In Pics | Countries with largest military forces in the world

When it comes to pure manpower, no country in the world comes close to China. According to Global Firepower estimates, the People's Republic currently has roughly 21.8 lakh active military personnel at its disposal. With almost half that number in second and third place are India and the United States with 13.6 and 12.8 lakh active military personnel, respectively. Here are the countries with the largest military forces in the world:

Rank 8 | Iran | Active military personnel: 5.23 lakh | Credit: Reuters Photo

Rank 7 | South Korea | Active military personnel: 6.25 lakh | Credit: AFP Photo

Rank 6 | Pakistan | Active military personnel: 6.54 lakh | Credit: Reuters Photo

Rank 5 | Russia | Active military personnel: 10.13 lakh | Credit: AFP Photo

Rank 4 | North Korea | Active military personnel: 12.8 lakh | Credit: AFP Photo

Rank 3 | United States | Active military personnel: 12.81 lakh | Credit: Getty Images

Rank 2 | India | Active military personnel: 13.62 lakh | Credit: PTI Photo

Rank 1 | China | Active military personnel: 21.83 lakh | Credit: AFP Photo