Nuclear Testing Has Virtually Stopped
Nuclear test explosions per year, by country
A bar chart showing nuclear test explosions were frequent during the 20th century with tests by the U.S. and USSR, but since 1998 North Korea is the only country to test a nuclear explosive
Note: Includes both atmospheric and underground tests. After the Partial Nuclear Test Ban Treaty banned explosive tests above-ground, most testing was conducted underground. The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) banned all explosive tests. Of the eight countries that have conducted explosive tests, France and the United Kingdom have signed and ratified the CTBT; the United States, China, and Russia have signed but not ratified (Russia ratified but later rescinded ratification); and India, North Korea, and Pakistan have not signed or ratified.
