Tax Burden (% of GDP) 2014
Tax Burden measures the proportion of GDP collected by governments as taxes, influencing economic freedom.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 | Timor-Leste | 62.791 % | |
2 | Denmark | 36.585 % | |
3 | Lesotho | 36.328 % | |
4 | China, Macao SAR | 35.07 % | |
5 | Namibia | 34.629 % | |
6 | Eswatini | 29.766 % | |
7 | Botswana | 27.093 % | |
8 | Sweden | 26.932 % | |
9 | Austria | 26.842 % | |
10 | New Zealand | 26.837 % | |
11 | Belgium | 26.002 % | |
12 | Solomon Islands | 25.596 % | |
13 | Malta | 25.576 % | |
14 | Greece | 25.399 % | |
15 | Trinidad and Tobago | 25.032 % | |
16 | Italy | 24.969 % | |
17 | Luxembourg | 24.745 % | |
18 | Cyprus | 24.716 % | |
19 | United Kingdom | 24.714 % | |
20 | South Africa | 24.432 % | |
21 | Iceland | 24.242 % | |
22 | Jamaica | 24.053 % | |
23 | Fiji | 23.977 % | |
24 | Mozambique | 23.965 % | |
25 | Samoa | 23.683 % | |
26 | France | 23.156 % | |
27 | Hungary | 23.003 % | |
28 | Portugal | 22.875 % | |
29 | Israel | 22.851 % | |
30 | Norway | 22.772 % | |
31 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 22.5 % | |
32 | Ireland | 22.485 % | |
33 | Georgia | 22.053 % | |
34 | Slovenia | 22.034 % | |
35 | Australia | 21.803 % | |
36 | Netherlands | 21.608 % | |
37 | Armenia | 21.599 % | |
38 | Serbia | 21.052 % | |
39 | Finland | 20.736 % | |
40 | Estonia | 20.705 % | |
41 | Croatia | 20.383 % | |
42 | Morocco | 20.354 % | |
43 | Nauru | 20.028 % | |
44 | Belize | 19.863 % | |
45 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 19.778 % | |
46 | Bulgaria | 19.567 % | |
47 | Barbados | 19.428 % | |
48 | Maldives | 19.323 % | |
49 | Palau | 19.158 % | |
50 | Czech Republic | 18.958 % | |
51 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 18.473 % | |
52 | San Marino | 18.346 % | |
53 | Albania | 18.208 % | |
54 | Saint Lucia | 18.114 % | |
55 | Turkey | 17.949 % | |
56 | Romania | 17.938 % | |
57 | Papua New Guinea | 17.91 % | |
58 | Mauritius | 17.87 % | |
59 | Kyrgyzstan | 17.549 % | |
60 | Slovakia | 17.388 % | |
61 | Ukraine | 17.294 % | |
62 | Uruguay | 17.275 % | |
63 | Tonga | 17.105 % | |
64 | Chile | 17.045 % | |
65 | Republic of Moldova | 16.829 % | |
66 | Peru | 16.721 % | |
67 | El Salvador | 16.709 % | |
68 | Honduras | 16.543 % | |
69 | Thailand | 16.498 % | |
70 | North Macedonia | 16.235 % | |
71 | Latvia | 16.174 % | |
72 | Vanuatu | 16.109 % | |
73 | Lithuania | 16.034 % | |
74 | Kiribati | 15.919 % | |
75 | Marshall Islands | 15.857 % | |
76 | Zambia | 15.761 % | |
77 | Colombia | 15.7 % | |
78 | Poland | 15.627 % | |
79 | Cabo Verde | 15.533 % | |
80 | Nicaragua | 15.316 % | |
81 | Kenya | 15.187 % | |
82 | Gabon | 15.105 % | |
83 | Malaysia | 14.841 % | |
84 | Azerbaijan | 14.213 % | |
85 | Kazakhstan | 14.193 % | |
86 | Lebanon | 14.11 % | |
87 | Spain | 14.048 % | |
88 | Jordan | 14.028 % | |
89 | Ecuador | 14.021 % | |
90 | Nepal | 13.995 % | |
91 | Laos | 13.83 % | |
92 | Burundi | 13.69 % | |
93 | Burkina Faso | 13.664 % | |
94 | Singapore | 13.557 % | |
95 | Brazil | 13.49 % | |
96 | Dominican Republic | 13.42 % | |
97 | Russia | 13.255 % | |
98 | Togo | 13.166 % | |
99 | Rwanda | 13.121 % | |
100 | Costa Rica | 13.046 % | |
101 | Philippines | 13.016 % | |
102 | Mongolia | 12.902 % | |
103 | Belarus | 12.698 % | |
104 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 12.674 % | |
105 | South Korea | 12.631 % | |
106 | Argentina | 12.611 % | |
107 | Bhutan | 12.505 % | |
108 | Cameroon | 12.285 % | |
109 | Egypt | 12.22 % | |
110 | Germany | 12.05 % | |
111 | Angola | 12 % | |
112 | Uzbekistan | 11.927 % | |
113 | Canada | 11.808 % | |
114 | Tanzania | 11.364 % | |
115 | Bahamas | 11.287 % | |
116 | Ghana | 11.252 % | |
117 | Cambodia | 11.084 % | |
118 | Malawi | 10.949 % | |
119 | United States | 10.9 % | |
120 | Guatemala | 10.778 % | |
121 | Mali | 10.635 % | |
122 | Mexico | 10.243 % | |
123 | Côte d'Ivoire | 10.117 % | |
124 | India | 9.985 % | |
125 | Panama | 9.96 % | |
126 | Sri Lanka | 9.748 % | |
127 | Paraguay | 9.745 % | |
128 | Congo | 9.581 % | |
129 | China | 9.498 % | |
130 | Switzerland | 8.908 % | |
131 | Ethiopia | 8.812 % | |
132 | Bangladesh | 8.635 % | |
133 | Madagascar | 8.441 % | |
134 | Equatorial Guinea | 8.299 % | |
135 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 8.086 % | |
136 | Sudan | 7.982 % | |
137 | Afghanistan | 6.882 % | |
138 | Myanmar | 5.841 % | |
139 | Central African Republic | 4.099 % | |
140 | Saudi Arabia | 2.663 % | |
141 | Iraq | 0.915 % | |
142 | Bahrain | 0.792 % | |
143 | United Arab Emirates | 0.337 % |
- #1
Timor-Leste
- #2
Denmark
- #3
Lesotho
- #4
China, Macao SAR
- #5
Namibia
- #6
Eswatini
- #7
Botswana
- #8
Sweden
- #9
Austria
- #10
New Zealand
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #143
United Arab Emirates
- #142
Bahrain
- #141
Iraq
- #140
Saudi Arabia
- #139
Central African Republic
- #138
Myanmar
- #137
Afghanistan
- #136
Sudan
- #135
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #134
Equatorial Guinea
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2014, Timor-Leste had the highest Tax Burden (% of GDP) at 62.79%, while the global range spanned from 0.34% to 62.79%. The average tax burden globally was 17.03%, providing a benchmark for economic analysis across nations.
Understanding the Outliers: High and Low Tax Burdens
The disparity in Tax Burden (% of GDP) among countries in 2014 reveals significant insights into their economic structures. Timor-Leste led with an extraordinary 62.79%, largely due to its reliance on oil revenues and a small, concentrated economy. In contrast, countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain reported minimal tax burdens of 0.34% and 0.79% respectively, reflecting their oil-rich economies where government revenues are primarily derived from natural resources rather than traditional taxation.
These extremes highlight how resource endowments and economic policies shape tax strategies. In several high-burden countries like Denmark (36.59%) and Lesotho (36.33%), extensive welfare systems and public services necessitate higher taxation to fund social programs, contrasting sharply with the low-tax, high-resource revenue models of some Gulf states.
Regional Patterns and Economic Structures
Examining regional trends, many European countries exhibit moderate to high tax burdens, with Sweden and Austria at 26.93% and 26.84% respectively. This trend reflects a common European model prioritizing social welfare and public services. Conversely, African nations like Namibia (34.63%) and Eswatini (29.77%) have high tax burdens due to similar needs for public funding but face different economic landscapes, often relying on fewer industries and external aid.
In Asia, China, Macao SAR demonstrates a relatively high burden at 35.07%, indicative of its unique economic model that blends high government oversight with substantial casino-based revenues. In stark contrast, Myanmar and Afghanistan have lower burdens at 5.84% and 6.88%, respectively, due to limited tax collection infrastructure and reliance on international aid.
Year-over-Year Trends and Economic Adjustments
Analyzing year-over-year trends provides insight into fiscal policy shifts and economic adjustments. Micronesia (Fed. States of) experienced the most significant increase, with a tax burden jump of 7.15%, a staggering 129.5% increase. This spike likely reflects efforts to bolster government revenues and reduce reliance on external funding.
Conversely, Timor-Leste saw the largest decrease, with a reduction of 31.07% or 33.1%, indicating possible economic restructuring or shifts in resource revenues. Similarly, Mongolia and Kazakhstan, with decreases of 2.83% and 1.84% respectively, might be responding to fluctuating commodity prices affecting their economies.
Implications of Tax Burden on Economic Freedom
The Tax Burden (% of GDP) is a critical indicator of economic freedom and government intervention. Countries with lower burdens often exhibit greater individual economic freedom and less government intervention, as seen in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. However, a lower tax burden can also indicate underdeveloped government services, as seen in Sudan and the Central African Republic.
High-tax countries, such as Denmark and Sweden, typically offer extensive public services and welfare benefits, showcasing a trade-off between taxation levels and social services. This balance reflects differing national priorities and economic models, emphasizing the complex interplay between taxation, economic policy, and social welfare.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Burden (% of GDP) in 2014
Which country had the highest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2014?
Timor-Leste had the highest tax burden in 2014, with 62.79% of its GDP collected as taxes.
What was the average tax burden as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2014?
The average tax burden across all countries in 2014 was 17.03% of GDP.
Which country had the lowest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2014?
The United Arab Emirates had the lowest tax burden in 2014, at 0.34% of GDP.
What was the median tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2014?
The median tax burden in 2014 was 16.11% of GDP.
What is the range of tax burdens as a percentage of GDP among the countries in the dataset for 2014?
The range of tax burdens in 2014 spans from 0.34% in the United Arab Emirates to 62.79% in Timor-Leste.
Which countries were in the top 10 for tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2014?
The top 10 countries for tax burden in 2014 were Timor-Leste, Denmark, Lesotho, China (Macao SAR), Namibia, Eswatini, Botswana, Sweden, Austria, and New Zealand.
Insights by country
Cyprus
In 2014, Cyprus had a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 24.7157220076717 %, ranking #18 out of 143 countries. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting the country's commitment to public services and social welfare. Key drivers of this tax burden include Cyprus's strategic location as a financial hub and its efforts to maintain a robust infrastructure and public sector, which necessitate higher tax revenues.
Germany
In 2014, Germany ranked #110 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 12.050213270698 %. This figure is notably lower than the OECD average, reflecting Germany's competitive tax environment compared to other developed nations. The relatively low tax burden can be attributed to Germany's strong manufacturing sector and a focus on export-driven growth, which allows for substantial economic activity without heavily taxing its GDP.
El Salvador
In 2014, El Salvador had a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 16.7087952019765 %, ranking #67 out of 143 countries. This figure is lower than the regional average for Central America, indicating a relatively modest tax collection effort compared to its neighbors. The country's tax burden is influenced by a combination of factors, including a narrow tax base and challenges in tax administration, which hinder revenue generation for public services.
Gabon
In 2014, Gabon had a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 15.1052288790252 %, ranking #82 out of 143 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively moderate tax environment compared to many nations. Key drivers of this statistic include Gabon's reliance on oil exports, which significantly influence government revenue, and its efforts to maintain an attractive investment climate for foreign businesses.
Ghana
In 2014, Ghana's Tax Burden (% of GDP) was 11.2521859793493 %, ranking #116 out of 143 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively modest tax collection capacity. Contributing factors include a large informal economy and challenges in tax administration, which hinder the government's ability to increase revenue through taxation.
Kiribati
In 2014, Kiribati had a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 15.9191032007104 %, ranking #74 out of 143 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to higher-taxed nations in the Pacific region, reflecting the country's limited economic base and reliance on external aid. The primary drivers of this tax burden include a small population spread across numerous islands, which complicates tax collection, and a significant dependence on foreign assistance for public services and infrastructure development.
Israel
In 2014, Israel had a tax burden of 22.8514127744922 % of GDP, ranking #29 out of 143 countries. This figure is notable as it is higher than the OECD average, reflecting a robust public sector. Key drivers of this tax burden include Israel's extensive social welfare programs and significant defense spending, which are essential given its geopolitical context.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka ranked #126 globally in 2014 with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 9.7478598230375 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively light taxation structure compared to many countries. Contributing factors include a history of economic challenges, including post-civil war recovery efforts, which have limited the government's capacity to expand its tax base effectively.
Cabo Verde
Cabo Verde ranked #79 out of 143 countries with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 15.5325589020017 % in 2014. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively modest tax environment compared to many other nations. The tax burden reflects Cabo Verde's efforts to stimulate economic growth in a small island nation heavily reliant on tourism and remittances, which impacts its fiscal policies and revenue generation.
Azerbaijan
Azerbaijan's Tax Burden (% of GDP) in 2014 was 14.2125356482603 %, ranking it #84 out of 143 countries. This figure is lower than the global average, reflecting a relatively moderate tax environment compared to many other nations.
The country's tax structure is influenced by its significant oil and gas revenues, which allow for lower taxation levels on individuals and businesses. Additionally, Azerbaijan's economic policies have aimed at fostering investment and growth, contributing to its overall tax burden profile.
Data Source
Tax revenue (% of GDP), World Bank (WB)
Taxes are compulsory, unrequited payments, in cash or in kind, made by institutional units to government units. This indicator is expressed as a percentage of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) which is the total income earned through the production of goods and services in an economic territory during an accounting period.
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