10. Brazil
> Military expenditure: $36.2 billion
> Expenditure as pct. of GDP: 1.4% (tied, 62nd lowest)
> 1-yr. spending change: -3.9% (26th lowest)
> Total arms imports: $254 million (24th highest)
> Total arms exports: $36 million (12th lowest)

Perhaps due to strong oil revenue, which can help bolster military spending without the need for unpopular tax hikes, Brazil’s military spending, along with many other developing nations, increased dramatically in the 2000s. In recent years, however, Brazil’s military spending has leveled off somewhat, decreasing by nearly 4% last year. The socioeconomic conditions in Brazil may account for some of its more than $36 billion military budget in 2013. The Brazilian military is often used to help keep order inside the country, especially in the favelas. These sprawling, impoverished neighborhoods are typically crime-ridden and often ruled by local drug lords rather than the nation’s formal laws. Similar conditions and ongoing drug cartel-related violence can be seen in several Central American countries where military spending has continued to rise in recent years.

ALSO READ: Countries with the Widest Gap Between the Rich and the Poor

9. India
> Military expenditure: $49.1 billion
> Expenditure as pct. of GDP: 2.5% (31st highest)
> 1-yr. spending change: -0.7% (46th lowest)
> Total arms imports: $5.6 billion (the highest)
> Total arms exports: $10 million (10th lowest)

India has been among the world’s foremost arms importers for decades. The country continued to expand and modernize its military in 2013, importing $5.6 billion worth of arms. This drove military expenditures to account for 2.5% of GDP in 2013, among the higher proportions worldwide. High military spending was likely due to ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan that threatens the stability and welfare of people in both countries. While the country invests large amounts of money in its military, per capita GDP in India is among the lowest worldwide.

8. Germany
> Military expenditure: $49.3 billion
> Expenditure as pct. of GDP: 1.4% (tied, 62nd lowest)
> 1-yr. spending change: 0.0% (53rd lowest)
> Total arms imports: $129 million (36th highest)
> Total arms exports: $972 million (6th highest)

Germany’s estimated GDP per capita was more than $40,000 last year. As one of the world’s strongest economies, Germany has the means to maintain a well-supplied military. But while Germany spent among the most in nominal terms, its military expenditure accounted for just 1.4% of its GDP, one of the lower proportions. Since World War II, Germany has maintained a relatively passive role in global military affairs. However, like a majority of high-spending nations, particularly those in the West, Germany was one of the world’s top exporters of military goods. Germany exported an estimated $972 million in military supplies in 2013, more than all but a handful of countries. In addition, while most European countries cut military spending as part of their severe austerity measures, Germany increased its military expenditure by 2% between 2008 and last year.