Global military spending is often assessed through the prism of huge national budgets, where the main attention is always focused on the US and China.

However, if we look at defense spending per capita, the picture changes radically: not the largest powers, but relatively small countries rise to the top. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel takes first place, which in 2024 spent almost $ 5,000 on defense per capita.

This indicator reflects the constant security threats that the country faces, as well as the presence of compulsory military service, reports Naked Science. Despite the relatively modest total military budget—of about $ 47 billion—by world standards, per capita spending here is unprecedented.

Some other small or economically advanced countries follow in the rankings. Singapore spends more than $2,500 per capita, driven by its strategic location and emphasis on technological superiority. Norway and Denmark also make the top ten, helped by high incomes and growing commitments within NATO.

The US comes in second, spending almost $2,900 per capita, reflecting the combination of its huge military budget and large population. China, by contrast, ranks significantly lower in the rankings, spending just $221 per capita for a total military expenditure of more than $300 billion.

European powers Germany, France, and the UK are in the middle of the list, struggling to balance defense commitments with large populations and social spending. Russia is 15th in the world, with $1,026 per capita.