In a world where military forces are integral to national security, there are a few countries that have chosen to forgo traditional armed forces altogether. These nations rely on diplomacy, neutrality, and international treaties for protection instead of building their own military. Here are five countries that do not have an army, air force, or navy.
1. Costa Rica
Costa Rica is one of the most famous examples of a country that has voluntarily disbanded its military. In 1948, following a civil war, Costa Rica abolished its army under the leadership of President José Figueres Ferrer. The country decided that investing in military forces was not in the best interest of its people and instead focused on social programs, education, and healthcare. Costa Rica’s constitution, enacted in 1949, explicitly forbids the establishment of an army.
Instead of a military, Costa Rica maintains a civilian police force and relies on international organizations like the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS) for security and diplomatic matters. Its commitment to peace and neutrality is reflected in its foreign policy, which has helped Costa Rica become a hub for international diplomacy and environmental protection.
2. Panama
Like its neighbor Costa Rica, Panama has no standing army. After the U.S. invasion in 1989, which led to the ousting of General Manuel Noriega, Panama’s constitution was amended to permanently abolish its military. The country’s military forces were officially disbanded in 1990, and since then, Panama has relied on its police forces and security agencies for internal safety.
Instead of a traditional military, Panama has a robust security force that handles border control and law enforcement. The country’s neutrality is also guaranteed through its participation in international peacekeeping operations and its reliance on the Panamanian Public Security Forces, which are equipped to handle crises, but not in the same way a traditional military would. Panama's focus is on maintaining peace and fostering stability in the region.
3. Iceland
Iceland is another country that does not have a standing army, air force, or navy. As a member of NATO, Iceland’s defense is largely handled by other member countries, particularly the United States. Iceland does maintain a small defense force, but it is not an army in the traditional sense—it is primarily responsible for civil defense, search and rescue operations, and monitoring air traffic.
Given its location in the North Atlantic, Iceland has a strategic importance, but its government has chosen to remain neutral in military conflicts. The country relies on its strong international alliances and treaties to ensure its security. In addition, Iceland’s police force handles most internal security functions. The absence of a large military has allowed Iceland to focus its resources on other areas like social welfare and environmental preservation.
4. Liechtenstein
Liechtenstein is a small, landlocked country in Central Europe that has no army, air force, or navy. The principality abolished its military in 1868, citing the high financial burden of maintaining a standing army. Since then, Liechtenstein has relied on its peaceful reputation and strong diplomatic ties for security. The country has no need for military forces, as it benefits from the protection of neighboring Switzerland.
Liechtenstein’s neutrality is enshrined in its foreign policy, and it has consistently remained uninvolved in military conflicts. Instead of investing in defense, Liechtenstein focuses on economic prosperity, financial services, and social well-being. This has allowed the country to maintain high standards of living for its citizens.
5. Vatican City
Vatican City, the smallest country in the world, also does not have an army, air force, or navy. The Vatican is an independent city-state surrounded by Rome, Italy, and serves as the spiritual and administrative center of the Roman Catholic Church. Its defense is largely provided by Italy under a 1929 treaty known as the Lateran Treaty.
The Vatican does maintain the Swiss Guard, a small force of Swiss nationals responsible for protecting the Pope and maintaining order within the Vatican. However, the Swiss Guard is not a military force; rather, it is a ceremonial and security unit. The Vatican’s policy is to remain neutral in international conflicts, focusing on religious and diplomatic matters rather than military involvement.
Conclusion
These five countries—Costa Rica, Panama, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Vatican City—have demonstrated that military forces are not always essential to a nation’s survival or security. Their choices reflect a commitment to peace, diplomacy, and neutrality, and they rely on international agreements, alliances, and law enforcement to maintain stability and security. While their strategies might not be applicable to all nations, these countries offer an alternative perspective on national defense and international relations.
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