Military & Security
Guinea-Bissau
Military - note
The Armed Forces (FARP) primarily concentrate on external security while also undertaking certain internal security responsibilities; both the FARP and the paramilitary National Guard have played significant roles in the nation’s political landscape since independence, engaging in multiple coup attempts. In the 2000s, the FARP has experienced several initiatives aimed at reforming the defense and security sectors, facilitated by the African Union, the European Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2020
1.5% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021
1.5% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022
1.4% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023
1.2% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2024
1.2% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military and security forces
People's Revolutionary Armed Force (Forcas Armadas Revolucionarias do Povo or FARP): Army, Navy, Air Force
Ministry of Internal Administration: National Guard (a gendarmerie force), Public Order Police, Border Police, Rapid Intervention Police, Maritime Police (2025)
Military service age and obligation
Selective compulsory military service is required for individuals aged 18-25, applicable to both men and women (service in the Air Force is voluntary) (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
The FARP is primarily equipped with arms and equipment from the Soviet era (2025)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 4,000 active FARP (2025)