Several countries around the world have opted to maintain national security without traditional military forces, Instead of using the military they mostly rely on diplomacy, strategic alliances, and unique treaties to safeguard their sovereignty and ensure national security.

This unconventional choice allows them to channel resources into social, educational, and economic developments, prioritising peace and stability over military power. 

Here are the 10 Countries Without Military Forces:

1. Costa Rica – After abolishing its army in 1948 following a civil war, Costa Rica redirected military funds to education and healthcare, relying on international alliances for defense.

2. Iceland – Iceland has no standing military and relies on NATO for defense, focusing instead on a well-equipped Coast Guard for national security and rescue operations.

3. Liechtenstein – Since disbanding its army in 1868 due to high costs, Liechtenstein has relied on neutrality and protection agreements with neighboring Switzerland and Austria.

4. Monaco – Protected under a treaty with France since 1918, Monaco focuses on luxury tourism and finance, maintaining a ceremonial police force for internal order.

5. Panama – Panama abolished its military in 1990, establishing the Panama Public Forces for internal security and entering into a defense treaty with the United States.

6. Vatican City – As the world’s smallest sovereign state, Vatican City relies on Italy for protection per the 1929 Lateran Treaty and is guarded by the ceremonial Swiss Guard.

7. Kiribati – With no standing military, this Pacific island nation depends on defense pacts with larger allies like Australia and New Zealand for its security needs.

8. Samoa – Since gaining independence and signing a treaty of friendship with New Zealand in 1962, Samoa has focused its resources on domestic priorities such as health and education.

9. Mauritius – After independence from Britain in 1968, Mauritius chose not to maintain a standing army, instead employing a paramilitary force and national police for security.

10. Palau – Since its independence in 1994, Palau has had no military, depending instead on a Compact of Free Association with the United States for defense.