Public Health Spending (% of GDP) 2018
Public health spending as a percentage of GDP measures how much countries allocate to health relative to their economic output.
Interactive Map
Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | United States | 13.784 % | |
2 | Germany | 9.467 % | |
3 | Sweden | 9.398 % | |
4 | France | 9.035 % | |
5 | Japan | 8.799 % | |
6 | Denmark | 8.494 % | |
7 | Belgium | 8.317 % | |
8 | Norway | 8.258 % | |
9 | Netherlands | 8.088 % | |
10 | Austria | 7.776 % | |
11 | United Kingdom | 7.63 % | |
12 | Canada | 7.582 % | |
13 | Switzerland | 7.347 % | |
14 | Finland | 7.006 % | |
15 | Australia | 6.968 % | |
16 | Iceland | 6.853 % | |
17 | New Zealand | 6.634 % | |
18 | Italy | 6.349 % | |
19 | Spain | 6.276 % | |
20 | Czech Republic | 6.266 % | |
21 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 6.158 % | |
22 | Argentina | 6.151 % | |
23 | Slovenia | 6.082 % | |
24 | Colombia | 5.905 % | |
25 | Portugal | 5.788 % | |
26 | Chile | 5.568 % | |
27 | Croatia | 5.505 % | |
28 | Costa Rica | 5.379 % | |
29 | Slovakia | 5.318 % | |
30 | Malta | 5.15 % | |
31 | Montenegro | 5.075 % | |
32 | Ireland | 4.958 % | |
33 | Serbia | 4.911 % | |
34 | Estonia | 4.835 % | |
35 | Greece | 4.791 % | |
36 | Israel | 4.689 % | |
37 | Hungary | 4.559 % | |
38 | Poland | 4.469 % | |
39 | Luxembourg | 4.434 % | |
40 | Romania | 4.427 % | |
41 | Bulgaria | 4.347 % | |
42 | Lithuania | 4.346 % | |
43 | South Korea | 4.141 % | |
44 | Brazil | 3.897 % | |
45 | Latvia | 3.837 % | |
46 | Republic of Moldova | 3.798 % | |
47 | South Africa | 3.781 % | |
48 | North Macedonia | 3.768 % | |
49 | Ukraine | 3.529 % | |
50 | Turkey | 3.151 % | |
51 | Peru | 3.123 % | |
52 | China | 2.862 % | |
53 | Cyprus | 2.851 % | |
54 | Thailand | 2.851 % | |
55 | Albania | 2.845 % | |
56 | Georgia | 2.654 % | |
57 | Mexico | 2.6 % | |
58 | Indonesia | 1.396 % | |
59 | India | 0.984 % |
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2018, the United States led the world in Public Health Spending (% of GDP) with a value of 13.78%, while the global range spanned from 0.98% to 13.78%. The average global public health spending was 5.51%, providing a benchmark for comparing individual countries' investments relative to their economic output.
High-Spending Countries: Economic Prosperity and Policy Choices
The top spenders on public health as a percentage of GDP are predominantly wealthy nations, reflecting both their economic capacity and policy decisions prioritizing healthcare. The United States stands out with the highest spending at 13.78%. This is partly due to its complex healthcare system that involves significant government and private expenditures. In contrast, European countries like Germany (9.47%) and Sweden (9.40%) demonstrate a commitment to universal healthcare systems, which require substantial public funding. These nations often view healthcare as a fundamental right, influencing their higher spending percentages.
Low-Spending Countries: Economic Constraints and Development Priorities
At the opposite end of the spectrum, countries such as India and Indonesia spend less than 1.40% of their GDP on public health. India, with a spending rate of 0.98%, reflects the challenges faced by developing economies where limited resources must be balanced among competing priorities like infrastructure and education. Similarly, Indonesia allocates 1.40%
Year-over-Year Changes: Dynamic Adjustments in Health Spending
The landscape of public health spending is not static, as evidenced by notable year-over-year changes. Montenegro saw the largest increase at 0.43%, a 9.4% rise, which may indicate a strategic shift towards enhancing healthcare infrastructure and services. Serbia and Romania also experienced significant increases of 0.36% and 0.35% respectively, reflecting policy reforms or increased public demand for health services. Conversely, Argentina witnessed the largest decrease of 0.59%, an 8.7% drop, potentially due to economic challenges or austerity measures impacting public sector investments.
Implications of Public Health Spending Patterns
The disparities in public health spending as a percentage of GDP highlight the varying capacities and priorities among countries. High spending in nations like the United States and Germany suggests a robust focus on healthcare quality and access, which can lead to better health outcomes. However, these investments also raise questions about efficiency and sustainability, especially in systems with high administrative costs. Meanwhile, lower spending in countries such as India and Indonesia underscores the challenges of expanding healthcare access in resource-limited settings. These patterns reflect broader socio-economic factors and policy choices that shape how nations prioritize health within their broader development agendas.
Frequently Asked Questions About Public Health Spending (% of GDP) in 2018
Which country had the highest public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018?
The United States had the highest public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018, with 13.78%.
Which country had the lowest public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018?
India had the lowest public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018, with 0.98%.
What was the average public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018?
The average public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018 was 5.51%.
What was the median public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018?
The median public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018 was 5.15%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018?
The top 3 countries for public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018 were the United States (13.78%), Germany (9.47%), and Sweden (9.4%).
What was the range of public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018 among the countries in the dataset?
The range of public health spending as a percentage of GDP in 2018 was from 0.98% in India to 13.78% in the United States.
Insights by country
Austria
In 2018, Austria ranked #10 globally with a Public Health Spending (% of GDP) of 7.776 %. This figure is notably higher than the European Union average, reflecting Austria's strong commitment to healthcare. Factors contributing to this high spending include a robust social health insurance system and a focus on preventive care, which are supported by the country's affluent economy and high standard of living.
Brazil
In 2018, Brazil ranked #44 globally with a Public Health Spending of 3.897% of its GDP. This figure is below the average spending of many countries in Latin America, highlighting challenges in healthcare funding compared to regional peers. Key drivers of Brazil's health expenditure include a large and diverse population, ongoing economic constraints, and significant public health initiatives aimed at combating diseases prevalent in the region.
Iceland
Iceland ranked #16 globally in 2018 for Public Health Spending (% of GDP) at 6.853%. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Iceland's commitment to healthcare, which is supported by its robust welfare system. The country's small population and high standard of living contribute to substantial public investment in health services, ensuring access to quality care for all residents.
Turkey
In 2018, Turkey ranked #50 globally in Public Health Spending (% of GDP) at 3.151%. This figure is notably lower than the average for OECD countries, which typically exceed 6% of GDP. Contributing factors to Turkey's spending include a growing population and ongoing economic challenges, which affect the allocation of resources to the healthcare sector.
Croatia
In 2018, Croatia ranked #27 globally in Public Health Spending (% of GDP) at 5.505%. This figure is higher than the global average, reflecting a commitment to healthcare in a region where many countries struggle to meet basic health needs. Key drivers of this spending include Croatia's aging population and the need to address health challenges arising from its transition to a market economy.
Indonesia
In 2018, Indonesia ranked #58 globally in Public Health Spending (% of GDP) at 1.396%. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating a limited financial commitment to health relative to other nations. Contributing factors include Indonesia's large population, diverse geography, and ongoing economic challenges, which can strain public health resources and infrastructure development.
Finland
In 2018, Finland ranked #14 globally in Public Health Spending (% of GDP) at 7.006%. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Finland's commitment to comprehensive healthcare services. The country's robust public health system is driven by a combination of high taxation levels and a strong emphasis on social welfare policies, ensuring access to healthcare for all residents.
Thailand
In 2018, Thailand ranked #54 globally with a Public Health Spending of 2.851 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the average spending of its Southeast Asian neighbors, reflecting a focus on economic growth over health investment. Factors such as a rapidly aging population and increasing healthcare demand are pressuring the Thai government to enhance its public health funding to improve overall health outcomes.
Switzerland
In 2018, Switzerland ranked #13 globally in Public Health Spending (% of GDP) at 7.347 %. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's commitment to high-quality healthcare. The significant investment is driven by Switzerland's robust economy, high standard of living, and comprehensive health insurance system, which mandates coverage for all residents, ensuring access to essential health services.
Malta
In 2018, Malta ranked #30 globally with a Public Health Spending of 5.15 % of GDP. This figure is slightly below the European Union average, indicating a moderate investment in public health relative to its neighbors. The country's health expenditure is influenced by its small population and the need to provide comprehensive healthcare services on a limited budget, alongside a strong emphasis on preventive care and health promotion policies.
Data Source
Government health spending as a share of GDP
Our World in Data is a research organization that provides comprehensive data on various global issues, including health, economics, and education. The dataset on government health spending as a share of GDP presents country-level statistics on public health expenditures relative to each nation's gross domestic product.
Visit Data SourceHistorical Data by Year
Explore Public Health Spending (% of GDP) data across different years. Compare trends and see how statistics have changed over time.