NATO Membership and Defence Spending: Key facts you need to know
Sweden has officially become a member of NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, amid rising tensions with Russia. This move comes as part of NATO's efforts to bolster its defences in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The addition of Sweden and Finland, which joined earlier, marks the alliance's largest expansion since the 1990s.
NATO's Purpose and Membership NATO was established in 1949 to counter Soviet expansion and maintain peace in Europe. It has since grown to include 32 member countries, including the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. Following the Soviet Union's collapse, many Eastern European countries joined, and now, Sweden and Finland have joined the alliance, contributing nearly 300,000 troops.
NATO's Growing Membership
Sweden and Finland Join NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, has expanded its membership with the addition of Sweden and Finland, marking the alliance's largest expansion since the 1990s. With 32 members across Europe and North America, NATO includes countries like the UK, US, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Turkey. The recent additions of Sweden and Finland, which contribute nearly 300,000 troops, come in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Sweden and Finland's Path to NATO Membership Sweden and Finland applied to join NATO in May 2022, following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Finland, which shares a 1,340km land border with Russia, joined the alliance in April 2023. Sweden's membership was delayed due to concerns raised
