How can a country much smaller than Mexico have a Bigger army than Mexico? How does Mexico expect to clamp down on organized crime if it does not increase its military size?
As violence and crime continue to plague Mexico, many experts believe that the country needs to invest in a larger and more robust military to combat these issues effectively. With a population of over 120 million, Mexico’s current military size pales compared to a smaller country, such as Colombia, which only has a population of 51.6 million and faces similar challenges.
Mexico and Colombia have faced significant security challenges in recent years, including drug trafficking, organized crime, and internal conflicts. These threats necessitate strong military forces to maintain stability and protect their citizens. As a result, both countries have invested heavily in their armed forces to combat these issues effectively.
Here’s a comparison of military manpower between Colombia and Mexico:
Total Military Personnel
- Colombia: Approximately 516,050 total personnel, including:
- 293,200 active military personnel
- 34,950 paramilitary personnel
- 187,900 National Police
- Mexico: Approximately 402,000 total personnel, including:
- 216,000 active military personnel (Army, Navy, Air Force)
- 186,000 National Guard
Key Points of Comparison
- Active Military Personnel
- Colombia: 293,200
- Mexico: 216,000
- Paramilitary Personnel
- Colombia: 34,950
- Mexico: Not specifically reported, but the National Guard includes former military personnel.
- National Guard/Police
- Colombia: 187,900 National Police
- Mexico: 186,000 National Guard
Population to Military Personnel Ratio
- Colombia: 51.6 million population with 516,050 total military-related personnel.
- Ratio: Approximately 1 military-related personnel per 100 people.
- Mexico: 128.5 million population with 402,000 total military-related personnel.
- Ratio: Approximately 1 military-related personnel per 319 people.
Summary
Colombia has a higher number of total military-related personnel compared to Mexico, despite having a smaller population. This results in a higher ratio of military personnel per capita in Colombia. Both countries have significant national police or guard forces, reflecting their security needs and strategies.
