The Country Behind South America’s Largest Standing Army

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24/7 Wall St. Insights:

• Brazil has the largest standing army in South America with 360,000 active personnel and 340,000 in reserve forces
• The country's paramilitary forces are also considerable, with the Military Police numbering roughly 200,000, adding another layer to Brazil's national security by addressing both crime and civil unrest
• Even though Brazil is the top dog in the region in terms of its standing army, its neighbors are not pushovers
• Also: Dividend Legends to Hold Forever

Brazil is home to the largest standing army in South America with 360,000 active personnel at its disposal. These active personnel are flanked by 340,000 in reserve forces. However, it is not just the standing Army that makes Brazil powerful, it has a number of other military assets that make it one of the most formidable militaries on the planet. ( This country has a military force of over 6 million people. )

The country's paramilitary forces are also considerable, with the Military Police numbering roughly 200,000. These forces add another layer to Brazil's national security by addressing both crime and civil unrest.

Outside of the Army, the Brazilian Navy is one of the largest naval forces in the region. Currently, the Navy is also working on its first nuclear submarine, which would elevate its military might even further. ( The 20 strongest navies on the planet, compared. )

Although Brazil is the top dog in the region in terms of its standing army, its neighbors are not pushovers. Plenty of South American countries have formidable armed forces as well, and 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the standing armies in South America.

To identify the South American countries with the most active military personnel, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed 2024 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. Countries were ranked on the total number of active military personnel. We included supplemental information regarding total personnel, reserves, total population, fit-for-service, and overall military strength score.

Here is a look at the largest standing armies in South America: Why Are We Covering This?

Understanding the military dynamics of South America is important considering the region's evolving geopolitical landscape and its strategic importance. Historically, South America has experienced internal conflicts and border tensions, but its military presence is now key in maintaining regional stability and security.

• Active personnel: 2,000
• Reserves: 0
• Paramilitary forces: 200
• Total military personnel: 2,200
• Total population: 639,759
• Fit-for-service: 83,169
• Military strength score and world rank: 3.9038 - #143 out of 145

Currently there are only about 2,000 active military personnel for this country of just over 600,000. Suriname only has 3 military aircraft and less than 700 military vehicles. On the world stage, Suriname is near the bottom of the barrel in terms of military might.

Despite not mustering a sizable military force, the rule of the people persists. However, what forces Suriname does have train with U.S. Armed forces, notably the South Dakota National Guard as part of a State Partnership Program.

It should be noted that Suriname’s military history was largely shaped by its colonial past, only gaining independence from the Netherlands in 1975. The country came under civilian rule for a few years, but a military coup in 1980, known as the “Sergeants Coup”, reshaped the government and marked the beginning of military rule for some time. It would not be the only coup, but it would impact how the people view the military for years to come.

After returning to democratic rule in the 1990s, Suriname looked to decrease the military’s influence, which explains the state of its military today.

• Active personnel: 15,650
• Reserves: 168,500
• Paramilitary forces: 15,000
• Total military personnel: 199,150
• Total population: 7,439,863
• Fit-for-service: 2,968,505
• Military strength score and world rank: 1.7053 - #85 out of 145

Currently, Paraguay has just under 16,000 active military personnel. It has around 2,000 military vehicles and just over 40 military aircraft as well. While Paraguay doesn’t have a large or powerful military, it still gets the job done on the domestic front.

As it stands now, the Paraguayan military is now more internally focused on defense and maintaining security within the country. And as such, Paraguay doesn’t need a large force to accomplish its objectives.

To give some historical context, after gaining independence in 1811, Paraguay’s military played a big role in the country’s defense, especially during the War of the Triple Alliance in the later 1800s. Since then, the military became more involved in state affairs, especially during the 20th century. And like many other South American countries, Paraguay’s military has been closely tied with its politics.

This led to the dictatorship of General Alfredo Stroessner, who took control in 1954 and ruled until 1989. It wasn’t until Stroessner was overthrown that Paraguay began its slow journey back to democracy, diminishing the influence of the military over the years.

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