In this article, we discuss the 5 most powerful countries in the world. If you want to read our detailed analysis of the defense sector, go directly to the 25 Most Powerful Countries in the World.
5. India
Military Expenditure in 2019: $71 billion
India has one of the world’s largest militaries. It possesses the most active labor other than the United States and China, as well as the most tanks and planes and it is behind only the United States, China, or Russia in this regard. India is also in possession of nuclear weapons. India has a huge, talented workforce and a fast-growing, diverse economy, which is why we have ranked it 5th on the list of 25 most powerful countries in the world.
Angelo Giampiccolo / Shutterstock.com
4. France
Military Expenditure in 2019: $50 billion
It is difficult to overestimate France’s historical and contemporary influence on the world. France, which is located in Western Europe, is one of the world’s oldest countries, with a global impact in science, politics, economy, and, most importantly culture. France began as a kingdom, then an empire, and lastly a republic in the Middle Ages. It was one of the first countries to support individual rights. Dassault Aviation is a major player in terms of supplying state-of-the-art fighter jets to countries around the globe such as India, which is why we have listed France as the 4th most powerful country in the world despite less military spending as compared to Saudi Arabia, India, etc.
3. Russia
Military Expenditure in 2019: $65 billion
Russia’s size is hard to comprehend. It includes all of northern Asia and much of Eastern Europe and is the world’s largest country by landmass – roughly twice the size of Canada, the world’s second-largest country. More than a dozen countries share land borders with it, and Japan and the United States share marine boundaries. It’s no surprise that Russia is placed 3rd on the list of most powerful countries and trails only behind other superpowers China and the USA.
2. China
Military Expenditure in 2019: $261 billion
The country is by far the most populous in the world and the second-largest in terms of landmass. China’s military spending increased for the 26th year in a row, hitting $261 billion. This reflects a 76 percent increase for the decade of 2011 to 2020.
1. United States
Military Expenditure in 2019: $732 billion
The United States is considered the world’s most powerful country, with the highest GDP and military budget in the world and huge spending on military gear and labor. The country is a leader in the so-called war on terror, the largest donor to NATO, and strengthens connections by disbursing billions of dollars in military aid to countries all over the world. The US spent more than $33 billion in terms of economic help and more than $13 billion on military aid to other countries in 2019.
Glynnis Jones/Shutterstock.com
You can also read 25 Coldest Cities in the US and 25 Coldest Countries in the World.
