It might seem like the title of biggest employer in the world would go to the ubiquitous Walmart or McDonald’s. But, in fact, the honor belongs not with a company but a government agency: the U.S. Department of Defense.

 

With 3.2 million on its payroll, the Pentagon tops Walmart and McDonald’s, which rank third and fourth, respectively.

 

According to research by BBC News, the second largest employer also belongs to a government, China’s actually, and its 2.3 million-strong People’s Liberation Army.

 

Britain’s National Health Service is No. 5, with 1.7 million workers in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Rounding out the top 10 were China National Petroleum Corporation, the State Grid Corporation of China, Indian railways, the Indian Armed Forces and Hon Hai Precision Industry (a.k.a. Foxconn).

-Noel Brinkerhoff