Tax Burden (% of GDP) 2014

Tax Burden measures the proportion of GDP collected by governments as taxes, influencing economic freedom.

143 data points••Global Coverage•Tax revenue (% of GDP), World Bank (WB)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Timor-Leste flag
Timor-Leste
62.791 %
2
Denmark flag
Denmark
36.585 %
3
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
36.328 %
4
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
35.07 %
5
Namibia flag
Namibia
34.629 %
6
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
29.766 %
7
Botswana flag
Botswana
27.093 %
8
Sweden flag
Sweden
26.932 %
9
Austria flag
Austria
26.842 %
10
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
26.837 %
11
Belgium flag
Belgium
26.002 %
12
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
25.596 %
13
Malta flag
Malta
25.576 %
14
Greece flag
Greece
25.399 %
15
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
25.032 %
16
Italy flag
Italy
24.969 %
17
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
24.745 %
18
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
24.716 %
19
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
24.714 %
20
South Africa flag
South Africa
24.432 %
21
Iceland flag
Iceland
24.242 %
22
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
24.053 %
23
Fiji flag
Fiji
23.977 %
24
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
23.965 %
25
Samoa flag
Samoa
23.683 %
26
France flag
France
23.156 %
27
Hungary flag
Hungary
23.003 %
28
Portugal flag
Portugal
22.875 %
29
Israel flag
Israel
22.851 %
30
Norway flag
Norway
22.772 %
31
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
22.5 %
32
Ireland flag
Ireland
22.485 %
33
Georgia flag
Georgia
22.053 %
34
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
22.034 %
35
Australia flag
Australia
21.803 %
36
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
21.608 %
37
Armenia flag
Armenia
21.599 %
38
Serbia flag
Serbia
21.052 %
39
Finland flag
Finland
20.736 %
40
Estonia flag
Estonia
20.705 %
41
Croatia flag
Croatia
20.383 %
42
Morocco flag
Morocco
20.354 %
43
Nauru flag
Nauru
20.028 %
44
Belize flag
Belize
19.863 %
45
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
19.778 %
46
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
19.567 %
47
Barbados flag
Barbados
19.428 %
48
Maldives flag
Maldives
19.323 %
49
Palau flag
Palau
19.158 %
50
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
18.958 %
51
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
18.473 %
52
San Marino flag
San Marino
18.346 %
53
Albania flag
Albania
18.208 %
54
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
18.114 %
55
Turkey flag
Turkey
17.949 %
56
Romania flag
Romania
17.938 %
57
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
17.91 %
58
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
17.87 %
59
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
17.549 %
60
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
17.388 %
61
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
17.294 %
62
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
17.275 %
63
Tonga flag
Tonga
17.105 %
64
Chile flag
Chile
17.045 %
65
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
16.829 %
66
Peru flag
Peru
16.721 %
67
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
16.709 %
68
Honduras flag
Honduras
16.543 %
69
Thailand flag
Thailand
16.498 %
70
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
16.235 %
71
Latvia flag
Latvia
16.174 %
72
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
16.109 %
73
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
16.034 %
74
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
15.919 %
75
Marshall Islands flag
Marshall Islands
15.857 %
76
Zambia flag
Zambia
15.761 %
77
Colombia flag
Colombia
15.7 %
78
Poland flag
Poland
15.627 %
79
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
15.533 %
80
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
15.316 %
81
Kenya flag
Kenya
15.187 %
82
Gabon flag
Gabon
15.105 %
83
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
14.841 %
84
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
14.213 %
85
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
14.193 %
86
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
14.11 %
87
Spain flag
Spain
14.048 %
88
Jordan flag
Jordan
14.028 %
89
Ecuador flag
Ecuador
14.021 %
90
Nepal flag
Nepal
13.995 %
91
Laos flag
Laos
13.83 %
92
Burundi flag
Burundi
13.69 %
93
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
13.664 %
94
Singapore flag
Singapore
13.557 %
95
Brazil flag
Brazil
13.49 %
96
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
13.42 %
97
Russia flag
Russia
13.255 %
98
Togo flag
Togo
13.166 %
99
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
13.121 %
100
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
13.046 %
101
Philippines flag
Philippines
13.016 %
102
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
12.902 %
103
Belarus flag
Belarus
12.698 %
104
Micronesia (Fed. States of) flag
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
12.674 %
105
South Korea flag
South Korea
12.631 %
106
Argentina flag
Argentina
12.611 %
107
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
12.505 %
108
Cameroon flag
Cameroon
12.285 %
109
Egypt flag
Egypt
12.22 %
110
Germany flag
Germany
12.05 %
111
Angola flag
Angola
12 %
112
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
11.927 %
113
Canada flag
Canada
11.808 %
114
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
11.364 %
115
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
11.287 %
116
Ghana flag
Ghana
11.252 %
117
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
11.084 %
118
Malawi flag
Malawi
10.949 %
119
United States flag
United States
10.9 %
120
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
10.778 %
121
Mali flag
Mali
10.635 %
122
Mexico flag
Mexico
10.243 %
123
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
10.117 %
124
India flag
India
9.985 %
125
Panama flag
Panama
9.96 %
126
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
9.748 %
127
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
9.745 %
128
Congo flag
Congo
9.581 %
129
China flag
China
9.498 %
130
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
8.908 %
131
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
8.812 %
132
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
8.635 %
133
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
8.441 %
134
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
8.299 %
135
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
8.086 %
136
Sudan flag
Sudan
7.982 %
137
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
6.882 %
138
Myanmar flag
Myanmar
5.841 %
139
Central African Republic flag
Central African Republic
4.099 %
140
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
2.663 %
141
Iraq flag
Iraq
0.915 %
142
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
0.792 %
143
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
0.337 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Timor-Leste flagTimor-Leste
  2. #2Denmark flagDenmark
  3. #3Lesotho flagLesotho
  4. #4China, Macao SAR flagChina, Macao SAR
  5. #5Namibia flagNamibia
  6. #6Eswatini flagEswatini
  7. #7Botswana flagBotswana
  8. #8Sweden flagSweden
  9. #9Austria flagAustria
  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. #143United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates
  2. #142Bahrain flagBahrain
  3. #141Iraq flagIraq
  4. #140Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia
  5. #139Central African Republic flagCentral African Republic
  6. #138Myanmar flagMyanmar
  7. #137Afghanistan flagAfghanistan
  8. #136Sudan flagSudan
  9. #135Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  10. #134Equatorial Guinea flagEquatorial 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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

9

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.

10

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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Historical Data by Year

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

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