For various reasons, some countries adopt stringent national defense policies, including nuclear weapons. There are over 13,000 nuclear weapons in the world, with the majority being far more powerful than the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. So, which country possesses the most nuclear weapons?

9th North Korea: 20

North Korea, with the world's most isolated political system, began developing nuclear weapons in the 1980s, disregarding international agreements and sanctions. Currently, North Korea possesses 20 nuclear warheads, making it the 9th largest nuclear power in the world. North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-un, is considered a threat to international security and world peace.

8th Israel: 90

Israel, with 90 nuclear warheads, is the 8th largest nuclear power in the world. Israel began developing nuclear weapons in the 1960s, but has never officially admitted to possessing them. Israel maintains a strong military and relies on its nuclear weapons for national security.

7th India: 160

India actually possesses 160 nuclear warheads, a number that surprises many. India developed its own nuclear weapons program in the late 1960s and conducted its first nuclear test in 1974. Currently, India has adopted a "no first use" policy for nuclear weapons, vowing to use them only as a deterrent.

6th Pakistan: 165

Pakistan, a former British colony, possesses a total of 165 nuclear warheads. Pakistan conducted its first nuclear test in 1998, starting its own nuclear weapons development in response to India's program. Like India, Pakistan also maintains a "no first use" policy for nuclear weapons, but the nuclear arms race between the two countries has heightened tensions in the region.

5th United Kingdom: 225

The United Kingdom, ranked 5th, possesses 225 nuclear warheads. Having begun developing nuclear weapons in the 1950s in collaboration with the United States, the UK has maintained a strong nuclear arsenal ever since. While the UK retains its nuclear weapons to maintain national security, its political reasons make the likelihood of using them low.

4th France: 290

France, with a total of 290 nuclear warheads, ranks 4th among nuclear-armed nations. France launched its own nuclear weapons program in the 1960s and is known to possess nuclear warheads through missiles and submarines. France adheres to a strict "no first use" policy for nuclear weapons, limiting their use.

3rd China: 350

China, possessing 350 nuclear warheads, ranks 3rd among nuclear-armed nations. China began developing nuclear weapons in the 1960s and has continued its research and development ever since. China's nuclear weapons are considered tools for maintaining its national security and influence.

2nd United States: 5,428

The United States, with a total of 5,428 nuclear warheads, ranks 2nd among nuclear-armed nations. The US took the first step in using nuclear weapons by dropping the atomic bomb in 1945 and continues to maintain a strong nuclear arsenal today. The US adheres to the principle of "deterrence," aiming to prevent nuclear attacks from other countries and maintain international security. Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Turkey all possess US nuclear weapons.

1st Russia: 5,977

Russia, possessing 5,977 nuclear warheads, ranks 1st among nuclear-armed nations. Having undergone a nuclear arms race with the US during the Cold War, Russia established itself as a major nuclear power. Recently, the conflict with Ukraine has raised concerns about nuclear expansion. Since June 2023, the leaders of Russia and Belarus have claimed the presence of numerous nuclear weapons within Belarus, adding to international anxieties.