# The indicator **"Military expenditure (Current US$)"**
The indicator **"Military expenditure (Current US$)"** represents the **total amount** that a country allocates to its **military forces** over a specific period. This expenditure includes costs associated with **defense ministries**, **peacekeeping forces**, and other government agencies involved in defense-related activities.
It encompasses various components such as:
- **Personnel costs** — both military and civilian, including pensions and social services
- **Operations and maintenance**
- **Equipment procurement**
- **Research and development** in the defense sector
The chart illustrates **Italy's military expenditure** over a period of **twenty-three years**, from **2000 to 2022**, with values represented in **current U.S. dollars**.