Which Countries Have Never Been to War?

We wake up everyday reading headlines dominated by devastating conflicts from the Israel–Palestine war, to the Iran–Israel tensions that escalated into missile warfare by mid-2025, and the still-raging Russo-Ukrainian war that has reshaped Europe since 2014—it’s easy to assume that war is an inevitable part of every nation’s story. But is it? What if we told you that a handful of countries have never been to war? 

Shocking, right? 

Yes, such countries exist—neutral, peaceful, and committed to non-aggression in every sense. From landlocked enclaves to diplomatic island paradises, these nations have avoided direct involvement in war, maintained no standing armies (in some cases), and instead focused their energy on human development, environmental conservation, and global cooperation.

So what’s their secret? Is it geography? Policy? Culture? Or just sheer luck?

In this fascinating blog, we’ll explore a list of countries that have never been to war, uncover the reasons behind their long-standing peace, look at their defense systems (or lack thereof), and discuss how global conflict might shape their future. Spoiler alert: some of these nations might surprise you!

Stick around till the end — we’ve prepared a trivia quiz to test how well you know the world’s most peaceful places!

12 Countries That Have Never Been in a War

1. Switzerland

Nestled in the Alps, Switzerland is famed for its centuries-old neutrality. It has not been involved in any foreign war since 1815, a stance enshrined in its policy. Despite having a robust militia-based army and mandatory service, Switzerland has maintained peace through diplomatic neutrality. This Alpine nation’s rugged terrain and strong economy help deter conflict. In both World Wars, Swiss leaders mobilized defenses but never fired a shot; instead they traded with neighbors and hosted red cross camps.

Today Switzerland invests heavily in defense readiness but focuses on peacekeeping and humanitarian roles abroad. Its principles of neutrality and international mediation are core to Swiss identity, making it a global symbol of peace.

2. Iceland

Iceland, a Nordic island in the North Atlantic, similarly boasts no standing army. With only a coast guard and a small peacekeeping unit, Iceland relies on NATO allies for defense. Its tiny population and remote location mean there’s little incentive or capacity for war. 

In fact, Iceland has never participated in a full-scale war or invasion, and its constitution doesn’t even allow a declaration of war. (Its own independence came during WWII when Britain and the US safeguarded it from Nazi Germany.) 

This volcanic island’s harsh climate and strategic insignificance kept it out of both World Wars. Icelanders take pride in their pacifist tradition. By relying on multilateral defense agreements and focusing on social welfare, Iceland remains a model of peace in the Atlantic.

3. Costa Rica

In Central America, Costa Rica stands out for having no military at all. In 1949 Costa Rica’s leaders abolished the army and wrote the ban into their constitution. Since then, Costa Rica has not fought any wars, instead funding education, health and environmental conservation. This change came after a brief 1948 civil war; Costa Ricans then decided national security could be maintained with police forces and international law. 

As UNESCO notes, Costa Rica became “the first country in the world to abolish its army,” proving a nation can remain secure without soldiers. The country’s “Army out – environment and education in” principle has made it a global example of peaceful development.

4. Liechtenstein

Between Switzerland and Austria lies Liechtenstein, a tiny Alpine principality. It disbanded its army in 1868 after a frank encounter in the 1866 Austro-Prussian War (legend has it Liechtenstein’s 80 soldiers befriended the enemy, returning with 81 men). Since then, Liechtenstein has had no military forces and remains permanently neutral. The country relies informally on Switzerland for defense. During both World Wars, Liechtenstein’s neutrality and small size meant it was simply bypassed by combat. Its population invests minimal funds in security; reportedly it once spent just a few dollars a year on weapons while Europe battled. Today Liechtenstein is peaceful and stable, with strong ties to Switzerland.

5. Vatican City

The Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state located within Rome, has never gone to war. As the spiritual center of Roman Catholicism, it maintains no armed forces of its own. Only the Swiss Guard (about 100 guardsmen) stands as a ceremonial protection detail. Even during WWII, Vatican City suffered only two accidental bombs (one fatality) and was otherwise untouched. 

Geographically and politically, the Vatican is too small to be a target, and its neutrality is respected by neighbors. In short, Vatican City’s principles of faith and diplomacy – plus having zero soldiers – keep it out of any war scenario. 

6. San Marino

Encircled by Italy, the hilltop microstate San Marino is one of the world’s oldest republics. Founded in the 4th century and covering just 61 km², San Marino has remarkably never waged war. Napoleon and other conquerors left San Marino independent out of respect for its neutrality. 

During WWII it, too, was spared – even the Germans honored its neutrality. Today San Marino maintains a tiny volunteer militia for ceremonies, but its true defense is diplomatic goodwill. This country claims to have the world’s smallest army, with just dozens of citizen-soldiers for tradition’s sake. 

7. Andorra

High in the Pyrenees between France and Spain lies Andorra, a co-principality ruled jointly by the French president and a Spanish bishop. Unusual government aside, Andorra boasts an impressive record: it has never been at war. The country has no army (only a ceremonial police force) and over the last seven centuries has remained neutral, even when both neighboring states and all of Europe were at war. 

Andorra’s isolation in rugged mountains likely helped – few armies bother scaling those peaks. In the 20th century U.S. diplomats once cited Andorra’s tradition of peace and demilitarization with awe. Today Andorra relies on France and Spain for protection. Its safe mountain roads and picturesque villages make it a serene haven, confident that its principles of co-principality and neutrality will keep it out of any armed conflicts.

8. Greenland

Greenland – massive icy island under Danish sovereignty – also has no war history of its own. It never fielded armies in Viking raids or world wars. Today Greenland’s defense is handled by Denmark (and by close allies); the island maintains just a small coast guard. Its extremely sparse population and isolation in the Arctic mean it’s never been a battlefield. Even during WWII, Greenland was “left on its own” militarily and protected by the Allies without fighting. 

Greenland’s frozen expanses and lack of strategic targets kept it away from conflicts. In short, this huge island’s principle of simple survival (rather than power projection) plus reliance on Denmark’s military means Greenland hasn’t been involved in war.

9. Vanuatu

In the South Pacific, the island nation of Vanuatu (an archipelago of ~80 islands) similarly enjoyed a conflict-free history. Even though nearby Solomon Islands was a WWII battleground, Vanuatu itself was not attacked. (U.S. forces did occupy Vanuatu briefly during the war to preempt Japan, but no fighting occurred on its soil.)

Since independence, Vanuatu has maintained neutrality. It has a small police force but no formal army. Its culture and geography – remote, widely dispersed islands with subsistence communities – provide no motive for launching wars. Vanuatu even hosts a Peace Corps run by chiefs that advises the government. 

10. Marshall Islands

A scattering of low-lying atolls in the central Pacific, the Marshall Islands has never engaged in war as a sovereign nation. Since gaining independence in 1990, the nation has relied on the United States for defense under the Compact of Free Association. It has no standing military—only a local police force and a single patrol boat used for search and rescue. Its constitution emphasizes peace, and with no territorial disputes or strategic resources, the country has remained firmly conflict-free. While Marshallese officers have joined regional police missions, the Republic has never deployed combat forces, instead trusting its diplomatic alliances and geographic remoteness to keep war at bay.

11. Nauru

The world’s smallest island country by land area, Nauru has never had a military and has stayed out of all armed conflicts since its independence in 1968. A 2024 treaty formalized Australia’s role as its primary security partner, granting Canberra a say in all foreign military involvement. With no army, limited resources, and no territorial rivals, Nauru relies on a small police force and international aid. Its flat coral terrain and economic focus on survival over sovereignty leave no room for militarism. Nauru’s foreign policy remains pragmatic and peace-focused, steering it safely away from global conflicts.

12. Palau

An idyllic archipelago nestled between Guam and the Philippines, Palau has never gone to war. Since 1994, the U.S. has provided for its defense through the Compact of Free Association, while Palau maintains only a modest police force and marine patrol unit. Its constitution declares the nation nuclear-free and peace-oriented, a vision rooted in post-WWII trauma. With no army, no strategic disputes, and a population that thrives on tourism and diplomacy, Palau plays host to joint drills but avoids combat. It remains one of the few countries allied with Taiwan and leads in marine conservation rather than militarization.

FAQs on Countries That Have Never Been to War

Which country has never attacked another country?

Several countries have never attacked another nation in modern history, but Switzerland and San Marino are the most cited examples. Switzerland has maintained a policy of armed neutrality since 1815 and hasn’t participated in a foreign war. San Marino, a tiny republic surrounded by Italy, has never waged war or invaded another country since its founding in A.D. 301. These nations prioritize diplomacy, neutrality, and peaceful international relations.

How many countries have never been to war?

Around 25 countries and territories have no known history of participating in wars since gaining independence or in their modern political form. This includes nations like Liechtenstein, Costa Rica, Palau, Nauru, and the Marshall Islands. While the number may vary based on historical interpretations, these countries have remained committed to peace through neutrality, geographical isolation, or defense agreements with allied nations.

Which country has never been colonized?

Japan and Thailand are among the only countries in Asia that were never colonized by European powers. In Africa, Ethiopia (except for a brief Italian occupation during WWII) is the only nation that retained its sovereignty during the colonial era. These countries maintained their independence through strong governance, diplomacy, and military resistance when necessary.

What countries have never invaded another country?

Countries such as Switzerland, Bhutan, Liechtenstein, and Costa Rica have never invaded another nation. These peaceful nations focus on diplomacy and often have constitutions or legal principles that forbid acts of aggression. Their military or defense policies are designed for protection rather than offense, and many maintain a strong non-interventionist stance.

What countries do not have an army?

There are about 20 countries without a standing army. Examples include Costa Rica, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Grenada, Nauru, and the Vatican City. These nations rely on police forces for internal security and often depend on defense agreements with other countries (like the U.S. or regional powers) to ensure protection.

What countries do not have defense forces?

Nations like Palau, the Marshall Islands, and Tuvalu have no dedicated defense forces and rely entirely on allies for military protection. These countries often sign defense treaties (such as Compacts of Free Association with the U.S.) or rely on regional security partners like Australia and New Zealand. Their focus is on peaceful coexistence, and their small populations and geographic isolation reduce the need for armed forces.

Image Courtesy – Google Maps, Wikipedia