US Military Bases Around the World
The United States maintains the largest network of foreign military bases in world history — over 694 overseas installations across 112 countries and territories, plus 824 domestic bases across all 50 states. No other country comes close. The UK has 16 overseas bases. France has 11. Russia has about 20. China has 1.
694
Overseas Installations
112
Countries & Territories
824
Domestic Bases
$55B
Annual Overseas Cost
What Counts as a “Base”?
The Pentagon uses various terms to obscure the true scale. Major bases, “lily pad” outposts, cooperative security locations, forward operating sites, and US-funded installations in allied countries all form the network. David Vine's research at American University documented 750+ sites across 80+ countries — and the true number may be higher due to classified facilities and secret agreements.
- • Major bases: 506 large installations with permanent personnel
- • Lily pads: 144 smaller outposts for rapid deployment
- • US-funded sites: 44 installations in allied nations paid for by US taxpayers
Top Countries by US Base Count
What Does This Cost?
Maintaining the US overseas base network costs approximately $55 billion per year — a figure that includes construction, operations, personnel, and logistics but likely understates the true cost due to classified facilities and indirect expenses.
$55B
Annual Overseas Base Cost
$10.7B build
Camp Humphreys, S. Korea
$70M/yr
Djibouti Rent Alone
$1.8B/yr
Japan "Sympathy Budget"
$110M
Niger Drone Base (expelled)
173,000+
Personnel Overseas
Why Does the US Have So Many Overseas Bases?
The modern base network emerged from World War II and the Cold War. After defeating Germany and Japan, the US never fully withdrew — bases built to fight fascism became bases to contain communism. After the Cold War ended, the bases stayed. After 9/11, the network expanded dramatically into the Middle East and Africa. Each new conflict adds bases; none are ever closed.
The base network serves multiple purposes: power projection, reassurance of allies, deterrence of adversaries, and — critically — sustaining the defense industry. Every base needs supplies, maintenance, and equipment. Defense contractors earn billions annually from overseas base operations. The Pentagon has resisted every round of Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) since 2005.
Critics argue that the base network provokes the very threats it claims to deter. Osama bin Laden cited US bases in Saudi Arabia as a primary motivation for the 9/11 attacks. Local populations from Okinawa to Djibouti to Germany have protested US military presence for decades, citing noise, environmental contamination, and crimes committed by US personnel.
💡 The Hidden Costs of Overseas Bases
- • Environmental damage: PFAS contamination in Okinawa, toxic waste at Clark Air Base (Philippines), depleted uranium in Vieques (Puerto Rico)
- • Forced displacement: The entire Chagossian population was removed from Diego Garcia to build a US base. They've fought 50+ years to return.
- • Host nation tension: Okinawans have protested since 1945. South Korea has seen massive rallies against THAAD deployment.
- • Status of Forces Agreements: US personnel often enjoy immunity from local law, fueling resentment