Every year, countries around the world spend billions of dollars on their military. But who spends the most? The answer might surprise you. According to recent data, the United States is outspending every other country, with a total budget of over 700 billion dollars. China comes in second, but with just over 200 billion dollars in military spending, they are still over 500 billion dollars behind the US.
It’s clear that the United States takes its military spending seriously. In fact, the country’s military budget is larger than the budgets of the next seven countries combined. But why does the US spend so much on the military? Some argue that it’s necessary to maintain a strong national defense. Others suggest that there are political and economic motives at play. Regardless of the reasons, the fact remains that the US outspends all other countries when it comes to military expenditures.
Of course, military spending isn’t just a US issue. Countries around the world allocate significant amounts of their budgets towards military initiatives. Some see this as vital for national security, while others argue that it takes away valuable funds from other areas, such as education and healthcare. Regardless of where you fall on this issue, it’s clear that military spending is a topic that has a profound impact on nations around the world.
Global Military Spending Rankings
When it comes to military spending, some countries allocate more resources than others. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the top military spending countries in 2020 were:
- United States: $778 billion
- China: $252 billion
- India: $72.9 billion
- Russia: $61.7 billion
- United Kingdom: $59.2 billion
As we can see, the United States spends more money on military than any other country, by a substantial margin. In fact, in 2020, the U.S. spent more on military than the next ten countries combined.
The U.S. Military Spending
The U.S. spends more on military than any other country for a number of reasons. One is the sheer size of the country’s military; the U.S. has the largest military in the world, with over 1.3 million active-duty troops. Additionally, the U.S. has a historically strong emphasis on military power, dating back to the country’s founding. Finally, the U.S. plays a major role in global security, with a number of military bases and alliances around the world.
Below is a breakdown of the U.S. military budget in 2020:
| Department/Agency | Budget (in billions) |
|---|---|
| Department of Defense | $721.5 |
| Nuclear Security Administration | $19.8 |
| Defense-related activities at other agencies | $36.6 |
As we can see, the majority of the U.S. military budget goes towards the Department of Defense.
Military Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP
The military is one of the most important aspects of a country’s defense against external threats. Countries spend a significant amount of their national budgets on military and defense expenditure. The amount spent by countries on military can be measured as a percentage of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The percentage of a country’s GDP that is spent on military can give an insight into the country’s priorities and its level of defense preparedness.
- The United States of America spends the highest amount on military expenditure as a percentage of its GDP, with 3.3% of its GDP being spent on military in 2020.
- Arab countries in the Middle East and North Africa region also spend a significant amount on military, with Saudi Arabia being second only to the USA in terms of military expenditure as a percentage of its GDP, with 8.4% of its GDP being spent on military in 2020.
- Other countries that spend a significant amount on military expenditure as a percentage of their GDP include Russia (3.9%), Israel (5.2%), and North Korea (22.7%).
It is worth noting that some countries with small GDPs may spend a high percentage of their GDP on military but still have a relatively small total military budget. On the other hand, countries with large GDPs may spend a lower percentage of their GDP on military but still have a larger military budget in absolute terms.
Below is a table showing the top 10 countries with the highest military expenditure as a percentage of their GDP in 2020:
| Country | Military Expenditure as a Percentage of GDP |
|---|---|
| Saudi Arabia | 8.4% |
| USA | 3.3% |
| Israel | 5.2% |
| Russia | 3.9% |
| North Korea | 22.7% |
| Kuwait | 5.6% |
| UAE | 4.0% |
| Turkey | 2.8% |
| Algeria | 5.3% |
| Bahrain | 2.0% |
In conclusion, military expenditure as a percentage of GDP can give an insight into a country’s priorities and level of defense preparedness. While the USA spends the highest amount on military expenditure as a percentage of its GDP, some countries in the Middle East and North Africa region also spend a significant amount on military in terms of percentage of their GDP.
Largest Military Budgets by Country
Defense spending has always been a significant part of most countries’ budgets. It provides security and protection for the country’s sovereignty and interests. Here are the top three countries with the largest military budgets.
- United States – The United States spends the most on military each year than any other country in the world. Its 2020 defense budget was $738 billion, which is more than the combined military spending of the next ten countries on the list. The country’s military spending accounts for 3.4% of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The United States spends on advanced weapon systems, personnel, and research and development programs to maintain its superior military power.
- China – China’s defense budget has been increasing steadily over the past decade. Its 2020 defense budget was $178 billion, which is nearly a quarter of the United States’ military spending. The Chinese government has been investing heavily in its military capabilities, including aircraft carriers, stealth fighters, and ballistic missiles, to fulfill its aspirations of being a global superpower. China’s military spending accounts for 1.9% of its GDP.
- India – India is the third-largest military spender in the world and the largest in South Asia. Its 2020 defense budget was $72.9 billion, which is an increase of 6.8% from the previous year. India’s military spending accounts for 2.4% of its GDP. The country has been investing in modernizing its military capabilities, including fighter jets, tanks, and submarines, to counter threats from its neighboring countries, particularly China and Pakistan.
Comparison of Military Budgets by Country
Here is a comparison table of the top ten countries with the largest military budgets in 2020.
| Country | Defense Budget ($ billion) |
|---|---|
| United States | 738 |
| China | 178 |
| India | 72.9 |
| Russia | 66.3 |
| United Kingdom | 55.4 |
| Saudi Arabia | 51.2 |
| France | 50.1 |
| Germany | 49.3 |
| Japan | 47.6 |
| South Korea | 43.9 |
While these countries have different reasons for spending more on their military, it’s clear that defense spending is a significant part of their budgets. It is important to balance defense spending with other important areas, such as education, infrastructure, and healthcare, to promote overall progress and development of a country.
United States Military Spending
The United States of America has the highest military spending in the world. The country’s defense budget has been increasing every year, even during times of peace. In 2020, the U.S. spent a staggering $778 billion on its military, which was more than the next ten highest-spending countries combined.
The U.S. military budget accounts for approximately 38% of the world’s total military spending. It’s no secret that the country takes its defense very seriously, but what exactly does the U.S. military budget go towards?
- Personnel: The U.S. has the largest military in the world, with over 1.3 million active-duty troops. The cost of salaries, benefits, and other personnel expenses makes up a significant portion of the military budget.
- Operations and maintenance: This category includes things like equipment repairs, fuel costs, and training expenses. These costs are necessary to keep the military running smoothly and ready for any situation that may arise.
- Procurement: This refers to the process of acquiring new equipment, such as ships, planes, tanks, and weapons. The U.S. military continuously invests in new technology to keep up with the ever-evolving global security landscape.
In addition to the above categories, the U.S. military also spends money on research and development, military construction, and other miscellaneous expenses. The U.S. government believes that the country’s military strength is crucial to its national security and is willing to invest the necessary funds to maintain its position as the world’s dominant military power.
| Year | Total Military Spending ($ billion) | Percentage of GDP |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 694.6 | 4.7% |
| 2011 | 711.0 | 4.3% |
| 2012 | 682.1 | 4.1% |
| 2013 | 640.2 | 3.8% |
| 2014 | 610.0 | 3.5% |
| 2015 | 596.0 | 3.3% |
| 2016 | 611.2 | 3.3% |
| 2017 | 606.5 | 3.3% |
| 2018 | 649.0 | 3.4% |
| 2019 | 684.6 | 3.4% |
| 2020 | 778.0 | 3.7% |
As seen in the table above, the U.S. military spending has steadily increased over the past decade, with a significant spike in 2020. While the country’s military strength is undoubtedly impressive, some argue that the amount of money spent on defense could be better allocated towards other essential areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Military Expenditures vs Other Government Expenditures
There has been a long-standing debate on how much government should spend on the military. In most countries, defense is considered a vital aspect of national security, but the amount of resources allocated towards it often varies. The following are the subtopics that we will discuss in this article.
Who spends the most money on military?
- The United States currently spends the most on military at $738 billion, accounting for 38% of global military spending. China follows with $178 billion spent, roughly 13% of the world’s total military expenditure.
- In terms of percentage of GDP, Saudi Arabia leads with 8.8% of its GDP spent on its military. This is followed closely by Oman at 8.2% and South Sudan at 7.7%.
- It is important to note that these numbers do not take into account other government expenditures, which means that military spending may only be a fraction of a country’s overall budget.
| Country | Military Expenditure (2020) | Percentage of GDP Spent on Military |
|---|---|---|
| United States | $738 billion | 3.7% |
| China | $178 billion | 1.9% |
| Saudi Arabia | $62.8 billion | 8.8% |
| Oman | $9.9 billion | 8.2% |
| South Sudan | $350 million | 7.7% |
While these numbers may seem staggering, it is important to consider that military spending is only a part of a government’s budget. In the US, for example, military spending accounts for roughly 15-16% of the total federal budget. The rest of the budget goes towards areas such as healthcare, education, and social security.
What are other government expenditures?
Other government expenditures include areas such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, social security, and public safety. These areas are essential to a country’s development and wellbeing and should not be overlooked in favor of military spending.
According to the World Bank, the US spends the most on healthcare, accounting for 17.7% of its GDP. Norway follows with 9.4%, and Switzerland at 7.7%. In terms of education spending, Norway is on top, allocating 6.6% of its GDP.
It is important to strike a balance between military spending and other government expenditures to ensure that a country’s overall development is not neglected.
Military Spending and National Security
When it comes to military spending, the United States has been at the forefront of the list for years. With its massive military budget, it has consistently been the highest spender on military and defense. Here are some key points about military spending and national security:
- The U.S. military budget for fiscal year 2020 is $721.5 billion. This amount is almost three times more than the total Russian military budget and more than the next seven countries combined.
- In 2019, the U.S. spent 3.4% of its GDP on military, which was higher than any other country.
- Military spending has been increasing over the years, and the U.S. has been upping its military budget by $100 billion since 2017.
While spending on military has been a point of contention for many, national security is also closely related to military spending. Here are some facts:
National security refers to the measures taken to protect the sovereignty and well-being of a country from threats such as terrorism, cyberattacks, and military aggression. The military plays a major role in ensuring national security as it works to protect the country from external threats. However, national security is not limited to military action, and other government agencies such as intelligence and law enforcement also play important roles.
The following table shows the top 10 countries with the highest military spending as of 2019:
| Rank | Country | Spending ($ billions) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States | 732 |
| 2 | China | 261 |
| 3 | India | 71.1 |
| 4 | Russia | 65.1 |
| 5 | Saudi Arabia | 61.9 |
| 6 | France | 50.1 |
| 7 | United Kingdom | 50.0 |
| 8 | Germany | 49.3 |
| 9 | Japan | 47.6 |
| 10 | South Korea | 43.9 |
While it’s important for countries to have strong military forces to protect themselves, it’s equally important to balance military spending with economic growth and investment in infrastructure and social services. A country’s military strength is not only determined by the size of its defense budget, but also its ability to adapt and respond efficiently to emerging threats.
The Politics of Military Spending
Military spending can be a controversial topic, with different countries having varying opinions on how much money should be allocated towards such efforts. Some believe that a strong military is essential for national security, while others view it as a way for governments to flex their power and assert dominance over other nations. The politics of military spending are complex, and it can be difficult to determine which countries spend the most on their military efforts.
- According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), the United States spends the most money on military expenditures in the world. In 2020, the US spent $738 billion on military efforts.
- China has the second-highest military spending in the world, with a reported $261 billion in expenditures in 2020. This is a significant increase from 2011, when China spent $143 billion on their military.
- Russia is third on the list, with an estimated $61.7 billion spent on their military in 2020. This is a decrease from their military spending in prior years, which was closer to $70 billion.
The level of military spending varies widely across other countries as well. For example, the United Kingdom spent $59.2 billion on their military in 2020, while Germany spent $52.8 billion. India allocated $71.1 billion towards military expenditures in the same year, while Saudi Arabia spent $57.5 billion.
Aside from determining which countries spend the most on their military efforts, it’s also important to consider the politics behind these decisions. In some cases, military spending is tied to other political agendas. For example, the US has historically used its military power to support democratic ideals around the world, which is a key part of their foreign policy goals. Meanwhile, China is focused on expanding its global influence and challenging US dominance, and military spending is one way to achieve this goal.
| Country | Total Military Spending (2020) |
|---|---|
| United States | $738 billion |
| China | $261 billion |
| Russia | $61.7 billion |
As can be seen from the table, the amount of money spent on military efforts in each country varies widely. The politics of military spending are also diverse and complex, with each government having its own agenda and reasons for allocating funds towards military efforts.
FAQs: Who Spends Most Money on Military?
1. Who are the biggest spenders on military globally?
Currently, the United States spends the most on the military, followed by China and then India.
2. Does military spending vary by country?
Absolutely. Military spending is influenced by several factors, such as national security needs, economic conditions, and political priorities.
3. What percentage of a country’s GDP is typically devoted to military spending?
The global average is around 2.2% of GDP. However, this can vary significantly by country. For example, in the United States, military spending accounts for about 3.2% of GDP, while in Russia, it’s closer to 4.3%.
4. Is military spending increasing or decreasing globally?
Overall, global military spending has been increasing in recent years. Between 2010 and 2019, it grew by 7.2%, with Asia and Oceania experiencing the biggest increases.
5. What impact does military spending have on a country’s economy?
Military spending can have both positive and negative impacts on an economy. On the one hand, it can stimulate technological innovation and create jobs. On the other hand, diverting significant resources towards military spending can have an opportunity cost, meaning there may be less money available for social programs and infrastructure development.
6. What are some of the reasons countries increase their military spending?
Some of the common reasons include perceived threats to national security, geopolitical tensions with other countries, and the desire to modernize military equipment and technology.
Who Spends Most Money on Military: Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to read our FAQ on military spending! As we’ve seen, there are a lot of factors that influence which countries devote the most resources to their military. If you’re interested in world affairs, be sure to check back with us for more interesting insights!