Believe it or not, a number of countries around the world have either disarmed their militaries or never formed one in the first place. Test your knowledge of the world's nonmilitary powers.
Which of the following countries most recently gave up its military?
the Solomon Islands
Haiti
Panama
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Haiti disbanded its military in 1995, though Michel Martelly, the country's president, is calling for its reinstatement.
Which of the following is NOT a requirement for members of the Vatican City State security force?
They must wear full beards.
They must be trained in the Swiss Military.
They must be unmarried.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
The Swiss Guard has long been tasked with providing security for the Vatican City State, but they are free to perform their duties after a clean shave.
While we're on the subject of tiny European countries, when and why did Monaco decide its military no longer served a purpose?
in the 1600s, because long-range artillery made Monaco's military obsolete
in the 1800s, because the country had to devote all of its resources to developing industry
in the 1900s, because France agreed to defend the country
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
While Monaco did ultimately sign a treaty with France guaranteeing French forces would protect the country, it had long since abandoned its own obsolete military in the face of the vastly superior arms of other countries.
Let's head north to another little nation. If Iceland were attacked, which country would come to its defense?
the United States
Norway
No country would come to its aid.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Iceland hasn't had a standing army for well over a hundred years, but it reached an agreement with the United States in 1951 that ensured the U.S. would handle Iceland's defense.
Which of the following helped to spark tensions between army-less Costa Rica and Nicaragua?
Knowing Costa Rica has no military to retaliate, Nicaragua began restricting the flow of water into Costa Rica.
A supposed error in Google Maps led a Nicaraguan general to conduct military exercises in Costa Rica.
Unhappy with tariffs placed on coffee by Costa Rica, Nicaragua arranged a widespread boycott of Costa Rican goods.
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
Although both countries' official maps showed the disputed territory belonged to Costa Rica, a general blamed an error in Google Maps for the mini-invasion that led to escalating tensions between the two nations.
Which of the following nations spends less on its army than Costa Rica spends on its highly trained police force?
Switzerland
Ethiopia
Guatemala
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
While Costa Rica has no military, it does have a large police force with military-grade weaponry. Annual cost? Nearly $300 million. That's more than Guatemala spends on its military.
What's the Special Mobile Force on the island nation of Mauritius tasked with?
disrupting potential invaders until the country's military allies can arrive
engaging in highly specialized counternarcotics operations
conducting civic works projects
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
One of two paramilitary forces on the island, Mauritius' Special Mobile Force comprises 1,205 police officers devoted to civic works projects on the island.
Which event was a catalyst for Panama's decision to disband its military?
taking over control of the Panama Canal from the United States
the decision to divert funds from the military to the expansion of the Panama Canal
the U.S. military intervention that led to the capture of Manuel Noriega
Correct Answer
Wrong Answer
After seeing the country's military repeatedly abuse its power, Panamanians widely supported the decision to demilitarize after the ouster of Manuel Noriega in 1989.
