Fact Check: "United States has thousands of bases in foreign countries"
What We Know
The claim that the United States has "thousands of bases in foreign countries" is misleading. According to various sources, the U.S. military maintains at least 128 military bases located outside its national territory as of February 2025 (source-1, source-2). Other estimates suggest that the number of U.S. military locations worldwide, including smaller facilities, could be over 750, but this includes various types of installations, not just traditional bases (source-6, source-8).
The largest overseas base, Camp Humphreys in South Korea, is noted for its extensive area and personnel (source-2). The U.S. military presence is particularly significant in NATO countries, the Middle East, South Korea, and Japan, where the majority of these bases are located (source-1).
Analysis
While the claim suggests a vast number of bases, the actual count of "named bases" is much lower than "thousands." The U.S. maintains 128 named bases abroad, which are officially recognized installations with active personnel (source-1). However, when considering all military installations, including smaller sites and cooperative facilities, estimates rise to about 750 across more than 80 countries (source-6, source-8).
The discrepancy arises from the definitions of "bases" versus "installations." A military installation can encompass various types of facilities, including bases, camps, and other operational sites. The sources used are generally reliable, with Wikipedia entries being regularly updated and corroborated by military data. However, the exact number can vary based on how one defines a "base" and the inclusion of minor installations.
Conclusion
The claim that the United States has "thousands of bases in foreign countries" is Partially True. While the U.S. does maintain a significant military presence globally, the number of officially recognized bases is around 128, with estimates of total military locations reaching up to 750. This indicates a substantial but not overwhelming presence, and the term "thousands" is an exaggeration when referring specifically to named bases.
Sources
- List of countries with overseas military bases - Wikipedia
- List of American military installations - Wikipedia
- Us Overseas Military Bases by Country 2025 - World Population Review
- Mapped: Every Known U.S. Military Base Overseas - Visual Capitalist
- List of US Military Bases around the World: Check Country and Location - Jagran Josh
- U.S. Military Bases Abroad: Global Presence in 2025 - FactoData