Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure 2009

This metric shows the proportion of a country's total government budget allocated to health services.

189 data points••Global Coverage•Health spending as a share of total government spending | Our World in Data•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
33.473 %
2
Panama flag
Panama
20.487 %
3
San Marino flag
San Marino
20.109 %
4
Monaco flag
Monaco
19.187 %
5
Niue flag
Niue
18.988 %
6
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
18.243 %
7
United States flag
United States
18.225 %
8
Japan flag
Japan
18.057 %
9
Jordan flag
Jordan
17.916 %
10
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
17.824 %
11
Canada flag
Canada
17.325 %
12
Ireland flag
Ireland
17.302 %
13
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
17.272 %
14
Germany flag
Germany
17.266 %
15
Colombia flag
Colombia
17.041 %
16
Andorra flag
Andorra
16.871 %
17
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
16.77 %
18
Argentina flag
Argentina
16.644 %
19
Norway flag
Norway
16.477 %
20
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
16.026 %
21
Denmark flag
Denmark
15.937 %
22
Australia flag
Australia
15.882 %
23
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
15.815 %
24
Maldives flag
Maldives
15.745 %
25
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
15.01 %
26
Cuba flag
Cuba
14.932 %
27
Spain flag
Spain
14.79 %
28
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
14.434 %
29
Belgium flag
Belgium
14.385 %
30
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
14.116 %
31
Sudan flag
Sudan
14.02 %
32
Honduras flag
Honduras
13.993 %
33
France flag
France
13.959 %
34
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
13.957 %
35
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
13.924 %
36
Austria flag
Austria
13.752 %
37
Sweden flag
Sweden
13.699 %
38
Italy flag
Italy
13.671 %
39
Chile flag
Chile
13.603 %
40
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
13.545 %
41
Croatia flag
Croatia
13.518 %
42
Namibia flag
Namibia
13.492 %
43
Serbia flag
Serbia
13.47 %
44
Finland flag
Finland
13.385 %
45
Iceland flag
Iceland
13.371 %
46
South Africa flag
South Africa
13.37 %
47
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
13.332 %
48
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
13.177 %
49
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
12.876 %
50
Portugal flag
Portugal
12.862 %
51
Tonga flag
Tonga
12.717 %
52
Samoa flag
Samoa
12.671 %
53
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
12.524 %
54
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
12.504 %
55
Belize flag
Belize
12.483 %
56
Thailand flag
Thailand
12.459 %
57
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
12.447 %
58
Malta flag
Malta
12.446 %
59
Iran flag
Iran
12.377 %
60
Ghana flag
Ghana
12.357 %
61
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
12.192 %
62
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
12.075 %
63
Greece flag
Greece
11.883 %
64
Turkey flag
Turkey
11.881 %
65
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
11.778 %
66
Peru flag
Peru
11.672 %
67
Barbados flag
Barbados
11.655 %
68
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
11.364 %
69
Estonia flag
Estonia
11.335 %
70
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
11.166 %
71
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
10.903 %
72
Cook Islands flag
Cook Islands
10.859 %
73
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
10.696 %
74
Poland flag
Poland
10.498 %
75
Romania flag
Romania
10.446 %
76
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
10.439 %
77
Mexico flag
Mexico
10.292 %
78
South Korea flag
South Korea
10.088 %
79
Tuvalu flag
Tuvalu
10.031 %
80
Israel flag
Israel
10 %
81
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
9.974 %
82
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
9.855 %
83
Hungary flag
Hungary
9.711 %
84
Suriname flag
Suriname
9.525 %
85
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
9.512 %
86
Palau flag
Palau
9.426 %
87
Zambia flag
Zambia
9.366 %
88
Nauru flag
Nauru
9.25 %
89
Brazil flag
Brazil
9.146 %
90
Russia flag
Russia
9.076 %
91
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
9.036 %
92
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
8.749 %
93
Turkmenistan flag
Turkmenistan
8.706 %
94
Niger flag
Niger
8.694 %
95
Algeria flag
Algeria
8.645 %
96
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
8.527 %
97
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
8.43 %
98
China flag
China
8.375 %
99
Fiji flag
Fiji
8.37 %
100
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
8.342 %
101
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
8.312 %
102
State of Palestine flag
State of Palestine
8.173 %
103
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
8.065 %
104
Latvia flag
Latvia
8.061 %
105
Grenada flag
Grenada
7.983 %
106
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
7.919 %
107
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
7.839 %
108
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
7.629 %
109
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
7.584 %
110
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
7.522 %
111
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
7.459 %
112
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
7.451 %
113
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
7.432 %
114
Dominica flag
Dominica
7.417 %
115
Guyana flag
Guyana
7.414 %
116
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
7.398 %
117
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
7.323 %
118
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
7.269 %
119
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
7.267 %
120
Albania flag
Albania
7.217 %
121
Kenya flag
Kenya
7.201 %
122
Singapore flag
Singapore
7.147 %
123
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
7.051 %
124
Uganda flag
Uganda
7.033 %
125
Vietnam flag
Vietnam
6.853 %
126
Gabon flag
Gabon
6.818 %
127
Haiti flag
Haiti
6.772 %
128
Belarus flag
Belarus
6.731 %
129
Senegal flag
Senegal
6.66 %
130
Philippines flag
Philippines
6.645 %
131
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
6.497 %
132
Armenia flag
Armenia
6.345 %
133
Antigua and Barbuda flag
Antigua and Barbuda
6.331 %
134
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
6.315 %
135
Gambia flag
Gambia
6.309 %
136
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
6.282 %
137
Botswana flag
Botswana
6.252 %
138
Brunei Darussalam flag
Brunei Darussalam
6.217 %
139
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
6.194 %
140
Djibouti flag
Djibouti
6.14 %
141
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
6.124 %
142
Morocco flag
Morocco
6.123 %
143
Oman flag
Oman
6.015 %
144
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
5.968 %
145
Syrian Arab Republic flag
Syrian Arab Republic
5.95 %
146
Georgia flag
Georgia
5.884 %
147
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
5.865 %
148
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
5.821 %
149
Angola flag
Angola
5.778 %
150
Laos flag
Laos
5.704 %
151
Sierra Leone flag
Sierra Leone
5.606 %
152
Burundi flag
Burundi
5.478 %
153
Indonesia flag
Indonesia
5.413 %
154
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
5.3 %
155
Malawi flag
Malawi
5.232 %
156
Kuwait flag
Kuwait
5.178 %
157
Benin flag
Benin
5.106 %
158
Liberia flag
Liberia
5.047 %
159
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
4.965 %
160
Togo flag
Togo
4.777 %
161
Iraq flag
Iraq
4.734 %
162
Egypt flag
Egypt
4.718 %
163
Nepal flag
Nepal
4.691 %
164
Qatar flag
Qatar
4.646 %
165
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
4.591 %
166
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
4.575 %
167
Mauritania flag
Mauritania
4.476 %
168
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
4.115 %
169
Libya flag
Libya
4.089 %
170
Yemen flag
Yemen
3.716 %
171
Nigeria flag
Nigeria
3.694 %
172
Chad flag
Chad
3.55 %
173
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
3.285 %
174
Sao Tome and Principe flag
Sao Tome and Principe
3.272 %
175
India flag
India
3.122 %
176
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
3.047 %
177
Pakistan flag
Pakistan
2.963 %
178
Mali flag
Mali
2.926 %
179
Comoros flag
Comoros
2.775 %
180
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
2.663 %
181
Congo flag
Congo
2.528 %
182
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
2.524 %
183
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
2.515 %
184
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
2.499 %
185
Eritrea flag
Eritrea
2.373 %
186
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
1.93 %
187
Guinea flag
Guinea
1.604 %
188
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
1.552 %
189
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
1.303 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Costa Rica flagCosta Rica
  2. #2Panama flagPanama
  3. #3San Marino flagSan Marino
  4. #4Monaco flagMonaco
  5. #5Niue flagNiue
  6. #6United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
  7. #7United States flagUnited States
  8. #8Japan flagJapan
  9. #9Jordan flagJordan
  10. #10New Zealand flagNew Zealand

Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #189Myanmar flagMyanmar
  2. #188Micronesia (Fed. States of) flagMicronesia (Fed. States of)
  3. #187Guinea flagGuinea
  4. #186Equatorial Guinea flagEquatorial Guinea
  5. #185Eritrea flagEritrea
  6. #184Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  7. #183Afghanistan flagAfghanistan
  8. #182Guinea-Bissau flagGuinea-Bissau
  9. #181Congo flagCongo
  10. #180Timor-Leste flagTimor-Leste

Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.

Analysis & Context

In 2009, Costa Rica led the world in Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, allocating 33.47% of its government budget to health services. Globally, this metric ranged from a minimum of 1.30% to a maximum of 33.47%. The average spending across 189 countries was 9.58%, while the median value stood at 8.64%.

Economic Priorities and Health Spending

The significant variation in Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure can often be traced back to economic priorities and fiscal capacity. Countries like Costa Rica and Panama, which allocate 33.47% and 20.49% respectively, demonstrate a strong commitment to health, likely driven by robust public health policies and a focus on social welfare. In contrast, nations such as Myanmar and Micronesia (Fed. States of), with expenditures of just 1.30% and 1.55% respectively, may prioritize other sectors such as infrastructure or defense, or they may have limited fiscal capacity to increase health spending.

High-Income Nations and Health Investment

High-income countries tend to allocate a larger share of their budgets to health, reflecting both economic capacity and public demand for comprehensive health services. For instance, Monaco and the United Kingdom spend 19.19% and 18.24% of their budgets on health, respectively. These investments are often supported by well-established healthcare systems and a strong emphasis on public health. However, even within high-income brackets, priorities can differ significantly, as seen with Japan and the United States, which allocate 18.06% and 18.23%, respectively.

Factors Influencing Low Health Expenditure

Countries at the lower end of the spectrum, such as Myanmar and Guinea, face a myriad of challenges that limit health spending. Economic constraints often necessitate prioritizing immediate economic development goals over health. Additionally, political instability, such as in Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, can lead to diverted resources away from health services. In these contexts, international aid often plays a crucial role in supplementing domestic health expenditures.

Year-over-Year Changes and Policy Shifts

The year 2009 saw notable shifts in health spending priorities for several countries. Sudan experienced the largest increase, with a remarkable 59.6% rise, reflecting a policy shift towards strengthening its healthcare infrastructure. Similarly, Niue and the Dominican Republic increased their spending by 20.3% and 25.8%, respectively, suggesting increased government commitment to health. Conversely, Andorra reduced its health expenditure by 32.0%, potentially reallocating resources to other pressing areas.

The dynamics of Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure in 2009 underscore the complex interplay between economic capability, political priorities, and public health needs. These factors collectively shape how countries allocate their budgets, reflecting both immediate and long-term national strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure in 2009

Which country had the highest government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009?

Costa Rica had the highest government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009, with 33.47%.

Which country had the lowest government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009?

Myanmar had the lowest government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009, with 1.3%.

What was the average government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure across all countries in 2009?

The average government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure across all countries in 2009 was 9.58%.

What was the median government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009?

The median government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009 was 8.64%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009?

The top 3 countries for government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009 were Costa Rica (33.47%), Panama (20.49%), and San Marino (20.11%).

What was the range of government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009?

The range of government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2009 was from 1.3% in Myanmar to 33.47% in Costa Rica.

Insights by country

1

Iraq

In 2009, Iraq ranked #161 globally in Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, allocating 4.733726 % of its budget to health. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in public health funding across the region. The allocation is influenced by the country's ongoing economic struggles, post-conflict recovery efforts, and a need for improved healthcare infrastructure and services.

2

Fiji

In 2009, Fiji ranked #99 globally with a Government Health Spending of 8.37037 % of Total Government Expenditure. This figure is below the global average, indicating a relatively modest investment in health compared to higher-ranked countries. Contributing factors include Fiji's economic constraints and the prioritization of other sectors, such as infrastructure and tourism, which often receive more funding in the national budget.

3

Equatorial Guinea

In 2009, Equatorial Guinea ranked #186 globally with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 1.9303828 %. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a lack of investment in health relative to other nations.

The country's wealth, largely derived from oil, has not translated into adequate public health funding, reflecting a focus on economic growth over social services. Additionally, limited infrastructure and governance challenges have hindered effective health spending, impacting overall health outcomes for the population.

4

Lebanon

In 2009, Lebanon ranked #100 globally with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 8.342395 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a constrained public health budget compared to many other nations. Contributing factors include Lebanon's ongoing economic challenges, political instability, and the impact of regional conflicts, which limit government resources available for health services.

5

Niue

In 2009, Niue ranked #5 globally for Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, allocating 18.987642 % of its total government budget to health. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting the country's prioritization of health services in a region where many nations struggle with limited resources. Niue's small population and reliance on tourism contribute to a focused health policy aimed at ensuring comprehensive healthcare access for its residents.

6

Finland

In 2009, Finland ranked #44 globally with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 13.384903 %. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Finland's commitment to public health. The country's comprehensive welfare system and emphasis on universal healthcare access drive substantial government investment in health services, ensuring high standards of care for its citizens.

7

Laos

In 2009, Laos ranked #150 globally with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 5.703766 %. This figure is notably lower than the regional average for Southeast Asia, highlighting challenges in health financing. Contributing factors include Laos's limited economic resources, a high percentage of the population living in rural areas, and ongoing development needs that prioritize infrastructure over health services.

8

Georgia

In 2009, Georgia ranked #146 globally in Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, allocating 5.8841796 % of its total budget to health. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting significant challenges in public health financing compared to higher-ranked nations. Economic constraints and a focus on other sectors have historically limited government investment in healthcare, impacting overall health outcomes in the country.

9

Guyana

In 2009, Guyana ranked #115 globally for Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, allocating 7.414193 % of its total government expenditure to health. This figure is lower than the global average, indicating potential challenges in health financing compared to more developed nations. The relatively modest health spending reflects Guyana's economic constraints and the need to prioritize other sectors, such as infrastructure and education, in a developing economy.

10

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire ranked #148 globally in 2009 with a Government Health Spending of 5.8213243 % of Total Government Expenditure. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting significant challenges in health financing compared to more developed nations. Contributing factors include a struggling economy and ongoing political instability, which have historically hindered public investment in essential services like healthcare.

Data Source

Health spending as a share of total government spending | Our World in Data

Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive global statistics on various topics, including health, economics, and education. The dataset on health spending as a share of total government spending offers country-level insights into the proportion of government budgets allocated to health care.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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