The 24 countries with the longest mandatory military service in the world

In 2026, the practice of military conscription remains prevalent in numerous countries, with 24 nations requiring mandatory service of two years or more. This system, which involves the compulsory enlistment of citizens into their country's armed forces, is most common in Africa and Asia, with only Cuba standing out as a non-Afro-Asian nation on the list. North Korea and Mozambique top the list with the longest conscription programs, spanning more than five years.

The United States, which last conducted a draft in 1972 during the Vietnam War, has not seen a resurgence of mandatory military service. Although 18-year-old men are still required to register for the draft, the Selective Service plans to automate this process by year-end, relieving eligible individuals of the registration burden. Michael Lynch, a research professor of national security at the Strategic Studies Institute of the US Army War College, believes that the draft is unlikely to return anytime soon. He attributes this to the lack of military need for a mass army and the necessity for congressional authorization.

However, in dozens of other countries, men and women are subject to conscription for military training or active duty service. Service obligations are typically determined by age, gender, and educational level. Lynch notes that a country's reasons for implementing conscription can vary significantly. In some cases, authoritarian governments or military regimes may use conscription as a tool for control, while others require it due to regional conflicts or potential threats. "Some countries keep conscription in place because they're simply in a tough neighborhood," Lynch explains.

Finland, for instance, maintains small selective conscription requirements largely due to its shared border with Russia, which invaded neighboring Ukraine in 2022. The International Institute for Strategic Studies' (IISS) Military Balance 2026 report provides data on these conscription practices.

North Korea, with the world's longest service requirements, spanning 5 to 13 years, is a stark example of a nation that heavily relies on conscription. In contrast, countries like South Korea and Singapore have shorter mandatory service periods, with South Korea requiring 21 months for men and Singapore offering 2-year service for men and 3-year service for women.

In Africa, countries like Eritrea and Sudan have long-standing conscription practices, with Eritrea's program being particularly notorious for its indefinite service requirements. Mozambique, which requires service for 2 to 3 years, has faced challenges in managing its conscription system amid ongoing insurgencies.

In Asia, countries like Myanmar and Laos also have lengthy conscription periods, with Myanmar's program lasting 22 months for men and 18 months for women. These nations often cite the need for national security and defense as the primary justification for their conscription policies.

While some countries use conscription as a means of control or to bolster their military capabilities, others view it as a necessary measure to ensure national security in the face of regional tensions or threats. The prevalence of conscription in 24 countries highlights the diverse approaches nations take to maintaining their defense systems, reflecting their unique geopolitical contexts and priorities.