Burundi Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Burundi's military spending was 4.20% in 2025, ranked 15th globally. This represents a 10.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1961–2025.
Overview
Burundi's military spending stood at 4.20% in 2025, a rise of +0.40% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.20% by 2025. Burundi ranked 15th globally.
Burundi’s military spending, measured as a share of gross domestic product, has risen modestly from a low of 0.19 % in 1961 to 4.20 % in 2025, placing the country 15th globally. The all‑time peak of 6.57 % occurred in 1998, reflecting heightened security concerns during the civil war era, while the 1961 trough marks the post‑independence fiscal baseline. Over the 61‑year series, spending has generally trended upward, outpacing many peers; for example, Poland recorded a comparable 4.27 % share in 2025, whereas Mali’s share was slightly lower at 4.17 %. The persistent increase suggests a continued prioritisation of defence amid regional instability, but any substantial improvement in political cohesion or external security assistance could temper future growth and potentially reverse the upward trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 5.12% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 4.66% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.20% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.20% | +0.40% | #15 |
| 2024 | 3.80% | +0.37% | #133 |
| 2023 | 3.43% | +0.83% | #132 |
| 2022 | 2.60% | +0.56% | #125 |
| 2021 | 2.04% | −0.14% | #108 |
| 2020 | 2.19% | −0.62% | #112 |
| 2019 | 2.81% | +0.66% | #128 |
| 2018 | 2.15% | +0.15% | #120 |
| 2017 | 2.00% | −0.24% | #112 |
| 2016 | 2.24% | +0.11% | #116 |
| 2015 | 2.13% | −0.17% | #112 |
| 2014 | 2.30% | −0.18% | #119 |
| 2013 | 2.48% | −0.04% | #122 |
| 2012 | 2.53% | −0.19% | #120 |
| 2008 | 2.72% | −0.69% | #120 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Burundi matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2023. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Burundi's military spending was 4.20% in 2025. Ranked 15th globally. This represents a 10.4% increase from the previous year.
Burundi's military spending peaked at 6.57% in 1998.
The lowest military spending in Burundi was 0.19% in 1961.
Burundi ranks 15th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Burundi's military spending is projected to reach 4.20% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Burundi in 2025 was 4.20%. This ranks 15th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_burundi_military-spending,
title = {Burundi Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/burundi/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}