How much do NATO members spend on defense? These are the countries that spend the most — and the least

NATO leaders agreed on Wednesday of an increased objective of defense spending of 5% of the economic production of each country by 2035, which more than doubled the previous objective of 2%.

President Trump praised the new defense agreement, call him A “monumental victory for the United States” during a speech at the top of NATO in the Netherlands. Mr. Trump has required several times The fact that NATO allies increase their defense expenses, arguing that other countries are disproportionately based on the United States.

In 2024, NATO member countries spent an average of 2.61% of their gross domestic product (GDP) for defense, but the figures vary considerably through the Alliance.

According to Estimates born22 of the 32 members of the Alliance encountered or exceeded the reference index to 2%, with nine in less of the objective. Iceland is not included in estimates because it has no armed forces.

What NATO countries spend in defense

Defense expenses cover the armed forces of a nation, including staff, equipment, ammunition and more.

NATO estimates show that Poland has spent the highest percentage of its GDP in defense and was the only country estimated to spend more than 4%. Estonia and Latvia followed, each allocating around 3.4%.

The United States, in comparison, was estimated at 3.2% of its GDP (much larger) in defense.

Nine countries have not reached the previous objective of the 2%alliance, which had been agreed to At a summit in 2014.

Canada, Portugal and Italy have each spent about 1.5% of their GDP for defense. Slovenia, Belgium and Luxembourg have arrived a little lower.

Spain allocated the smallest part of its GDP, to 1.2%.

On Wednesday, at the summit on Wednesday, President Trump distinguished Spain to criticize his level of spending, saying “they want a little free journey”. Mr. Trump threat To make Spain “pay twice as much” during commercial negotiations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said His country will not reach the objective of defense spending of 5%, calling the target of 2% “sufficient” and “realistic” for the country.

Since NATO set its defense spending objectives in 2014, the overall average expenditure on the Member States increased from 1.4% of GDP to 2% in 2024. Targets, however, are not legally restrictive.

Rachel Rizzo of the European Atlantic Council Center said The language of the 5% agreement “can leave just enough room for maneuver for certain allies (such as Spain) to withdraw”.