emphasis on luxury tourism, finance, and maintaining a stable, neutral stance has allowed it to thrive without a military, attracting high-net-worth residents from around the globe. Although the country has a small, ceremonial police force to maintain internal order and ensure the security of its royal family and its citizens.
Panama
Panama abolished its standing military in 1990 and established the Panama Public Forces, which includes a combination of police, maritime, and air services dedicated to internal security and border protection. While Panama has no official army, it does have a treaty with the United States, the Torrijos-Carter Treaties.
Vatican City
Vatican City relies on the protection of Italy as part of its bilateral agreement under the 1929 Lateran Treaty and maintains a unique security arrangement within its borders. The City is guarded by a ceremonial unit, the Swiss Guard, established in 1506 to protect the Pope and ensure the security of the Apostolic Palace.
Kiribati
Kiribati, a small island nation in the Pacific, has no standing military but relies on mutual defence pacts with neighbouring countries, particularly Australia and New Zealand for the defence of its territories if the need arises.
Kiribati, an island country in the Central Pacific Ocean and south of Hawaii, on November 10, Criticizes the Chinese nuclear-capable ICBM test on September 25.
Samoa
Samoa is one of the few countries that maintain sovereignty without a military presence after signing a friendship treaty established in 1962 with New Zealand after it gained independence. Samoa now allocates more of its resources toward essential domestic needs like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
Last week, Samoa qualified for the 2026 World Cup after 18 years with a win over Fiji in the women’s Pacific Bowl.
Mauritius
Mauritius abolished its standing army shortly after gaining independence from Britain in 1968. The southeast African country which will head out to its 12th national election on 10t of November 2024 has successfully maintained a strong, vibrant parliamentary democracy without having a standing military
The country instead relies on a paramilitary force, the Special Mobile Force (SMF), and the National Police to manage both internal and external security. The country currently imposed a social media ban until November 11, a day after the elections.
Palau
Palau has been in existence without a military since its independence in 1994 but relies on a Compact of Free Association with the United States, which guarantees American protection in case of a threat.
