Congo, Democratic Republic of Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
Congo, Democratic Republic of's military spending was 1.31% in 2025, ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 6.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1964–2025.
Overview
Congo, Democratic Republic of's military spending stood at 1.31% in 2025, a rise of +0.08% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.31% by 2025. Congo, Democratic Republic of ranked 92nd globally.
The Democratic Republic of Congo's military spending has been characterized by significant fluctuations over the past four decades. Following a period of minimal expenditure in the late 1970s and early 1980s, military spending surged in the 1990s, peaking at 5.23% of GDP in 1993. This increase was largely driven by the country's involvement in regional conflicts, including the First Congo War. Since then, military spending has declined, reaching a low of 0.00% in 1979 before rebounding in the early 2000s. As of 2025, the country's military spending stands at 1.31% of GDP, ranking 92nd globally, comparable to neighboring countries such as Gabon, which spent 1.32% of its GDP on the military in the same year. The trend is likely to continue, driven by ongoing regional security concerns, but a significant shift in the country's security priorities or a decline in regional tensions could alter this trajectory, potentially leading to a decrease in military spending as a proportion of GDP.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 1.63% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 1.47% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.31% | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.31% | +0.08% | #92 |
| 2024 | 1.23% | +0.11% | #51 |
| 2023 | 1.12% | +0.55% | #40 |
| 2022 | 0.57% | +0.03% | #13 |
| 2021 | 0.53% | −0.20% | #10 |
| 2020 | 0.73% | +0.04% | #19 |
| 2019 | 0.69% | +0.08% | #21 |
| 2018 | 0.61% | −0.13% | #17 |
| 2017 | 0.74% | −0.28% | #20 |
| 2016 | 1.03% | −0.20% | #44 |
| 2015 | 1.22% | +0.33% | #68 |
| 2014 | 0.89% | −0.18% | #31 |
| 2013 | 1.07% | −0.03% | #52 |
| 2012 | 1.11% | +0.20% | #49 |
| 2011 | 0.90% | +0.08% | #33 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Congo, Democratic Republic of matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2018. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Congo, Democratic Republic of's military spending was 1.31% in 2025. Ranked 92nd globally. This represents a 6.7% increase from the previous year.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's military spending peaked at 5.23% in 1993.
The lowest military spending in Congo, Democratic Republic of was 0.00% in 1979.
Congo, Democratic Republic of ranks 92nd globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Congo, Democratic Republic of's military spending is projected to reach 1.31% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of Congo, Democratic Republic of in 2025 was 1.31%. This ranks 92nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_congo-democratic-republic-of_military-spending,
title = {Congo, Democratic Republic of Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/congo-democratic-republic-of/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}