The report presented at the XVI Plenary Meeting of Defense Ministers of Latin America and the Caribbean reveals significant data on Uruguay’s military spending in the context of its territory and population. In the previous year, the country allocated approximately US$600 million to its defense, which represents 0.73% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and 3.4% of central government expenditures.
Although in absolute terms this investment is among the lowest in the region, when its expenditure is evaluated in relation to the population, Uruguay occupies a prominent place, with an expenditure of US$ 175 per inhabitant, placing it at the top of the list among Latin American countries.
When analyzing the Uruguayan military spending In terms of surface area, it is observed that the country spends US$3,402 per square kilometer. Although it is located in the middle of the table in the regional comparison in terms of investment relative to its economy, these figures highlight a paradox: despite not being one of the largest investors in defense in absolute terms, its spending per inhabitant is notably high.
In contrast, Cuba leads in military spending in relation to its economy, allocating 3.54% of its GDP, followed by Colombia with 2.11%. At the opposite end are Haiti and Guatemala, that invest only 0.10% and 0.37% of their GDP, respectively.
When military spending is examined by territory, the Dominican Republic stands out with an investment of US$20,872 per square kilometer, compared to Bolivia, which only invests US$432.
Is military spending high in Uruguay?
The report also indicates the size of the Uruguayan Armed Forces, made up of 22,822 troopswith a ratio of approximately 13 soldiers per 100 square kilometers. Although this figure is lower than that of countries such as the Dominican Republic or El Salvador, it far exceeds regional giants such as Argentina and Brazil.
The composition of the force includes 15,279 troops in the Army, 4,718 in the National Navy and 2,645 in the Air Force. Of these, 21.6% are women, which positions Uruguay as the second country with the highest female representation in its armed forces in the region, only surpassed by Brazil.
Finally, the report highlights Uruguay’s active participation in United Nations peace missions, with 997 troops deployedwhich represents almost half of the total contingent contributed by all Latin American countries.
Ranking of military spending as a percentage of GDP, according to the report:
- Cuba: 3.54% of GDP
- Colombia: 2.11% of GDP
- Brazil: (approximately 1.5% of GDP, according to recent data)
- Chili: (approximately 1.4% of GDP)
- Uruguay: 0.73% of GDP
- Paraguay: (approximately 0.9% of GDP)
- Argentina: (approximately 0.9% of GDP)
- Peru: (approximately 1.1% of GDP)
- Bolivia: 0.77% of GDP
- Haiti: 0.10% of GDP
- Guatemala: 0.37% of GDP
