Countries that DO NOT have armed forces

In the contemporary geopolitical landscape, the role of the Armed Forces serves a crucial role for the majority of nations worldwide. The strength of a country is often gauged by the robustness of its military capabilities, with nations vying to possess more powerful and advanced fighter aircraft and weaponry than their counterparts.

However, it’s unbelievable to know that in the current scenario too, a handful of countries have chosen a different path, and opted to deal with the complexities of international relations without a standing military force. These nations go with the belief 'War is Hell', which leads them to forgo the conventional approach of maintaining a military presence within their borders. If you are curios by now, here is list of countries that don’t have a standing army:

Iceland discontinued its standing army in 1869, yet it’s an active member of NATO. The Crisis Response Unit functions as a military expeditionary peacekeeping force. It also has an existing defense agreement with the United States, which led to the establishment of the Iceland Defense Force and a military base on Icelandic soil from 1951 to 2006. Despite the closure of the military base, the US pledged to continue ensuring Iceland's defense, opting not to station permanent forces within the country. Also, the country has established agreements pertaining to military and other security operations with NATO allies such as Norway, Denmark, and other member countries.

Despite lacking a standing army, Mauritius has an active police force of around 10,000 personnel responsible for military, police, and security functions. Under the command of the Commissioner of Police, this force ensures law and order within the nation.

In a bold move in 1949, Costa Rica decided to do away with its military and opted to invest in its people. This groundbreaking choice positioned the country as a global trailblazer, becoming the first nation to choose such a path and go for an alternative model for coexistence and development.

The Pontifical Swiss Guard, a military unit entrusted with the protection of the pope, falls officially under the jurisdiction of the Holy See rather than the Vatican City State. Despite the absence of a defense treaty between the Vatican and Italy, to maintain the Vatican's neutrality, the Italian Armed Forces informally safeguard Vatican City. The Palatine Guard and Noble Guard were disbanded in 1970, with internal policing duties entrusted to the Gendarmerie Corps.

Abolishing its standing army in 1868 due to financial reasons, Liechtenstein permits an army only in times of war. The country maintains a police force equipped with small arms for internal security, with defense assistance provided by Austria and Switzerland.

Relying on international treaties with stronger allies, Andorra has no armed forces. Treaties with Spain and France ensure Andorra's sovereignty and defense, while public order is maintained by its Police Corps.

Situated in the Caribbean, Saint Lucia operates without a standing military force. The Royal Saint Lucia Police Force serves as the primary law enforcement agency, maintaining public order, and includes a coast guard and paramilitary special service unit.

Since 1981, Dominica has not maintained a standing army. The Commonwealth of Dominica Police Force handles law enforcement, with a special forces unit and coast guard available for emergencies and national defense if directed by authorities.

The Solomon Islands have been without a military force since 1946. Policing is primarily handled by a well-equipped police force and a Maritime Surveillance Unit for internal security. Regional intervention restored law and order in 2003 through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).