Course
From 1945 until 1998, there have been over 2,000 nuclear tests conducted worldwide.
|
Country |
1945-49 |
1950-59 |
1960-69 |
1970-79 |
1980-89 |
1990-99 |
2000-09 |
2010-Present |
Total |
|
United States |
6 |
188 |
428 |
232 |
155 |
21 |
0 |
0 |
1,030 |
|
Russia/USSR |
1 |
82 |
232 |
227 |
172 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
715 |
|
United Kingdom |
0 |
21 |
5 |
5 |
12 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
45 |
|
France |
0 |
0 |
31 |
69 |
92 |
18 |
0 |
0 |
210 |
|
China |
0 |
0 |
10 |
16 |
7 |
10 |
0 |
0 |
43 |
|
India |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
7 |
|
|
Pakistan |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
0 |
0 |
6 |
|
North Korea |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
7 |
|
Totals |
7 |
291 |
706 |
550 |
438 |
64 |
2 |
1 |
2,059 |
United States
First nuclear test: 1945
Most recent nuclear test: 1992
Total tests: 1,030 (815 underground)
The United States has conducted more tests than the rest of the world, and was the first and only country to use a nuclear weapon in wartime. The U.S. has signed the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, but it has not yet been ratified by the Senate.
Russia
First nuclear test: 1949
Most recent nuclear test: 1990
Total tests: 715 (496 underground)
Russia was the second nation in the world to conduct nuclear tests.
United Kingdom
First nuclear test: 1952
Most recent nuclear test: 1991
Total tests: 45 (24 underground)
Britain tested its first nuclear weapon on Monte Bello Islands, Australia. Atmospheric tests were carried out there until 1956. Britain has ratified the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty.
France
First nuclear test: 1960
Most recent nuclear test: 1996
Total tests: 210 (160 underground)
France conducted six controversial tests as recently as 1995-1996.
China
First nuclear test: 1964
Most recent nuclear test: 1996
Total tests: 43 (22 underground)
China is widely thought to be helping Pakistan with its nuclear efforts.
India
First nuclear test: 1974
Most recent nuclear test: 1998
Total tests: 7
In 1966, India declared it could produce nuclear weapons within 18 months. Eight years later, India tested a device of up to 15 kilotons and called the test a "peaceful nuclear explosion." In May 1998, India stunned the world when it conducted six underground nuclear tests in Pokharan, Rajasthan, and declared itself a nuclear state.
Pakistan
First nuclear test: 1998
Most recent nuclear test: 1998
Total tests: 6
In 1972, following its third war with India, Pakistan secretly decided to start a nuclear weapons program to match India's developing capability. Pakistan responded to India's nuclear tests in 1998 by announcing it exploded six underground devices in the Chagai region (close to its border with Iran).
North Korea
First nuclear test: 2006
Most recent nuclear test: 2013
Total tests: 3
On October 9, 2006 North Korea announced they had conducted a nuclear test. It is assumed this test was actually a fizzle. A second test was conducted on May 25, 2009. This test appeared to be successful. A third test was conducted on February 12, 2013.
Source: National Resources Defense Council