For most countries around the world, having an army is considered essential for protecting national sovereignty, maintaining security, and defending borders during times of conflict.

Armed forces also play important roles during:

• Natural disasters
• Humanitarian crises
• Emergency situations
• National rescue operations

However, there are several countries across the world that do not maintain a regular standing army of their own.

Instead, these nations rely on:

• Police forces
• Defense agreements
• Allied countries
• Specialized security units

for protection and internal security.

Here are some well-known countries that operate without a traditional military force.

Vatican City

The world’s smallest country, Vatican City, does not maintain its own traditional army.

Its security is primarily handled by:

• The famous Swiss Guard

The Swiss Guard is responsible for protecting:

• The Pope
• Vatican officials
• Important Vatican locations

In addition, Italy also provides broader external security support to Vatican City when needed.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica abolished its military in:

• 1948

Since then, the country has operated without a standing army.

Instead of maintaining armed forces, Costa Rica focuses heavily on:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Social welfare

Internal security and law enforcement are managed by:

• National police forces

Costa Rica is often cited globally as an example of peaceful governance without a military establishment.

Iceland

Iceland does not maintain a permanent standing army.

The country relies mainly on:

• Defense partnerships
• International agreements
• NATO cooperation

for national defense support.

Iceland does maintain:

• A coast guard
• Civil defense systems
• Specialized security services

but no full-scale military force.

Panama

Panama officially dissolved its military in:

• 1990

Today, national security responsibilities are handled by:

• Police agencies
• Border protection units
• Specialized security forces

The country focuses mainly on maintaining internal stability and protecting strategic infrastructure such as the famous Panama Canal.

Monaco

Monaco also does not maintain a large active military force.

The small European nation depends heavily on:

• France for defense and military protection

Monaco does maintain limited internal security units for ceremonial and policing purposes, but it does not operate a traditional independent army.

Why Some Countries Choose Not to Maintain an Army

Several factors influence why certain nations operate without armed forces, including:

• Small geographical size
• Low external threat levels
• Strong diplomatic ties
• Defense agreements with allies
• Economic priorities

Some countries prefer investing more in:

• Social development
• Healthcare
• Education
• Tourism
• Infrastructure

instead of maintaining expensive military systems.

Modern Security Still Remains Important

Even without traditional armies, these countries still maintain:

• Internal security systems
• Police forces
• Border control agencies
• International defense partnerships

to ensure national safety and stability.

Their examples show that different countries can adopt different security models depending on geography, politics, diplomacy, and economic priorities.