Military Expenditures (% of GDP) 1998
Military Expenditures as a percentage of GDP highlights national defense spending. Compare countries, explore rankings, and view trends.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | ||
|---|---|---|
1 |  Afghanistan | NaN % of GDP |
2 |  Angola | 31 % of GDP |
3 |  Chad | 11.1 % of GDP |
4 |  Croatia | 8.2 % of GDP |
5 |  Burkina Faso | 6.4 % of GDP |
6 |  Brunei Darussalam | 6.2 % of GDP |
7 |  Bahrain | 5.4 % of GDP |
8 |  Cyprus | 5.4 % of GDP |
9 |  Botswana | 5.2 % of GDP |
10 |  Bahamas | 3.8 % of GDP |
11 |  Congo | 3.8 % of GDP |
12 |  Chile | 3.5 % of GDP |
13 |  Benin | 3.2 % of GDP |
14 |  Colombia | 2.8 % of GDP |
15 |  Algeria | 2.7 % of GDP |
16 |  Burundi | 2.6 % of GDP |
17 |  Central African Republic | 2.3 % of GDP |
18 |  Czech Republic | 2.2 % of GDP |
19 |  Belize | 2 % of GDP |
20 |  Bulgaria | 2 % of GDP |
21 |  Costa Rica | 2 % of GDP |
22 |  Australia | 1.9 % of GDP |
23 |  Bolivia | 1.9 % of GDP |
24 |  Brazil | 1.9 % of GDP |
25 |  Bangladesh | 1.7 % of GDP |
26 |  Belgium | 1.7 % of GDP |
27 |  Albania | 1.5 % of GDP |
28 |  Argentina | 1.5 % of GDP |
29 |  Belarus | 1.3 % of GDP |
30 |  Antigua and Barbuda | 1 % of GDP |
31 |  Austria | 0.83 % of GDP |
32 |  Azerbaijan | NaN % of GDP |
33 |  Barbados | NaN % of GDP |
34 |  Bermuda | NaN % of GDP |
35 |  Bhutan | NaN % of GDP |
36 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | NaN % of GDP |
37 |  Myanmar | NaN % of GDP |
38 |  Cambodia | NaN % of GDP |
39 |  Cameroon | NaN % of GDP |
40 |  Canada | 1.2 % of GDP |
41 |  China | NaN % of GDP |
42 |  Comoros | NaN % of GDP |
43 |  Congo, Democratic Republic of the | NaN % of GDP |
44 |  Denmark | 1.6 % of GDP |
45 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 1.4 % of GDP |
46 |  Cuba | NaN % of GDP |
47 |  Djibouti | NaN % of GDP |
48 |  Dominica | NaN % of GDP |
49 |  North Korea | 25 % of GDP |
50 |  Kuwait | 12.8 % of GDP |
51 |  Israel | 9.5 % of GDP |
52 |  Georgia | 8.8 % of GDP |
53 |  Egypt | 8.2 % of GDP |
54 |  Jordan | 7.8 % of GDP |
55 |  Fiji | 5 % of GDP |
56 |  Guinea-Bissau | 4.5 % of GDP |
57 |  Kenya | 3.9 % of GDP |
58 |  Gambia | 3.8 % of GDP |
59 |  South Korea | 3.3 % of GDP |
60 |  India | 2.7 % of GDP |
61 |  France | 2.5 % of GDP |
62 |  Gabon | 2.4 % of GDP |
63 |  Ecuador | 2.1 % of GDP |
64 |  Italy | 1.9 % of GDP |
65 |  Guyana | 1.7 % of GDP |
66 |  Finland | 1.6 % of GDP |
67 |  Guinea | 1.6 % of GDP |
68 |  Estonia | 1.5 % of GDP |
69 |  Hungary | 1.5 % of GDP |
70 |  Dominican Republic | 1.4 % of GDP |
71 |  El Salvador | 0.9 % of GDP |
72 |  Equatorial Guinea | NaN % of GDP |
73 |  Eritrea | NaN % of GDP |
74 |  Ethiopia | NaN % of GDP |
75 |  Falkland Islands (Malvinas) | NaN % of GDP |
76 |  Faroe Islands | NaN % of GDP |
77 |  French Guiana | NaN % of GDP |
78 |  Germany | 1.5 % of GDP |
79 |  Ireland | 1.3 % of GDP |
80 |  Japan | 1 % of GDP |
81 |  Ghana | 0.8 % of GDP |
82 |  Greece | NaN % of GDP |
83 |  Grenada | NaN % of GDP |
84 |  Guatemala | 0.66 % of GDP |
85 |  Haiti | NaN % of GDP |
86 |  Honduras | NaN % of GDP |
87 |  Indonesia | 1.3 % of GDP |
88 |  Iraq | NaN % of GDP |
89 |  Jamaica | NaN % of GDP |
90 |  Kazakhstan | NaN % of GDP |
91 |  Kiribati | NaN % of GDP |
92 |  Kyrgyzstan | NaN % of GDP |
93 |  Oman | 13.7 % of GDP |
94 |  Laos | 8.1 % of GDP |
95 |  Rwanda | 7 % of GDP |
96 |  Libya | 6.1 % of GDP |
97 |  Mozambique | 5.3 % of GDP |
98 |  Pakistan | 5.3 % of GDP |
99 |  Lebanon | 5 % of GDP |
100 |  Latvia | 3 % of GDP |
101 |  Lesotho | NaN % of GDP |
102 |  Morocco | 3.7 % of GDP |
103 |  Qatar | 3.5 % of GDP |
104 |  Liberia | 2.9 % of GDP |
105 |  Norway | 2.9 % of GDP |
106 |  Malta | 2.7 % of GDP |
107 |  Malaysia | 2.6 % of GDP |
108 |  Romania | 2.5 % of GDP |
109 |  Poland | 2.3 % of GDP |
110 |  Namibia | 2.1 % of GDP |
111 |  Netherlands | 2.1 % of GDP |
112 |  Peru | 1.9 % of GDP |
113 |  Portugal | 1.9 % of GDP |
114 |  Nicaragua | 1.35 % of GDP |
115 |  Niger | 1.3 % of GDP |
116 |  Nepal | 1.2 % of GDP |
117 |  New Zealand | 1.05 % of GDP |
118 |  Madagascar | 1 % of GDP |
119 |  Mongolia | 1 % of GDP |
120 |  Lithuania | 0.9 % of GDP |
121 |  Luxembourg | 0.8 % of GDP |
122 |  North Macedonia | NaN % of GDP |
123 |  Malawi | NaN % of GDP |
124 |  Maldives | NaN % of GDP |
125 |  Mauritania | 2.5 % of GDP |
126 |  Mali | 2.2 % of GDP |
127 |  Philippines | 0.7 % of GDP |
128 |  Mexico | 0.3 % of GDP |
129 |  Mauritius | 0.1 % of GDP |
130 |  Republic of Moldova | NaN % of GDP |
131 |  Nauru | NaN % of GDP |
132 |  New Caledonia | NaN % of GDP |
133 |  Nigeria | NaN % of GDP |
134 |  Panama | NaN % of GDP |
135 |  Papua New Guinea | NaN % of GDP |
136 |  Paraguay | 0.6 % of GDP |
137 |  Russia | NaN % of GDP |
138 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | NaN % of GDP |
139 |  Saint Lucia | 2 % of GDP |
140 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | NaN % of GDP |
141 |  Samoa | NaN % of GDP |
142 |  Uzbekistan | 7 % of GDP |
143 |  United Arab Emirates | 4.3 % of GDP |
144 |  United States | 3.4 % of GDP |
145 |  Tunisia | 2.8 % of GDP |
146 |  San Marino | 1 % of GDP |
147 |  Sao Tome and Principe | NaN % of GDP |
148 |  Saudi Arabia | 12 % of GDP |
149 |  Sri Lanka | 5.7 % of GDP |
150 |  Zimbabwe | 3.4 % of GDP |
151 |  Senegal | 2.1 % of GDP |
152 |  Seychelles | NaN % of GDP |
153 |  Syrian Arab Republic | 8 % of GDP |
154 |  Yemen | 5 % of GDP |
155 |  Singapore | 4.3 % of GDP |
156 |  Taiwan | 3.6 % of GDP |
157 |  United Kingdom | 3.1 % of GDP |
158 |  Turkmenistan | 3 % of GDP |
159 |  Togo | 2.9 % of GDP |
160 |  Slovakia | 2.7 % of GDP |
161 |  Vietnam | 2.7 % of GDP |
162 |  Sierra Leone | 2.6 % of GDP |
163 |  South Africa | 2.2 % of GDP |
164 |  Slovenia | 2.1 % of GDP |
165 |  Solomon Islands | NaN % of GDP |
166 |  Somalia | NaN % of GDP |
167 |  Tajikistan | 3.4 % of GDP |
168 |  Sweden | 2.5 % of GDP |
169 |  Uganda | 1.7 % of GDP |
170 |  Suriname | 1.6 % of GDP |
171 |  Spain | 1.4 % of GDP |
172 |  Eswatini | NaN % of GDP |
173 |  Switzerland | 1.2 % of GDP |
174 |  Tanzania | NaN % of GDP |
175 |  Thailand | 2.5 % of GDP |
176 |  Tonga | NaN % of GDP |
177 |  Trinidad and Tobago | NaN % of GDP |
178 |  Tuvalu | NaN % of GDP |
179 |  Ukraine | NaN % of GDP |
180 |  Zambia | 2.7 % of GDP |
181 |  Venezuela | 1.4 % of GDP |
182 |  Uruguay | 0.9 % of GDP |
183 |  Vanuatu | NaN % of GDP |
- #1Afghanistan
- #2Angola
- #3Chad
- #4Croatia
- #5Burkina Faso
- #6Brunei Darussalam
- #7Bahrain
- #8Cyprus
- #9Botswana
- #10Bahamas
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #183Vanuatu
- #182Uruguay
- #181Venezuela
- #180Zambia
- #179Ukraine
- #178Tuvalu
- #177Trinidad and Tobago
- #176Tonga
- #175Thailand
- #174Tanzania
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 1998, Angola led the world in Military Expenditures (% of GDP) with a staggering 31%, highlighting the highest national defense spending as a share of GDP globally. The data from 128 countries reveals a range from 0.10% to 31.00%. The global average for military expenditures was 3.57%, with a median value of 2.50%, providing essential context for understanding defense spending patterns worldwide.
Geopolitical Tensions and Military Expenditure
The wide range in Military Expenditures (% of GDP) across countries in 1998 can largely be attributed to geopolitical tensions and regional conflicts. Angola, with the highest expenditure at 31%, was deeply embroiled in a civil war, necessitating substantial military investment. Similarly, North Korea, spending 25% of its GDP, reflects its longstanding military-first policy amidst regional tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
In the Middle East, countries like Oman (13.7%), Kuwait (12.8%), and Saudi Arabia (12%) also demonstrated high military spending. These figures are indicative of the strategic importance of military strength in a region characterized by political volatility and historical conflicts. The significant allocations to defense budgets are often driven by the need to maintain national security in a geopolitically sensitive area.
Economic Factors Influencing Military Spending
Economic conditions also play a critical role in shaping military expenditures. Nations with higher GDPs can allocate more to defense while maintaining a balanced budget. For instance, Saudi Arabia, with a substantial oil revenue base, could support a military expenditure of 12% without undermining its economic stability.
Conversely, countries with smaller economies or those prioritizing other sectors may exhibit lower military spending. Mauritius and Mexico, at 0.1% and 0.3% respectively, reflect economies that prioritize social spending and development over military investment. These nations often focus on economic development and public welfare, with defense taking a backseat.
Year-over-Year Changes in Defense Budgets
The year-over-year changes in Military Expenditures (% of GDP) present intriguing insights into shifting national priorities and economic adjustments. The average change was a slight decrease of -0.01%, equating to -1.2% overall. However, significant increases and decreases were observed in certain countries.
Uzbekistan experienced the most substantial increase, with a rise of 3.30% (89.2%), potentially reflecting heightened internal security concerns or regional threats. Saudi Arabia also increased its spending by 2.00% (20.0%), possibly due to evolving regional dynamics or military modernization efforts.
On the flip side, Croatia saw the largest decrease, reducing its military expenditures by -1.80% (-18.0%). This decline may be attributed to post-conflict recovery and stabilization efforts following the Croatian War of Independence. Similarly, Mexico's reduction of -1.20% (-80.0%) indicates a strategic shift towards economic development and internal security reforms.
The Significance of Low Military Spending
Countries with the lowest Military Expenditures (% of GDP) in 1998, such as Mauritius (0.1%), Mexico (0.3%), and Paraguay (0.6%), often reflect stable internal conditions and a focus on non-military priorities. These nations typically enjoy peaceful relations with neighbors, reducing the necessity for high defense budgets.
Low military spending can signify a strategic choice to allocate resources towards infrastructure, education, and healthcare, enhancing overall national development. However, it also necessitates reliance on international alliances and diplomatic measures to ensure security and stability.
In conclusion, the 1998 landscape of Military Expenditures (% of GDP) was shaped by a complex interplay of geopolitical, economic, and strategic factors. These expenditures reflect both the immediate security needs and long-term priorities of nations, offering a window into their broader economic and military strategies.
Data Source
CIA World Factbook
The World Factbook, also known as the CIA World Factbook, was a reference resource produced by the US Central Intelligence Agency between 1962 and 2026 with almanac-style information about the countries of the world. From 1971 it was not classified, and available to the public in print since 1975, initially by the CIA, and later the Government Publishing Office.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Military Expenditures (% of GDP) data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.
More Economy Facts
Agriculture Value Added as a Share of GDP by Country
Explore the agriculture value added as a share of GDP by country, measuring the economic impact of farming sectors. This statistic highlights the importance of agriculture in national economies and informs investment decisions.
View dataBrowse All Economy
Explore more facts and statistics in this category
All Categories
Discover more categories with comprehensive global data