South Sudan Military Spending
Military expenditure as % of GDP MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS
South Sudan's military spending was 2.03% in 2025, ranked 56th globally. This represents a 3.7% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2008–2025.
Overview
South Sudan's military spending stood at 2.03% in 2025, a rise of +0.07% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 2.03% by 2025. South Sudan ranked 56th globally.
South Sudan’s military spending as a share of GDP was recorded at 2.03 in 2025, ranking the country 56th globally, according to World Bank data. This figure reflects a significant decline from its all-time peak of 8.77 in 2012, a period marked by internal instability following independence. The lowest point in the 18-year coverage period was observed in 2021, when spending dipped to 1.51, likely influenced by economic constraints and peace initiatives. Compared to peer nations with similar rankings, such as Sweden at 2.04 and France at 2.00, South Sudan’s military expenditure is now broadly aligned despite vastly different defense contexts and economic structures. From an initial level of 5.76 in 2008, the downward trajectory over the past decade suggests shifting fiscal priorities or diminished fiscal capacity rather than sustained demilitarization. The trend is expected to remain relatively flat barring major security deterioration or external funding shifts. A notable change in trajectory would likely require either renewed conflict or structured international support for security sector reform and economic recovery.
Data & projection
| Year | Military Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 2.19% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 2.11% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 2.03% | - | - |
| 2025 | 2.03% | +0.07% | #56 |
| 2024 | 1.96% | −0.13% | #88 |
| 2023 | 2.10% | +0.52% | #103 |
| 2022 | 1.57% | +0.06% | #85 |
| 2021 | 1.51% | −0.36% | #78 |
| 2020 | 1.87% | −1.93% | #96 |
| 2019 | 3.80% | −0.97% | #138 |
| 2018 | 4.77% | +0.78% | #147 |
| 2017 | 3.99% | −0.85% | #142 |
| 2016 | 4.85% | −3.76% | #144 |
| 2015 | 8.60% | +0.03% | #148 |
| 2014 | 8.57% | +2.00% | #151 |
| 2013 | 6.57% | −2.20% | #150 |
| 2012 | 8.77% | +2.68% | #149 |
| 2011 | 6.09% | +1.95% | #142 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
South Sudan matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2024. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw military spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
South Sudan's military spending was 2.03% in 2025. Ranked 56th globally. This represents a 3.7% increase from the previous year.
South Sudan's military spending peaked at 8.77% in 2012.
The lowest military spending in South Sudan was 1.51% in 2021.
South Sudan ranks 56th globally in military spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is MS.MIL.XPND.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
South Sudan's military spending is projected to reach 2.03% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The military spending of South Sudan in 2025 was 2.03%. This ranks 56th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_south-sudan_military-spending,
title = {South Sudan Military Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/south-sudan/military-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}