1. Singapore, located at the southern tip of Asia, has a land area of only 733 square kilometers. Despite this, it is one of the most economically developed countries in Asia.
Singapore's per capita GDP reaches $83,000, ranking eighth in the world.
Despite its small size, Singapore's geographical location is very important, located southwest of the Malacca Strait, making it a crucial hub for global maritime trade.
Therefore, Singapore has always attached great importance to national defense construction.
Despite a population of only 6 million, Singapore has over 80,000 active-duty troops and 400,000 reservists.
These forces belong to four major services: the army, navy, air force, and digital intelligence force.
Singapore has emulated Israel in defense construction, implementing mandatory conscription and hiring Israeli instructors to train soldiers, while also importing a large number of weapons and equipment from Israel.
Currently, Singapore's military strength ranks ninth in Asia and 26th globally, with an annual military expenditure of up to $14 billion, ranking 23rd globally.
Despite its limited land area, Singapore is definitely a formidable regional military power.
2. Nepal, known as the "Land of High Mountains," has an average elevation of 3,280 meters, making it one of the countries with the highest altitude in the world.
Nepal is located at the northern end of the Indian subcontinent, with a land area of 147,000 square kilometers and a population of about 30 million.
Nepal has experienced a decade-long civil war and relatively lagging economic development, making it one of the least developed countries globally.
Despite economic underdevelopment, the Nepalese people are brave and renowned for their Gurkha soldiers and sharp kukri knives.
Nepal has achieved certain success in wars with the Qing Empire and the British Empire in the past, and has also performed well in border disputes with India in the last century.
The Nepalese army currently has 120,000 active-duty soldiers, primarily consisting of the army, with a small air force and no navy.
Despite its small size, the reserve force exceeds 600,000, and active-duty soldiers serve for relatively long periods, usually over 15 years.
This has provided Nepal with a wealth of experienced veterans, who are often employed as mercenaries in major battlefields worldwide.
3. Yemen, located at the southwestern end of the Arabian Peninsula, controls the entrance to the Bab el Mandeb Strait, making its geographical location extremely important.
Yemen has a complex terrain, mainly consisting of mountains, plateaus, and deserts, coupled with long-term conflicts, resulting in extremely backward economic conditions, making it one of the least developed countries globally.
Yemen has government forces and multiple military factions within its borders, with a total force exceeding 500,000.
Among them, the Houthi armed forces are the strongest, known as the "Middle East Plain-clothes Brother," having defeated the Saudi-led Arab coalition several times and resisted Western forces.
The conflicts in Yemen have caused great concern to neighboring countries, especially causing headaches for European countries dependent on oil.
4. Sri Lanka, located at the southern end of the Indian subcontinent, has a land area of 65,000 square kilometers and a population of 22 million.
Its geographical location is important, historically facing threats from the Indian Peninsula. Sri Lanka has fought against separatist Tamil forces in the north, despite Indian intervention, ultimately achieving victory.
To counter threats from neighboring countries, Sri Lanka has a large active armed force, including the army, navy, and air force, totaling 280,000 personnel, constituting a significant military force in South Asia.
5. Rwanda, a landlocked small country in central-southern Africa, has a land area of only 24,600 square kilometers and a population of about 13 million.
Despite its small size, the Rwandan military is strong, having participated in two Congo Wars and frequently engaging in peacekeeping activities. The Rwandan military is considered one of the strongest in Africa.
6. Switzerland, located in Europe, is a well-known neutral country. Although its land area is only 41,000 square kilometers, Switzerland has stood firm throughout history.
Switzerland has mandatory military service, with all eligible men required to serve, resulting in 140,000 active-duty personnel, constituting a significant military force.
7. Greece, located at the southern end of the Balkan Peninsula in Europe, has a land area of 130,000 square kilometers and a population of about 10 million.
With a long history and rich cultural heritage, Greece possesses strong military strength.
Currently, Greece has 160,000 active-duty armed forces and 220,000 reservists, making it one of the important military powers in Europe.
8. Finland, located in Northern Europe, has a land area of 338,000 square kilometers and a population of only 5.6 million.
Despite its small population, Finland has strong military capabilities.
With mandatory military service, Finland has 28,000 active-duty personnel and 350,000 reservists.
Finland's artillery forces are particularly advanced, with over 1,500 artillery pieces.
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