0.683 % | |
132 | Cambodia | 0.679 % | |
133 | Benin | 0.664 % | |
134 | Mozambique | 0.648 % | |
135 | Malta | 0.613 % | |
136 | Republic of Moldova | 0.609 % | |
137 | Sierra Leone | 0.604 % | |
138 | Malawi | 0.593 % | |
139 | Indonesia | 0.579 % | |
140 | Ireland | 0.577 % | |
141 | Cabo Verde | 0.549 % | |
142 | Nicaragua | 0.502 % | |
143 | Trinidad and Tobago | 0.493 % | |
144 | Nigeria | 0.489 % | |
145 | Guatemala | 0.468 % | |
146 | Mexico | 0.373 % | |
147 | Papua New Guinea | 0.337 % | |
148 | Luxembourg | 0.3 % | |
149 | Ghana | 0.294 % | |
150 | Laos | 0.274 % | |
151 | Liberia | 0.233 % | |
152 | Mauritius | 0.156 % | |
153 | Costa Rica | 0 % | |
154 | Iceland | 0 % | |
155 | Panama | 0 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #155
Panama
- #154
Iceland
- #153
Costa Rica
- #152
Mauritius
- #151
Liberia
- #150
Laos
- #149
Ghana
- #148
Luxembourg
- #147
Papua New Guinea
- #146
Mexico
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Military Expenditure (% of GDP) data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.
More Military and Security Facts
Military Expenditures (% of GDP)
Military Expenditures as a percentage of GDP highlights national defense spending. Compare countries, explore rankings, and view trends.
View dataBrowse All Military and Security
Explore more facts and statistics in this category
All Categories
Discover more categories with comprehensive global data