October 27, 2003 - 19:55 AMT
DUE TO INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS' DATA ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN SPEND ON DEFENSE MORE THAN OTHER CIS STATES
In percentage, Armenia and Azerbaijan spend more funds for defense than the other CIS states. As reported by Arminfo agency according to Washington ProFile, the data was published by the International Institute for Strategic Investigation. According to the source, in 2002 Armenia's expenses for defense comprised 6,4% of the gross domestic product (GDP) or $162 per head. With the same purpose Azerbiajan spent 3,3% of the GDP or $104 per head. It should be noted for comparison that Georgia spent 1,7% of the GDP or $46 for the defense needs. Among the other post-soviet states (due to absolute index), Russia spends the biggest amount of funds for the needs of the armed forces - 4,8% of the GDP or $333 per head. The US became the world leader of the general military expenses comprising in 2002 $329 billion 616 million or $138 per head what is 3,3% of the GDP.