Albania Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Albania's military spending was 2.10% in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1980–2025.
Overview
Albania's military spending stood at 2.10% in 2025, a rise of +0.06% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.10% by 2025. Albania ranked 53rd globally.
Albania's military spending has fluctuated significantly over the past four and a half decades, with the latest available figure standing at 2.10% of GDP in 2025. Notably, the country's military expenditure peaked at 6.12% in 1984, a time when Albania was a socialist state aligned with the Eastern Bloc. Conversely, the lowest point was recorded in 2016, at 1.10%, likely due to Albania's post-communist transition and subsequent economic reforms. While Albania's military spending has rebounded somewhat in recent years, its current ranking of 53 globally is relatively modest. In comparison, countries such as India and Mauritania, which have similar military spending as a percentage of GDP, may face different security challenges and strategic priorities. Albania's future military spending trajectory may be influenced by regional security dynamics, particularly its relations with neighboring countries, and potential shifts in defense cooperation with NATO.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.50% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.30% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.10% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.10% | +0.06% | #53 |
| 2024 | 2.04% | +0.30% | #94 |
| 2023 | 1.74% | +0.53% | #89 |
| 2022 | 1.21% | −0.03% | #53 |
| 2021 | 1.24% | −0.05% | #56 |
| 2020 | 1.30% | +0.02% | #52 |
| 2019 | 1.28% | +0.12% | #60 |
| 2018 | 1.16% | +0.05% | #54 |
| 2017 | 1.11% | +0.01% | #51 |
| 2016 | 1.10% | −0.06% | #49 |
| 2015 | 1.16% | −0.18% | #61 |
| 2014 | 1.35% | −0.06% | #78 |
| 2013 | 1.41% | −0.08% | #82 |
| 2012 | 1.49% | −0.04% | #83 |
| 2011 | 1.53% | −0.03% | #85 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Albania matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 1997. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Albania's military spending was 2.10% in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 3.0% increase from the previous year.
Albania's military spending peaked at 6.12% in 1984.
The lowest military spending in Albania was 1.10% in 2016.
Albania ranks 53rd globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Albania's military spending is projected to reach 2.10% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Albania in 2025 was 2.10%. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_albania_military-spending,
title = {Albania Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/albania/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}