Canada Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Canada's military spending was 1.23% in 2025, ranked 98th globally. This represents a 6.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Canada's military spending stood at 1.23% in 2025, a decline of +0.09% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.23% by 2025. Canada ranked 98th globally.
Canada's military spending as a percentage of GDP has fluctuated significantly over the past six decades. At 1.23% in 2025, Canada ranks 98th globally, a moderate level of military expenditure. In contrast, the country's all-time peak of 4.19% in 1960 reflects the heightened defense needs of the Cold War era. Conversely, the all-time trough of 0.99% in 2014 suggests a significant reduction in military spending, likely in response to shifting global priorities and a focus on international peacekeeping efforts. Peer countries such as El Salvador, with a similar military spending level, and other nations with comparable defense commitments, underscore Canada's relatively stable position within the global context. Looking ahead, any significant shift in Canada's defense strategy, such as an increase in international conflict or a renewed focus on domestic security, could influence the country's military spending trajectory and potentially alter its global ranking.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 1.19% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.21% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.23% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.23% | −0.09% | #98 |
| 2024 | 1.31% | +0.06% | #57 |
| 2023 | 1.25% | +0.09% | #52 |
| 2022 | 1.17% | −0.09% | #50 |
| 2021 | 1.25% | −0.14% | #57 |
| 2020 | 1.39% | +0.11% | #65 |
| 2019 | 1.28% | −0.03% | #61 |
| 2018 | 1.32% | −0.03% | #68 |
| 2017 | 1.35% | +0.19% | #74 |
| 2016 | 1.16% | +0.01% | #58 |
| 2015 | 1.15% | +0.16% | #60 |
| 2014 | 0.99% | −0.01% | #44 |
| 2013 | 1.00% | −0.12% | #43 |
| 2012 | 1.12% | −0.07% | #52 |
| 2011 | 1.19% | −0.00% | #56 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada's military spending was 1.23% in 2025. Ranked 98th globally. This represents a 6.5% decrease from the previous year.
Canada's military spending peaked at 4.19% in 1960.
The lowest military spending in Canada was 0.99% in 2014.
Canada ranks 98th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Canada's military spending is projected to reach 1.23% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Canada in 2025 was 1.23%. This ranks 98th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_military-spending,
title = {Canada Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}