Global Armed Forces Personnel by Country Statistics & Insights

military People yearly updates Updated 2025-12-21

Total active personnel in the country's armed forces.

Global Distribution

0.0 1.53M 3.07M

Highest Armed Forces Personnel

India India

3.07M

People

Lowest Armed Forces Personnel

Antigua and Barbuda Antigua and Barbuda

0.0

People

Country Rankings by Armed Forces Personnel

Rank Country Value Year
1 India India 3.07M People 2020
2 China China 2.54M People 2020
3 Korea, Dem. People's Rep. Korea, Dem. People's Rep. 1.47M People 2020
4 Russian Federation Russian Federation 1.45M People 2020
5 United States United States 1.40M People 2020
6 Pakistan Pakistan 943.00K People 2020
7 Egypt, Arab Rep. Egypt, Arab Rep. 836.00K People 2020
8 Brazil Brazil 762.00K People 2020
9 Indonesia Indonesia 676.00K People 2020
10 Iran, Islamic Rep. Iran, Islamic Rep. 650.00K People 2020

Global Armed Forces Personnel - Regional Analysis

Global Armed Forces Personnel - Historical Trend

Top 10 Countries by Armed Forces Personnel
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Methodology & Sources

Data Sources
  • World Bank Open Data
  • International Monetary Fund (IMF)
  • United Nations Statistical Division
  • National Statistical Offices
Calculation Method

The indicator values are calculated using standardized methodologies recommended by international statistical organizations. Annual data is aggregated from quarterly or monthly reports where available. Regional averages are weighted by each country's contribution to the regional total.

Note: Data may be subject to revisions by source organizations. Missing values are interpolated when appropriate methodology exists.
Read full methodology & sources