In a world where the majority of nations have established military and police forces, a few exceptional countries maintain peace and security without a dedicated military or police force.
These nations depend on alternative strategies, such as forming alliances with other countries or adopting a stance of strict neutrality, to ensure the safety of their citizens.
This article highlights nations identified by the World Peace Index and historical analyses as lacking security forces:
1. Iceland
Iceland is notable for being one of the rare countries without an armed forces. Instead, it depends on its membership in NATO and its alliance with the United States for defense if necessary. Iceland consistently ranks as one of the safest and most peaceful nations globally.
2. Liechtenstein
Situated between Switzerland and Austria, Liechtenstein is a small, tranquil nation that abolished its military in 1868 due to the financial burden of maintaining it. Given the close ties with Switzerland, Liechtenstein looks to its neighbor for military support in the event of conflict.
3. Vatican City
The Vatican, the smallest independent state in the world, does not possess a conventional military or police force. Instead, it is safeguarded by the Swiss Guard, an elite unit from Switzerland whose members swear an oath to protect the Pope. Vatican City also depends on the Italian police and armed forces for additional emergency assistance.
4. Monaco
Monaco, a small nation located on the French Riviera, lacks a conventional military force. Instead, responsibility for Monaco’s defense falls to France, which has a formal agreement to protect the principality if needed.
5. Andorra
Nestled between France and Spain, Andorra does not maintain its own military. Instead, this diminutive nation relies on France and Spain to uphold its sovereignty, with its powerful neighbors prepared to handle any significant threats to its security.
These nations without security personnel exemplify how peace and diplomacy can enable countries to flourish without a standing military.