World military spending continues to decline, and this was made explicit in 2013. Although weapon spending increased in much of the world, military spending in the United States, which still accounted for 37% of total military spending in 2013, has declined in recent years. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, SIPRI, has estimated estimated military expenditures annually in more than 170 countries. Check out the 10 countries with the most military spending. Source: handbagpicks.com
10. BRAZIL – MILITARY SPENDING US $ 36.2 BILLION
Perhaps because of the strength of oil revenues, which can help sustain military spending without the need for unpopular tax increases, Brazil’s military spending, along with many other developing nations, increased dramatically in the 2000s. The Brazilian army is often used to help maintain order in the country, especially in the slums. Your biggest expense is in labor.
9. INDIA – MILITARY SPENDING US $ 49.1 BILLION
India has been among the world’s leading arms importers for decades. The country continued to expand and modernize its armed forces in 2013, importing $ 5.6 billion worth of weapons. The high military spending was probably due to the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan that threatens the stability and well-being of the people in both countries. While the country invests large amounts of money in its military strength, India’s GDP per capita is among the lowest in the world.
8. GERMANY – MILITARY SPENDING $ 49.3 BILLION
Germany’s estimated per capita GDP was over $ 40,000 last year. And as one of the strongest economies in the world, Germany has the means to maintain a well-equipped military force. But while this country has spent among the largest in nominal terms, its military spending accounted for only 1.4% of its GDP, one of the smallest.
7. UNITED KINGDOM – MILITARY SPENDING $ 56.2 BILLION
Despite deep cuts in military spending following a defense review in 2010, military spending in this country was still among the highest in the world. Prime Minister David Cameron began implementing fiscal austerity measures, including military spending cuts, shortly after he took office.
6. JAPAN – MILITARY SPENDING $ 59.4 BILLION
A recent territorial dispute with China in the East China Sea led Japan to increase its military budget in 2013 for the first time in over 10 years. While Japan’s 2013 budget called for a 0.8% increase in military spending, total military spending remained fixed at 1% of GDP.
5. FRANCE – MILITARY SPENDING US $ 62.3 BILLION
Like much of Western Europe, France’s military spending has declined in recent years. France spent nearly $ 70 billion in 2009, versus more than $ 62 billion last year. This fall, however, was relatively small given the country’s weak economic growth and the implementation of austerity measures following the global economic crisis.
4. SAUDI ARABIA – MILITARY SPENDING $ 62.8 BILLION
Situated in an increasingly unstable region, Saudi Arabia hiked its military budget by 14.3% in 2013. Saudi neighbors include Iraq and Yemen, which are currently in turmoil. Saudi Arabia has also historically had poor relations with another neighbor, Iran, which could become an even greater threat if it acquires nuclear capabilities. The large increase in military spending is probably a direct response to these threats.
3. RUSSIA – MILITARY SPENDING $ 84.9 BILLION
Russia leads the rest of the world in military exports, with more than $ 8 billion last year, well over $ 6.2 billion from the United States in exports. While total military spending in Russia remains a fraction of what it was in the late 1980s, it has increased in recent years as a result of Russia’s participation in various regional conflicts.
2. CHINA – MILITARY SPENDING $ 171.4 BILLION
Military spending often reflects economic growth, and this is especially true in China where military spending has increased in each of the last 5 years, sharply in line with economic growth. Military spending rose 7.4 percent last year alone, far more than any other country in the region , and among the highest in annual growth worldwide. The value of China’s military exports follows only the United States and Russia, around $ 1.8 billion last year.
1. UNITED STATES – MILITARY SPENDING $ 618.7 BILLION
US $ 619 billion in military spending in the United States nearly exceeded the combined spending of all other countries in this selection in 2013. At the beginning of 2013, this country had about 8000 nuclear warheads in reserve . Since 2001, US defense spending has increased from $ 287 billion to $ 530 billion. In recent years, however, military spending in this country has fallen from 4.8% of GDP in 2009 to 3.8% in 2013. The reduction in military spending has been due to the greater emphasis on fiscal austerity and reduced conflict in Iraq and Afghanistan.
