For many years, the Armed Forces have aimed to protect the population that constitutes a nation, diligently preparing to achieve this mission. In the latest edition of the Military Strength Ranking, the countries with the largest number of active soldiers have been revealed, including one nation in Latin America. In the following article, we will provide all the details.
WHICH COUNTRY IN LATIN AMERICA HAS THE LARGEST ARMY?
According to the Military Strength Ranking 2024, China ranks first for having the largest armed forces in the world, with approximately two million active personnel. India and the United States follow, with 1.46 million and 1.32 million active members, respectively.
In Latin America, however, Mexico leads the list with 412,000 active troops, followed by Brazil and Colombia, each with 360,000 and 293,000 active members, respectively. It’s worth noting that the nation with the highest defense spending in the world is the United States, with 916 billion dollars allocated for military purposes.
WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE MOST POWERFUL ARMY IN THE WORLD?
The Global Firepower Index 2024, published by the Global Firepower platform, has named the United States Army as the strongest globally, ranking first out of 145 countries with a combat power index of 0.0699. The Russian Armed Forces come in second with a score of 0.0702, while the Chinese Army ranks third with a score of 0.0706. These rankings were based on the military capabilities of each nation, which include human resources, military technology, logistics, and weaponry.
WHICH COUNTRY HAS THE LARGEST NAVAL FORCE IN LATIN AMERICA?
Global Firepower (GFP) has revealed through its research that the only South American country possessing the largest naval force is Colombia, due to the quantity and capability of its warships, which include 219 patrol vessels, 4 submarines, 2 corvettes, and 9 frigates. In the global ranking, this nation stands in 12th place, making it the top contender in the region.
Additionally, these naval forces are utilized to combat armed groups or to intercept drugs that criminals attempt to export via Colombian waters. The Colombian National Navy was established in the 19th century to achieve independence, and its ongoing responsibility is to maintain territorial integrity, defend the State and its institutions, and safeguard Colombian rivers, lakes, seas, and oceans with a force of more than 35,000 members to date.
Ultimately, the study indicates that Russia leads in naval power, surpassing both the United States and China, due to its significant strategic investments in defense and modernization. Overall, this country has a fleet of 781 vessels, including submarines, corvettes, and destroyers.
WHICH COUNTRY DOES NOT HAVE ARMED FORCES IN LATIN AMERICA?
Costa Rica, often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Central America’, situated between Panama and Nicaragua, is the only country in Latin America without military forces since 1983. This country declared itself a neutral nation, refraining from intervening in military conflicts involving other nations. As a result, it is known for being stable, safe, and having high development and competitiveness rates on the continent, while consistently respecting human rights. Its capital, San José, is home to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES DO NOT HAVE ARMED FORCES?
Below, we present a list of 8 additional territories that, like Costa Rica, exist without armed forces or any form of military:
- Andorra
- Vatican City
- Greenland
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Cayman Islands
- Cook Islands
- Faroe Islands
For many years, the Armed forces have played a crucial role in ensuring national security and protecting the population. Their primary objective is to defend the citizens of their respective nations, leading them to prepare meticulously to fulfill this mission. As part of the latest Military Strength Ranking, the list of countries with significant numbers of active soldiers has been revealed, spotlighting a notable nation in Latin America. In this article, we will explore the details of military strength across the region.
WHICH COUNTRY IN LATIN AMERICA HAS THE LARGEST ARMY?
According to the Military Strength Ranking 2024, China tops the global list with the largest armed forces, boasting around two million active personnel. Following closely are India, with approximately 1.46 million, and the United States with about 1.32 million active military members.
In Latin America, Mexico leads with approximately 412,000 active troops. Brazil and Colombia follow, each having around 360,000 and 293,000 active members, respectively. It’s worth noting that the United States allocates the highest defense budget globally, with an astounding $916 billion designated for military purposes.
WHICH IS THE COUNTRY WITH THE MOST POWERFUL ARMY IN THE WORLD?
According to the Global Firepower Index 2024, the United States Army ranks as the strongest globally, with a combat power index of 0.0699 out of 145 countries assessed. Following the US, the Russian Armed Forces rank third with a score of 0.0702, while the Chinese Army comes in fourth with a score of 0.0706. These rankings are based on a comprehensive assessment of factors including human resources, military technology, logistics, and weaponry.
WHAT IS THE ONLY COUNTRY WITH THE LARGEST NAVAL FORCE IN LATIN AMERICA?
Research conducted by Global Fire Power (GFP) reveals that Colombia possesses the largest naval force in South America, renowned for the number and capabilities of its warships, which include 219 patrol vessels, 4 submarines, 2 corvettes, and 9 frigates. Colombia ranks 12th in the world for naval power, making it the leading nation in the region.
Colombian naval forces are instrumental in combating armed groups and intercepting drug shipments attempting to be exported via Colombian waters. The Colombian National Navy was established in the 19th century to support the country’s independence and continues to play a critical role in maintaining territorial integrity, defending state institutions, and safeguarding rivers, lakes, and maritime boundaries. It currently boasts more than 35,000 personnel.
On a global scale, Russia ranks as the top naval power, outpacing the United States and China thanks to significant investments in defense and modernization. Russia’s fleet includes a staggering total of 781 ships, comprising submarines, corvettes, and destroyers, enhancing its strategic capabilities at sea.
WHICH COUNTRY DOES NOT HAVE ARMED FORCES IN LATIN AMERICA?
Costa Rica, often referred to as the ‘Switzerland of Central America’, does not maintain any military forces. Since 1983, Costa Rica declared itself a neutral nation and refrains from participating in military conflicts. This decision has rendered Costa Rica one of the most stable and secure countries in the region, known for its high development rates and commitment to human rights. Its capital, San José, is home to the Inter-American Court of Human Rights.
WHAT OTHER COUNTRIES DO NOT HAVE ARMED FORCES?
In addition to Costa Rica, several other territories around the globe exist without any armed forces. The following is a list of eight other regions that have chosen to remain militarily neutral:
- Andorra
- Vatican City
- Greenland
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Cayman Islands
- Cook Islands
- Faroe Islands
TABLE OF MILITARY STRENGTH IN LATIN AMERICA
| Country | Active Troops | Naval Power Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Mexico | 412,000 | Not Ranked |
| Brazil | 360,000 | Not Ranked |
| Colombia | 293,000 | 12th in Naval Power |