Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure 2016
This metric shows the proportion of a country's total government budget allocated to health services.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | San Marino | 31.492 % | |
2 | Costa Rica | 28.606 % | |
3 | Iran | 24.215 % | |
4 | Japan | 23.177 % | |
5 | United States | 22.488 % | |
6 | Panama | 20.341 % | |
7 | Uruguay | 20.244 % | |
8 | United Kingdom | 19.956 % | |
9 | Maldives | 19.748 % | |
10 | Ireland | 19.263 % | |
11 | Germany | 19.078 % | |
12 | Canada | 18.961 % | |
13 | Australia | 18.543 % | |
14 | Sweden | 18.284 % | |
15 | Guatemala | 18.205 % | |
16 | New Zealand | 17.911 % | |
17 | Paraguay | 17.786 % | |
18 | Colombia | 17.659 % | |
19 | El Salvador | 17.652 % | |
20 | Norway | 17.547 % | |
21 | Madagascar | 17.511 % | |
22 | Nicaragua | 17.329 % | |
23 | Cuba | 17.303 % | |
24 | Monaco | 17.177 % | |
25 | Chile | 16.751 % | |
26 | Denmark | 16.534 % | |
27 | Argentina | 15.842 % | |
28 | Czech Republic | 15.716 % | |
29 | Dominican Republic | 15.698 % | |
30 | Liechtenstein | 15.647 % | |
31 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 15.63 % | |
32 | Belgium | 15.58 % | |
33 | Malta | 15.464 % | |
34 | South Africa | 15.29 % | |
35 | France | 15.174 % | |
36 | Spain | 15.097 % | |
37 | Austria | 14.905 % | |
38 | Netherlands | 14.877 % | |
39 | Peru | 14.634 % | |
40 | Iceland | 14.339 % | |
41 | Samoa | 13.94 % | |
42 | Palau | 13.906 % | |
43 | Bahamas | 13.885 % | |
44 | Slovakia | 13.805 % | |
45 | Namibia | 13.803 % | |
46 | Suriname | 13.709 % | |
47 | Thailand | 13.58 % | |
48 | Finland | 13.357 % | |
49 | Singapore | 13.307 % | |
50 | Slovenia | 13.214 % | |
51 | Lebanon | 13.17 % | |
52 | Italy | 13.164 % | |
53 | North Macedonia | 13.054 % | |
54 | Tuvalu | 12.993 % | |
55 | Sudan | 12.929 % | |
56 | Portugal | 12.9 % | |
57 | South Korea | 12.695 % | |
58 | Lithuania | 12.686 % | |
59 | Jamaica | 12.684 % | |
60 | Saudi Arabia | 12.606 % | |
61 | Estonia | 12.565 % | |
62 | Tunisia | 12.515 % | |
63 | Republic of Moldova | 12.208 % | |
64 | Belize | 12.115 % | |
65 | Croatia | 12.089 % | |
66 | Bulgaria | 11.828 % | |
67 | Israel | 11.652 % | |
68 | Serbia | 11.649 % | |
69 | Antigua and Barbuda | 11.607 % | |
70 | Andorra | 11.596 % | |
71 | Romania | 11.416 % | |
72 | Marshall Islands | 11.369 % | |
73 | Honduras | 11.296 % | |
74 | Jordan | 11.238 % | |
75 | Botswana | 11.211 % | |
76 | Switzerland | 11.176 % | |
77 | Bolivia | 11.075 % | |
78 | Burkina Faso | 11.034 % | |
79 | Poland | 10.947 % | |
80 | Montenegro | 10.921 % | |
81 | Luxembourg | 10.692 % | |
82 | Algeria | 10.606 % | |
83 | Ecuador | 10.48 % | |
84 | Mexico | 10.412 % | |
85 | Cabo Verde | 10.392 % | |
86 | Lesotho | 10.336 % | |
87 | Nauru | 10.333 % | |
88 | Georgia | 10.327 % | |
89 | Belarus | 10.307 % | |
90 | Mauritius | 10.202 % | |
91 | Trinidad and Tobago | 10.171 % | |
92 | Hungary | 10.11 % | |
93 | Guyana | 10.054 % | |
94 | Turkey | 9.944 % | |
95 | Libya | 9.908 % | |
96 | Burundi | 9.904 % | |
97 | Albania | 9.889 % | |
98 | Malawi | 9.678 % | |
99 | Vietnam | 9.597 % | |
100 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 9.557 % | |
101 | Tanzania | 9.521 % | |
102 | Kazakhstan | 9.484 % | |
103 | Seychelles | 9.454 % | |
104 | Barbados | 9.285 % | |
105 | Gabon | 9.203 % | |
106 | Latvia | 9.133 % | |
107 | United Arab Emirates | 9.067 % | |
108 | China | 8.953 % | |
109 | Ukraine | 8.939 % | |
110 | Uzbekistan | 8.82 % | |
111 | Greece | 8.809 % | |
112 | State of Palestine | 8.759 % | |
113 | Turkmenistan | 8.714 % | |
114 | Brazil | 8.676 % | |
115 | Sri Lanka | 8.565 % | |
116 | Bahrain | 8.526 % | |
117 | Saint Lucia | 8.516 % | |
118 | Oman | 8.411 % | |
119 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 8.372 % | |
120 | Syrian Arab Republic | 8.316 % | |
121 | Malaysia | 8.263 % | |
122 | Russia | 8.234 % | |
123 | Eswatini | 8.218 % | |
124 | Cook Islands | 8.148 % | |
125 | Indonesia | 8.13 % | |
126 | Papua New Guinea | 8.041 % | |
127 | Tonga | 8.031 % | |
128 | Kenya | 8.025 % | |
129 | Sao Tome and Principe | 8.002 % | |
130 | Solomon Islands | 7.962 % | |
131 | Bhutan | 7.96 % | |
132 | Kiribati | 7.782 % | |
133 | Philippines | 7.752 % | |
134 | Qatar | 7.589 % | |
135 | Grenada | 7.508 % | |
136 | Kuwait | 7.478 % | |
137 | Dominica | 7.278 % | |
138 | Zambia | 7.165 % | |
139 | Cyprus | 7.055 % | |
140 | Morocco | 7.009 % | |
141 | Cambodia | 6.848 % | |
142 | Fiji | 6.668 % | |
143 | Gambia | 6.658 % | |
144 | Ghana | 6.538 % | |
145 | Mongolia | 6.462 % | |
146 | Kyrgyzstan | 6.416 % | |
147 | Rwanda | 6.23 % | |
148 | Brunei Darussalam | 6.153 % | |
149 | Tajikistan | 6.094 % | |
150 | Armenia | 6.054 % | |
151 | Mozambique | 5.996 % | |
152 | Iraq | 5.985 % | |
153 | Somalia | 5.776 % | |
154 | Mauritania | 5.756 % | |
155 | Chad | 5.725 % | |
156 | Niger | 5.686 % | |
157 | Zimbabwe | 5.489 % | |
158 | Angola | 5.433 % | |
159 | Mali | 5.431 % | |
160 | Nepal | 5.315 % | |
161 | Uganda | 5.178 % | |
162 | Djibouti | 5.137 % | |
163 | Egypt | 5.058 % | |
164 | Ethiopia | 5.024 % | |
165 | Haiti | 5.022 % | |
166 | Niue | 4.975 % | |
167 | Central African Republic | 4.947 % | |
168 | Nigeria | 4.866 % | |
169 | Cรดte d'Ivoire | 4.852 % | |
170 | Benin | 4.627 % | |
171 | Senegal | 4.457 % | |
172 | Sierra Leone | 4.445 % | |
173 | Togo | 4.259 % | |
174 | Guinea | 4.13 % | |
175 | Bangladesh | 4.099 % | |
176 | Pakistan | 3.96 % | |
177 | Liberia | 3.897 % | |
178 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 3.808 % | |
179 | Vanuatu | 3.662 % | |
180 | Laos | 3.628 % | |
181 | India | 3.393 % | |
182 | Yemen | 3.365 % | |
183 | Azerbaijan | 3.29 % | |
184 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 3.2 % | |
185 | Myanmar | 3.133 % | |
186 | Equatorial Guinea | 3.111 % | |
187 | Timor-Leste | 3.072 % | |
188 | Comoros | 3.036 % | |
189 | Congo | 2.885 % | |
190 | Eritrea | 2.373 % | |
191 | Guinea-Bissau | 2.362 % | |
192 | Afghanistan | 2.141 % | |
193 | Cameroon | 1.813 % |
- #1
San Marino
- #2
Costa Rica
- #3
Iran
- #4
Japan
- #5
United States
- #6
Panama
- #7
Uruguay
- #8
United Kingdom
- #9
Maldives
- #10
Ireland
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #193
Cameroon
- #192
Afghanistan
- #191
Guinea-Bissau
- #190
Eritrea
- #189
Congo
- #188
Comoros
- #187
Timor-Leste
- #186
Equatorial Guinea
- #185
Myanmar
- #184
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2016, San Marino led the world with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 31.49%, while the range globally spanned from a minimum of 1.81% to a maximum of 31.49%. The global average for this metric was 10.41%, providing a benchmark for evaluating each country's commitment to health in their budget allocations.
Global Leaders in Health Expenditure
Countries that allocate a significant portion of their government expenditure to health services often do so due to strategic policy choices, strong health infrastructure, or a focus on public welfare. San Marino, with the highest allocation, reflects its prioritization of comprehensive health services. Similarly, Costa Rica and Iran, with expenditures of 28.61% and 24.22% respectively, emphasize their robust public health policies. These countries, along with others like Japan (23.18%) and the United States (22.49%), showcase how higher spending can correlate with advanced healthcare systems and a focus on preventive care.
Factors Influencing Low Health Expenditure
At the other end of the spectrum, countries with minimal health spending, such as Cameroon (1.81%) and Afghanistan (2.14%), often face economic constraints or political instability that limit their ability to prioritize health. These nations may struggle with limited fiscal capacity and competing demands for resources in areas such as defense or infrastructure. This scenario is also evident in Guinea-Bissau and Eritrea, where health expenditures were 2.36% and 2.37% respectively. Such low allocations can lead to underfunded health systems, affecting the overall quality and accessibility of healthcare services.
Year-over-Year Changes and Their Implications
Significant year-over-year changes in health expenditure allocations can indicate shifts in government priorities or responses to emerging health challenges. Sudan experienced the largest increase, with a 94.0% rise, reflecting a strategic shift or an urgent need to address health crises. Similarly, Iraq saw a 256.0% increase, likely driven by post-conflict reconstruction efforts focusing on rebuilding health infrastructure. Conversely, Andorra faced a substantial decrease of 26.4%, which might be due to budget reallocation or economic pressures. Other countries like Dominica and Ghana also saw notable reductions, highlighting the volatility that can affect health funding.
Policy Implications and Future Trends
The varied levels of health spending across countries underscore the influence of political priorities, economic status, and demographic needs. Nations like Uruguay and the United Kingdom, with allocations of 20.24% and 19.96% respectively, illustrate how sustained investments in health can be part of a long-term policy strategy to improve public health outcomes. As global health challenges evolve, particularly with the growing burden of non-communicable diseases and aging populations, countries may need to reassess and potentially increase their health spending to ensure sustainable development and well-being for their citizens.
Frequently Asked Questions About Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure in 2016
Which country had the highest government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016?
San Marino had the highest government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016, at 31.49%.
Which country had the lowest government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016?
Cameroon had the lowest government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016, at 1.81%.
What was the average government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure across all countries in 2016?
The average government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure across all countries in 2016 was 10.41%.
What was the median government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016?
The median government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016 was 9.89%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016?
The top 3 countries for government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016 were San Marino, Costa Rica, and Iran.
How many countries were included in the dataset for government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016?
The dataset included 193 countries for government health spending as a percentage of total government expenditure in 2016.
Insights by country
Dominica
In 2016, Dominica ranked #137 globally, with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 7.27849 %. This percentage is lower than the global average, indicating limited resources allocated to health compared to many other nations. Factors such as a small population, economic constraints, and the impact of natural disasters on infrastructure and funding contribute to this relatively low health expenditure.
Kiribati
In 2016, Kiribati ranked #132 globally with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 7.7818184 %. This figure is notably lower than many neighboring Pacific island nations, which often allocate a higher percentage of their budgets to health. The relatively low spending is influenced by Kiribati's limited economic resources and high vulnerability to climate change, impacting both public health and infrastructure investment.
Namibia
In 2016, Namibia ranked #45 globally for Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, allocating 13.802707 % of its budget to health. This figure is relatively high compared to many sub-Saharan African nations, reflecting the government's commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes. Key drivers for this spending include Namibia's relatively high prevalence of diseases such as HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis, which necessitate substantial health investments to mitigate their impact on the population.
Jamaica
In 2016, Jamaica ranked #59 globally for Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, allocating 12.683866 % of its total budget to health. This percentage is higher than the global average for government health spending, which typically hovers around 10%. The substantial investment can be attributed to Jamaica's focus on addressing public health challenges, including high rates of non-communicable diseases and a commitment to improving healthcare access amidst economic constraints.
Israel
In 2016, Israel ranked #67 globally with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 11.651914 %. This figure is relatively high compared to some neighboring countries, reflecting Israel's commitment to providing comprehensive healthcare services. Key drivers of this expenditure include a robust public healthcare system and a significant investment in medical technology and innovation, which is vital for its population's health and well-being.
Hungary
In 2016, Hungary ranked #92 globally with a Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure of 10.110289 %. This figure is below the European Union average, reflecting a more constrained health budget compared to many of its neighbors. Contributing factors include Hungary's economic challenges and a focus on reducing public debt, which has limited the growth of health funding in recent years.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 2016, Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked #31 globally in Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, allocating 15.6296625 % of its total government budget to health. This percentage is notably higher than the global average, indicating a significant commitment to health services compared to many other countries. Factors contributing to this spending include the country's post-war recovery efforts and the need to address public health challenges, which have shaped its health policy priorities.
Lebanon
In 2016, Lebanon ranked #51 globally in Government Health Spending % of Total Government Expenditure, with a value of 13.169962 %. This figure is relatively significant compared to regional neighbors, indicating a commitment to health amidst economic challenges. The high percentage can be attributed to Lebanon's complex healthcare landscape, which includes a mix of public and private providers and an ongoing refugee crisis that strains health resources.
Bangladesh
In 2016, Bangladesh ranked #175 globally with a Government Health Spending of 4.099358 % of Total Government Expenditure. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in funding healthcare compared to higher-ranked nations. The country's limited health budget is driven by economic constraints, a high population density, and ongoing development needs that prioritize infrastructure and education over health services.
Laos
In 2016, Laos ranked #180 globally with a Government Health Spending of 3.627994 % of Total Government Expenditure. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating limited resources allocated to healthcare compared to more developed nations.
The low spending can be attributed to Laos's economic challenges, including a reliance on agriculture and foreign aid, as well as a young population that may prioritize infrastructure and education over health services. Additionally, the country faces geographical constraints that complicate healthcare delivery in rural areas.
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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