Norway spent USD 5,9 billion on its military in 2008, and that is far down on the list of the world’s different nations spending on military. In comparison, Russia spent USD 38 billion on its military in 2008. But if you divide the military spending by population, the figures are somewhat different.
Based on the figures from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) the Economist.com made the list of the world`s top 15 military spenders per population. Russia is not even on the list, while Norway is number six, after Saudi Arabia. The list’s No. 1 is Israel.
Norway spends USD 1,250 per person on its military.
Looking into the total global defence spending, Norway is far down on the list, while Russia is No. 5 with an estimated 4 percent share of the global military expenditure in 2008. Russia is after Great Britain, but before Germany, according to the figures presented in Economist.com. The United States is No. 1 on that list, with an enormous 41,4 percent share of the world’s total military expenditure.
In percentage of gross domestic product, Russia spent 3,5 percent in 2007, while Norway spent 1,5 percent. The 2008 figures is not available yet.
