North Macedonia Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
North Macedonia's military spending was 2.20% in 2025, ranked 49th globally. This represents a 4.8% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1996–2025.
Overview
North Macedonia's military spending stood at 2.20% in 2025, a rise of +0.10% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.20% by 2025. North Macedonia ranked 49th globally.
North Macedonia's military spending has fluctuated significantly over the past three decades, with its latest value standing at 2.20% of GDP in 2025. This ranks the country as the 49th globally in terms of military expenditure as a percentage of GDP. The country's all-time peak in military spending was reached in 2001, when it accounted for 6.10% of GDP, a level not seen since. Conversely, the lowest point was in 2017, when military spending plummeted to 0.90% of GDP, a stark contrast to the current level. In comparison, Bulgaria, a peer country, has maintained a relatively stable level of military spending, currently ranking at 2.22% of GDP. North Macedonia's recent increase in military spending may be attributed to regional security concerns, particularly following its accession to NATO in 2019. If the country continues to prioritize military modernization and defense capabilities, it is likely that military spending will increase further in the coming years.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.60% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.40% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.20% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.20% | +0.10% | #49 |
| 2024 | 2.10% | +0.41% | #99 |
| 2023 | 1.69% | +0.11% | #86 |
| 2022 | 1.58% | +0.13% | #86 |
| 2021 | 1.45% | +0.21% | #72 |
| 2020 | 1.24% | +0.08% | #48 |
| 2019 | 1.16% | +0.22% | #48 |
| 2018 | 0.94% | +0.05% | #33 |
| 2017 | 0.90% | −0.08% | #32 |
| 2016 | 0.97% | −0.02% | #37 |
| 2015 | 0.99% | −0.10% | #40 |
| 2014 | 1.09% | −0.08% | #54 |
| 2013 | 1.17% | −0.06% | #63 |
| 2012 | 1.23% | −0.04% | #66 |
| 2011 | 1.26% | −0.12% | #62 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
North Macedonia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
North Macedonia's military spending was 2.20% in 2025. Ranked 49th globally. This represents a 4.8% increase from the previous year.
North Macedonia's military spending peaked at 6.10% in 2001.
The lowest military spending in North Macedonia was 0.90% in 2017.
North Macedonia ranks 49th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
North Macedonia's military spending is projected to reach 2.20% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of North Macedonia in 2025 was 2.20%. This ranks 49th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_north-macedonia_military-spending,
title = {North Macedonia Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/north-macedonia/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}