Definition: Current military expenditures in US dollars; the figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated defense spending in percentage terms by the gross domestic product (GDP) calculated on an exchange rate basis not purchasing power parity (PPP) terms. Dollar figures for military expenditures should be treated with caution because of different price patterns and accounting methods among nations, as well as wide variations in the strength of their currencies

(Note: The US figure is FY99...I'd think it is a bit higher by now...)

 Amount

1. United States $276.7 billion (FY99 est.)  
   
2. China $55.91 billion (FY02)  
   
3. France $46.5 billion (2000)  
   
4. Japan $39.52 billion (FY02)  
   
5. Germany $38.8 billion (2002)  
   
6. United Kingdom $31.7 billion (2002)  
   
7. Italy $20.2 billion (2002)  
   
8. Saudi Arabia $18.3 billion (FY00)  
   
9. Brazil $13.408 billion (FY99)  
   
10. Korea, South $13,094.3 million (FY02)  
    
11. India $11.52 billion (FY02)  
    
12. Australia $11.39 billion (FY02)  
    
13. Iran $9.7 billion (FY00)  
    
14. Israel $8.97 billion (FY02)  
    
15. Spain $8.6 billion (2002)  
    
16. Turkey $8.1 billion (2002 est.)  
    
17. Canada $7.861 billion (FY01/02)  
    
18. Taiwan $7.574 billion (FY02)  
    
19. Netherlands $6.5 billion (FY00/01 est.)  
    
20. Greece $6.12 billion (FY99/00 est.)  
    
21. Korea, North $5,217.4 million (FY02)  
    
22. Singapore $4.47 billion (FY01 est.)  
    
23. Sweden $4.395 billion (FY01)  
    
24. Argentina $4.3 billion (FY99)  
    
25. Egypt $4.04 billion (FY99)  
    

"Once in awhile we get shown the light, in the strangest of places, if we look at it right" - Hunter/Garcia