The US spends 700 billion a year on defense. Which country is #2 and how much do they spend?

We may spend the most, but if you look at the amount spend as percentage of GDP we aren't the top. We are second 4.7% GDP to Saudis 8.7%. We could be much lower if "coalition" forces from 20 nations didn't involve USA sending 10,000 troops; canada sending 5; UK sending 10; France sending 1; ... etc.

I don't know who is second but whoever it is they are not even close,as we spend as much on our military as all other members of the united nation combined.You can look at our budgetary expenditures on line in pie chart form.People complain about welfare and other social issues,and i agree they need to be tightened up to get rid of fraud,but all social expences together do not compare to what we spend on our military.Any congressman Paul Ryan,in his new budget proposal includes a significant increase in spending on the military,when the pentagon has been screeming that they neither need or want an increase in their budget.At the same time they want to cut medicare for the elderly,and food stamps for the poor,they budget a raise for the military,a budget that is already bloated.Something is wrong with how washington is spending our tax dollars.

Are you just talking about defense or the myriad of military bases stationed around the world?

There is a difference you see.

And besides, defense spending accounts for roughly 10-15% of the budget.

Considering the Defense budget only accounts for about 10% of our Budget it really isn't that much. Also, by having so many bases worldwide we have to have so much more money put into it.

China, around 150 billion!

Only the U.S. spends so much. I wonder why...

Isn't the money better spent elsewhere?

Here's the whole list: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_...