Brian PaulThe world’s smallest armies prove that military power is not always measured in numbers, as these tiny forces are often more specialized and focused on specific defensive or ceremonial roles. These tiny forces, often numbering fewer than a thousand personnel, are typically found in microstates and island nations where defense needs are limited and external security agreements often play a significant role.
The smallest of them all—the Vatican’s Swiss Guard—has just 135 soldiers and has been protecting the Pope for over 500 years, making it both the smallest and one of the most recognizable military forces in the world.
Top 10 Smallest Armies In The World
1. Vatican City (Swiss Guard) – 135 Soldiers
The Vatican’s Pontifical Swiss Guard is officially the smallest army in the world, with approximately 135 soldiers who are sworn to protect the Pope and the Apostolic Palace with unwavering loyalty and dedication. It holds a double record: it is not only the smallest but also the oldest continuously active army, founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II and maintaining its traditions for over five centuries.
The Guard is responsible for protecting the Pope, the Apostolic Palace, and the entrances to Vatican City, ensuring the security of the world’s smallest sovereign state. Soldiers must be Swiss Catholic males aged 19–30, at least 1.74 meters tall, and unmarried at the time of enlistment, with the requirement that they be trained in the Swiss military before joining.
2. Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force – 245 Personnel
The Antigua and Barbuda Defence Force is the second-smallest army in the world, with approximately 245 soldiers who maintain the security of this Caribbean island nation . This Caribbean nation, despite being over 800 times larger than Vatican City, has an army only about twice the size of the Swiss Guard, reflecting its peaceful status and reliance on regional security agreements. The force includes land formations, a coast guard, and a small air wing with two transport aircraft, providing a comprehensive but compact defense capability for the island nation.
3. Saint Kitts and Nevis Defence Force – 300 Soldiers
The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis maintains a standing army of approximately 300 soldiers, with an additional 150 cadets in reserve who are training to join the nation’s defense forces. This Caribbean nation’s military consists of an infantry regiment and a coast guard, with the country being the smallest in the Western Hemisphere and its army reflecting its modest defense requirements. The force focuses on protecting the nation’s borders and supporting regional security initiatives.
4. Luxembourg Armed Forces – 939 Soldiers
Luxembourg’s armed forces have approximately 939 active personnel, making it the smallest army in Europe and one of the smallest in the world. The army has been a voluntary force since 1967 and has no navy or air force, having operated without an air force since 2021, relying instead on NATO allies for air support. It operates only two Airbus H145 helicopters and has a total budget of approximately $389 million, reflecting its commitment to meeting NATO obligations while maintaining a lean military structure .
5. Liberia Armed Forces – 1,500 Soldiers
Liberia has the smallest army in Africa, with just 1,500 active soldiers who are tasked with maintaining internal security after decades of civil conflict. This is three times fewer than the next smallest African army, Benin with 4,750 soldiers, demonstrating the country’s commitment to a minimal military presence in its pursuit of continued peace. Despite a brutal civil war until 2003, the country has maintained this minimal military presence in its pursuit of continued peace and stability, focusing on reconstruction rather than military expansion.
6. Gabon Armed Forces – 4,800 Soldiers
Gabon has the third-smallest army in Africa with approximately 4,800 soldiers who are responsible for protecting the nation’s significant oil and mineral resources. Despite its small size, the country has significant oil and mineral resources that require protection, making the military’s role crucial for economic stability. Its military relies on a mix of domestic forces and international partnerships to maintain security, with a focus on resource protection and regional stability.
7. Benin Armed Forces – 4,750 Soldiers
Benin has the second-smallest army in Africa with approximately 4,750 soldiers who are focused on national security and counter-terrorism operations. The West African nation maintains a professional military force focused on national security and counter-terrorism efforts in the Sahel region, addressing growing security challenges from militant groups. Benin’s military plays a key role in regional peacekeeping missions and cross-border security operations.
8. Republic of the Congo Armed Forces – 8,500 Soldiers
The Republic of the Congo has the fourth-smallest army in Africa with approximately 8,500 active personnel who are tasked with maintaining domestic security and protecting national resources. The country, which has experienced civil war and instability, relies on its military to maintain domestic security and protect its oil-rich territories, making the army a critical institution for national stability. The military’s primary focus is on internal security and protecting the nation’s economic interests.
9. Central African Republic Armed Forces – 10,000 Soldiers
The Central African Republic has the fifth-smallest army in Africa with approximately 10,000 full-time soldiers who face significant challenges in maintaining national security. Due to its limited forces, the country is heavily reliant on foreign military assistance and United Nations peacekeeping forces to combat domestic threats and secure its borders, with international support being essential for its survival. The army’s capacity is severely constrained by limited resources and ongoing instability.
10. Monaco – (Historical Reference)
Monaco historically had one of the smallest armies with 75 guards, 75 carabineers, and 20 firemen, but it has since transitioned to relying on external defense arrangements. However, modern Monaco does not maintain a standing army in the traditional sense; its defense is handled by France under a bilateral agreement, making it a nation that relies on external security arrangements rather than maintaining its own military force. This arrangement reflects the principality’s unique status and its focus on economic development rather than military strength.
Comparison Table
| No | Country/Force | Approx. Size | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vatican (Swiss Guard) | 135 | Smallest and oldest active army; founded 1506; Swiss Catholic males only |
| 2 | Antigua and Barbuda | 245 | Includes coast guard and air wing; 800+ times larger territory than Vatican |
| 3 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 300 | Infantry regiment and coast guard; 150 cadets in reserve |
| 4 | Luxembourg | 939 | Europe’s smallest; no navy/air force; NATO‑dependent for air support |
| 5 | Liberia | 1,500 | Smallest in Africa; post‑conflict minimal force; 3× smaller than Benin |
| 6 | Benin | 4,750 | Second‑smallest in Africa; counter‑terrorism focus in Sahel region |
| 7 | Gabon | 4,800 | Third‑smallest in Africa; protects oil and mineral resources |
| 8 | Republic of the Congo | 8,500 | Fourth‑smallest in Africa; protects oil‑rich territories |
| 9 | Central African Republic | 10,000 | Fifth‑smallest in Africa; relies on UN peacekeeping forces |
| 10 | Monaco | N/A | Historical; no standing army today; defense handled by France |
Tips for Understanding Small Armies
Many of the world’s smallest armies are found in microstates and island nations with limited defense needs, where military forces often serve dual purposes including ceremonial duties and disaster response.
Some countries, like Costa Rica, Panama, and Iceland, have no standing army at all, relying instead on international treaties and external defense agreements that reflect their commitment to peace and neutrality.
The Vatican’s Swiss Guard is unique because its primary function is protection of the Pope rather than national defense, making it more of a ceremonial and security force than a traditional military.
For accurate population figures, consult official government sources as numbers vary between reports, and be aware that reserve and auxiliary forces can significantly increase the total number of trained personnel available to a country.
Closing
The world’s smallest armies prove that military power is not always measured in numbers, as these tiny forces are often highly specialized and deeply integrated into their nations’ cultural and historical identities. From the 135 soldiers of the Vatican’s Swiss Guard to the 10,000-strong forces of the Central African Republic, these armies serve essential functions for their nations, whether protecting the Pope, maintaining peace after civil war, or securing valuable national resources.
Whether guarding the Pope or maintaining peace after civil war, these tiny forces demonstrate that sometimes less really is more, and that a small, well-trained force can be just as effective as a much larger army in fulfilling its specific mission.
Note that all figures are approximate and subject to change; it is always best to verify current details with official government sources.