Number of Nuclear Warheads by Country (1946-2019)

The total number of world nuclear weapon stockpile divided by country from 1946 to 2019.

Number of Nuclear Warheads by Country (1946–2019)

Overview

Since the first nuclear test in 1945, a handful of countries developed nuclear weapons, leading to an arms race during the Cold War and beyond. The largest stockpiles peaked during the 1980s, followed by gradual reductions through disarmament treaties.

Estimated Nuclear Warhead Stockpiles Over Time

Country Peak Warheads (Approx.) Peak Period Estimated Stockpile by 2019

United States ~31,000 Mid-1960s to 1980s ~3,800

Russia (USSR) ~40,000 Late 1980s ~4,300

United Kingdom ~300 1980s–1990s ~225

France ~540 Early 1990s ~300

China ~320 2010s onward ~290

India N/A (started ~1998) 2000s onward ~150

Pakistan N/A (started ~1998) 2000s onward ~160

Israel Estimated 80–90 Unknown, 1970s+ ~90

North Korea Very limited, estimated <40 2010s onward ~40

Key Historical Trends

1946–1960s: US nuclear arsenal rapidly grew; Soviet Union followed, starting tests in 1949.

1970s–1980s: Peak nuclear arms race during Cold War; US and USSR amassed tens of thousands of warheads.

1990s: Post-Cold War reductions due to START treaties and other arms control agreements; stockpiles significantly reduced.

2000s–2019: Continued gradual reductions by US and Russia, modernization of arsenals; growth or introduction of nuclear programs by India, Pakistan, and North Korea.

Notes

Exact numbers are often classified or estimates vary due to secrecy.

Strategic (deployed) warheads vs. total stockpiles including reserve and retired warheads differ.

Some countries have declared moratoriums or joined treaties limiting arsenals.

Source: Data Is Beautiful