Private Investment (% of GDP) 2019

Private investment as a share of GDP by country. Compare gross fixed capital formation by the private sector relative to economic output, year by year.

70 data points•Updated 9/22/2026•Global Coverage•Gross fixed capital formation, private sector (% of GDP), World Bank (WB)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Bhutan	38.859 % of GDP
2	China	36.987 % of GDP
3	Brunei Darussalam	36.525 % of GDP
4	Panama	30.832 % of GDP
5	Nepal	28.065 % of GDP
6	Tanzania	26.606 % of GDP
7	South Korea	25.27 % of GDP
8	Bangladesh	25.25 % of GDP
9	India	24.939 % of GDP
10	United States Virgin Islands	24.242 % of GDP
11	Ethiopia	23.98 % of GDP
12	Niger	23.848 % of GDP
13	Bahrain	23.555 % of GDP
14	Senegal	22.96 % of GDP
15	Dominican Republic	22.397 % of GDP
16	Chile	22.261 % of GDP
17	Turkmenistan	21.479 % of GDP
18	Angola	21.336 % of GDP
19	Benin	21.255 % of GDP
20	Guam	21.086 % of GDP
21	Kosovo	20.648 % of GDP
22	Djibouti	20.52 % of GDP
23	Congo	19.883 % of GDP
24	Romania	19.879 % of GDP
25	Honduras	19.878 % of GDP
26	Australia	19.452 % of GDP
27	Guinea-Bissau	19.414 % of GDP
28	Mexico	19.204 % of GDP
29	Uganda	19.191 % of GDP
30	Gabon	18.992 % of GDP
31	Seychelles	18.552 % of GDP
32	Singapore	18.484 % of GDP
33	Gambia	18.031 % of GDP
34	Saudi Arabia	17.589 % of GDP
35	Croatia	17.534 % of GDP
36	Côte d'Ivoire	17.273 % of GDP
37	Haiti	17.056 % of GDP
38	Thailand	16.871 % of GDP
39	Malaysia	16.69 % of GDP
40	Russia	16.659 % of GDP
41	North Macedonia	15.978 % of GDP
42	Madagascar	15.654 % of GDP
43	Northern Mariana Islands	15.522 % of GDP
44	El Salvador	15.361 % of GDP
45	Poland	14.877 % of GDP
46	Puerto Rico	14.82 % of GDP
47	Ecuador	14.813 % of GDP
48	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	14.491 % of GDP
49	Mauritius	13.688 % of GDP
50	China, Hong Kong SAR	13.674 % of GDP
51	Cameroon	13.465 % of GDP
52	Namibia	13.204 % of GDP
53	Togo	13.113 % of GDP
54	South Africa	12.832 % of GDP
55	Costa Rica	12.508 % of GDP
56	Guatemala	12.485 % of GDP
57	Lebanon	12.114 % of GDP
58	Pakistan	11.738 % of GDP
59	China, Macao SAR	10.86 % of GDP
60	Burkina Faso	10.438 % of GDP
61	Sierra Leone	9.742 % of GDP
62	Nicaragua	9.399 % of GDP
63	Egypt	9.303 % of GDP
64	Central African Republic	8.775 % of GDP
65	American Samoa	7.11 % of GDP
66	Timor-Leste	5.179 % of GDP
67	Equatorial Guinea	4.991 % of GDP
68	Syrian Arab Republic	4.777 % of GDP
69	Zimbabwe	4.528 % of GDP
70	Chad	3.263 % of GDP

↑Top 10 Countries

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

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

Analysis & Context

In 2019, Bhutan led the global rankings for Private Investment (% of GDP) with a remarkable 38.86%, while the range across countries spanned from a low of 3.26% to this high. The global average for this economic indicator stood at 17.60%, providing a benchmark for assessing national performance in this area.

Economic Growth and Private Investment (% of GDP)

Countries with rapidly growing economies often exhibit higher levels of private investment as a percentage of GDP. In 2019, China and India were among the top performers, with private investment rates of 36.99% and 24.94%, respectively. These countries have witnessed substantial economic expansion, driven by robust industrialization and urbanization processes. For instance, China’s aggressive infrastructure development and manufacturing sector expansion have fueled its high investment rate. Similarly, India’s economic reforms and focus on enhancing its manufacturing capabilities have contributed to its position among the top 10 countries.

On the other hand, countries like Chad and the Syrian Arab Republic, with private investment rates of 3.26% and 4.78% respectively, illustrate the challenges faced by nations with unstable political environments or limited economic diversification. These conditions often deter private sector investment, leading to lower contributions to GDP.

Policy and Structural Influences on Investment

Government policies and structural factors significantly influence private investment levels. For example, Brunei Darussalam and Panama, with private investment rates of 36.53% and 30.83%, have benefitted from strategic economic policies that encourage private sector participation. Brunei’s focus on diversifying its economy beyond oil and gas, and Panama’s strategic location and investment-friendly policies, have bolstered private sector contributions.

Conversely, countries like Lebanon and Nicaragua, which saw significant declines in their private investment rates by 7.86% and 5.39% respectively, reflect how political instability and economic crises can undermine investment. Lebanon’s financial crisis and Nicaragua’s political unrest have dampened investor confidence, resulting in reduced private sector activity.

Year-over-Year Changes and Investment Dynamics

In 2019, the United States Virgin Islands experienced the most substantial increase in private investment, with a remarkable rise of 12.01%, equivalent to a 98.1% increase from the previous year. This surge can be attributed to targeted efforts to revitalize the local economy through incentives for private enterprises. Similarly, Guinea-Bissau and Haiti saw significant increases of 6.54% and 4.45%, driven by international aid and investment in infrastructure and agriculture.

In contrast, the Democratic Republic of the Congo suffered the largest decrease, with an 8.81% drop, reflecting a 37.8% decline. This downturn highlights the challenges of maintaining investment momentum in regions plagued by political instability and inadequate infrastructure. Turkmenistan and Bhutan also faced declines of 5.03% and 4.00%, respectively, due to shifts in government policy and changing economic priorities.

Sectoral Impacts and Future Outlook

Sector-specific factors also play a crucial role in shaping private investment levels. For instance, countries with strong technology and manufacturing sectors, like South Korea with a 25.27% investment rate, benefit from high levels of private investment due to ongoing innovation and export-oriented strategies. Meanwhile, nations with significant agricultural or extractive industries may see fluctuations based on global commodity prices and demand.

Looking ahead, the sustainability of private investment growth will depend on a combination of stable political environments, strategic economic policies, and the ability to adapt to global economic shifts. Countries that can effectively leverage these elements are likely to see continued robust private sector contributions to their GDP.

Frequently Asked Questions About Private Investment (% of GDP) in 2019

Which country had the highest private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019?

Bhutan had the highest private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019, with 38.86%.

Which country had the lowest private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019?

Chad had the lowest private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019, with 3.26%.

What was the average private investment as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2019?

The average private investment as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2019 was 17.6%.

What was the median private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019?

The median private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019 was 17.4%.

How many countries were included in the dataset for private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019?

The dataset included 70 countries for private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019.

Which countries were in the top 3 for private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019?

The top 3 countries for private investment as a percentage of GDP in 2019 were Bhutan, China, and Brunei Darussalam.

Insights by country

Guatemala

In 2019, Guatemala ranked #56 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) of 12.4845495486723 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the regional average for Central America, which typically hovers around 20%. Contributing factors to Guatemala's investment landscape include a challenging business environment, political instability, and infrastructure deficits, which hinder foreign and domestic investment growth.

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire ranked #36 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) of 17.2731153560206 % of GDP in 2019. This figure is above the average for West Africa, indicating a relatively strong investment climate in the region.

Key drivers of this statistic include ongoing economic reforms and infrastructure investments aimed at boosting private sector growth, alongside a youthful population that supports a dynamic labor market. Additionally, the country's position as a leading cocoa and cashew producer attracts significant foreign investment.

Guam

In 2019, Guam ranked #20 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) of 21.0857592446892 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a strong commitment to attracting private capital. Key drivers of this investment include Guam's strategic location as a U.S. territory in the Pacific, which enhances its appeal for tourism and military-related activities.

Australia

In 2019, Australia ranked #26 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) of 19.4519188721272 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively conservative investment environment compared to higher-ranking countries. Key drivers of this statistic include Australia’s stable political climate and robust regulatory framework, which foster investor confidence, alongside challenges such as high real estate prices that may limit private investment opportunities.

Ethiopia

Ethiopia ranked #11 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) of 23.9795034222388 % of GDP in 2019. This figure is notably higher than the regional average for Sub-Saharan Africa, indicating a strong commitment to private sector development. Key drivers include government policies aimed at attracting foreign investment and a growing population that presents a substantial market opportunity.

Chile

In 2019, Chile ranked #16 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) value of 22.2607669759226 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than the average for Latin America, indicating a robust investment climate compared to many regional peers. Key drivers of this investment level include Chile's stable political environment and strong legal frameworks that protect investors, as well as its strategic trade agreements that enhance market access.

Gambia

In 2019, Gambia ranked #33 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) of 18.0310597210671 % of GDP. This figure is notable within the region, as it reflects a commitment to fostering economic growth through private sector engagement, particularly compared to lower-ranked countries in West Africa. Key drivers include government efforts to improve the business environment and attract foreign direct investment, alongside a young and growing population eager for employment opportunities.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ranked #55 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) of 12.5078594860941 % of GDP in 2019. This figure is notably lower than the regional average for Central America, which tends to hover around 15%. The country's relatively modest investment levels can be attributed to a combination of factors, including its emphasis on environmental sustainability and a stable political climate that attracts foreign direct investment but may limit domestic capital mobilization.

Lebanon

In 2019, Lebanon ranked #57 globally for Private Investment (% of GDP) with a value of 12.1142509009093 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in attracting foreign capital compared to more stable economies. The country's ongoing economic crisis, political instability, and infrastructure deficiencies have significantly hindered private investment, limiting growth opportunities and deterring potential investors.

El Salvador

In 2019, El Salvador ranked #44 globally with a Private Investment (% of GDP) of 15.3612160793776 % of GDP. This figure is lower than the regional average for Central America, which reflects the challenges the country faces in attracting foreign investment compared to its neighbors. Key drivers of this investment level include the country's ongoing economic reforms and efforts to stabilize its financial environment, although security concerns continue to hinder greater investment potential.

Data Source

Gross fixed capital formation, private sector (% of GDP), World Bank (WB)

The World Bank provides comprehensive data on gross fixed capital formation in the private sector as a percentage of GDP, reflecting the level of investment in fixed assets by private entities across various countries. This dataset aids in understanding economic development and investment trends globally.

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Historical Data by Year

Explore Private Investment (% of GDP) data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.

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