Military expenditures:
0.86% of GDP
(2018)
1.26% of GDP
(2017)
1.14% of GDP
(2016)
1.1% of GDP
(2015)
0.96% of GDP
(2014)
country comparison to the world (CIA rank, may be based on non-current data):
128
[see also: Military expenditures country ranks ]
Military forces:
Benin Armed Forces (Forces Armees Beninoises, FAB): Army, Navy, Air Force; Ministry of Public Security: Republican Police
(2019)
Military service age and obligation:
18-35 years of age for selective compulsory and voluntary military service; a higher education diploma is required; both sexes are eligible for military service; conscript tour of duty - 18 months
(2013)
Maritime threats:
West African piracy more than doubled in 2018 to become the most dangerous area in the World; the waters off of Benin saw a dramatic increase in 2018 with five attacks reported compared with none in 2017; three ships were boarded, two were hijacked, and 48 crew taken hostage or kidnapped
