Tax Burden (% of GDP) 2016
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 | Iceland | 37.095 % | |
2 | Denmark | 33.49 % | |
3 | Namibia | 29.673 % | |
4 | Lesotho | 29.286 % | |
5 | Sweden | 28.377 % | |
6 | China, Macao SAR | 27.841 % | |
7 | New Zealand | 27.265 % | |
8 | Greece | 27.035 % | |
9 | Malta | 26.249 % | |
10 | Austria | 25.822 % | |
11 | United Kingdom | 25.289 % | |
12 | Nauru | 25.244 % | |
13 | Italy | 25.083 % | |
14 | South Africa | 24.828 % | |
15 | Jamaica | 24.591 % | |
16 | Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 24.352 % | |
17 | Eswatini | 23.91 % | |
18 | Solomon Islands | 23.843 % | |
19 | Luxembourg | 23.768 % | |
20 | Fiji | 23.535 % | |
21 | Cyprus | 23.516 % | |
22 | Barbados | 23.384 % | |
23 | France | 23.146 % | |
24 | Israel | 23.115 % | |
25 | Georgia | 23.042 % | |
26 | Hungary | 23.004 % | |
27 | Samoa | 22.971 % | |
28 | Belgium | 22.901 % | |
29 | Portugal | 22.617 % | |
30 | Serbia | 22.444 % | |
31 | Netherlands | 22.346 % | |
32 | Australia | 22.188 % | |
33 | Slovenia | 22.163 % | |
34 | Croatia | 21.904 % | |
35 | Uruguay | 21.732 % | |
36 | Estonia | 21.677 % | |
37 | Botswana | 21.63 % | |
38 | Kiribati | 21.524 % | |
39 | Trinidad and Tobago | 21.397 % | |
40 | Armenia | 21.277 % | |
41 | Norway | 21.254 % | |
42 | Finland | 20.987 % | |
43 | Belize | 20.644 % | |
44 | Bulgaria | 20.333 % | |
45 | Tonga | 20.257 % | |
46 | Mozambique | 20.077 % | |
47 | Maldives | 19.976 % | |
48 | Morocco | 19.867 % | |
49 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | 19.714 % | |
50 | Czech Republic | 19.661 % | |
51 | Ukraine | 19.63 % | |
52 | Palau | 19.489 % | |
53 | Saint Lucia | 19.145 % | |
54 | Ireland | 18.649 % | |
55 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 18.354 % | |
56 | Turkey | 18.328 % | |
57 | Slovakia | 18.013 % | |
58 | Chile | 17.469 % | |
59 | Albania | 17.403 % | |
60 | Mauritius | 17.382 % | |
61 | Marshall Islands | 17.358 % | |
62 | El Salvador | 17.355 % | |
63 | Latvia | 17.232 % | |
64 | Romania | 17.109 % | |
65 | Lithuania | 17.1 % | |
66 | North Macedonia | 16.951 % | |
67 | Kyrgyzstan | 16.949 % | |
68 | Cabo Verde | 16.725 % | |
69 | San Marino | 16.69 % | |
70 | Republic of Moldova | 16.43 % | |
71 | Senegal | 16.371 % | |
72 | Poland | 16.209 % | |
73 | Nicaragua | 16.166 % | |
74 | Nepal | 16.144 % | |
75 | Thailand | 16.1 % | |
76 | Zimbabwe | 15.458 % | |
77 | Timor-Leste | 15.088 % | |
78 | Kenya | 14.966 % | |
79 | Rwanda | 14.581 % | |
80 | Ecuador | 14.542 % | |
81 | Azerbaijan | 14.52 % | |
82 | Vanuatu | 14.437 % | |
83 | Colombia | 14.385 % | |
84 | Burkina Faso | 14.139 % | |
85 | Bahamas | 14.134 % | |
86 | Burundi | 14.003 % | |
87 | Togo | 13.867 % | |
88 | Belarus | 13.788 % | |
89 | Peru | 13.788 % | |
90 | Jordan | 13.716 % | |
91 | Brazil | 13.71 % | |
92 | Spain | 13.684 % | |
93 | Malaysia | 13.551 % | |
94 | Lebanon | 13.525 % | |
95 | Costa Rica | 13.511 % | |
96 | Zambia | 13.353 % | |
97 | South Korea | 13.278 % | |
98 | Singapore | 13.238 % | |
99 | Mexico | 13.124 % | |
100 | Congo | 13.089 % | |
101 | Philippines | 13.087 % | |
102 | Dominican Republic | 13.012 % | |
103 | Papua New Guinea | 12.949 % | |
104 | Laos | 12.943 % | |
105 | Mali | 12.897 % | |
106 | Canada | 12.497 % | |
107 | Argentina | 12.097 % | |
108 | Bhutan | 11.886 % | |
109 | Germany | 11.834 % | |
110 | Uzbekistan | 11.823 % | |
111 | Cameroon | 11.652 % | |
112 | Gabon | 11.468 % | |
113 | Côte d'Ivoire | 11.46 % | |
114 | Sri Lanka | 11.423 % | |
115 | Tanzania | 11.39 % | |
116 | Mongolia | 11.351 % | |
117 | Cambodia | 11.175 % | |
118 | India | 11.148 % | |
119 | Uganda | 11.12 % | |
120 | Ghana | 11.058 % | |
121 | United States | 10.855 % | |
122 | Malawi | 10.639 % | |
123 | Guatemala | 10.422 % | |
124 | Panama | 10.056 % | |
125 | Kazakhstan | 9.924 % | |
126 | Paraguay | 9.559 % | |
127 | Afghanistan | 9.503 % | |
128 | Switzerland | 9.26 % | |
129 | Madagascar | 9.245 % | |
130 | Russia | 9.183 % | |
131 | China | 8.946 % | |
132 | Angola | 8.45 % | |
133 | Ethiopia | 8.087 % | |
134 | Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 7.65 % | |
135 | Sudan | 7.39 % | |
136 | Bangladesh | 7.317 % | |
137 | Myanmar | 7.176 % | |
138 | Central African Republic | 6.808 % | |
139 | Equatorial Guinea | 6.384 % | |
140 | Micronesia (Fed. States of) | 6.1 % | |
141 | Saudi Arabia | 3.172 % | |
142 | Iraq | 2.078 % | |
143 | Bahrain | 0.809 % | |
144 | United Arab Emirates | 0.041 % |
- #1
Iceland
- #2
Denmark
- #3
Namibia
- #4
Lesotho
- #5
Sweden
- #6
China, Macao SAR
- #7
New Zealand
- #8
Greece
- #9
Malta
- #10
Austria
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #144
United Arab Emirates
- #143
Bahrain
- #142
Iraq
- #141
Saudi Arabia
- #140
Micronesia (Fed. States of)
- #139
Equatorial Guinea
- #138
Central African Republic
- #137
Myanmar
- #136
Bangladesh
- #135
Sudan
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2016, Iceland led the world with the highest Tax Burden (% of GDP) at 37.09%, while the United Arab Emirates recorded the lowest at merely 0.04%. The global range of tax burdens highlights significant disparities in how countries finance their governments. On average, the tax burden among the 144 countries with available data was 16.59%, providing a benchmark for evaluating national tax policies.
Determinants of High Tax Burdens
Countries with high tax burdens, such as Iceland (37.09%), Denmark (33.49%), and Namibia (29.67%), often exhibit robust welfare systems and extensive public services. In Iceland and Denmark, high tax revenues fund comprehensive social programs, including universal healthcare and education, which are pillars of their economies. Lesotho (29.29%) and Sweden (28.38%) also exemplify nations where higher taxes correlate with strong social safety nets. These countries balance high tax rates with high-quality public services, which can enhance economic stability and citizen satisfaction.
Minimal Tax Burdens and Their Implications
On the opposite end, countries like the United Arab Emirates (0.04%), Bahrain (0.81%), and Iraq (2.08%) maintain minimal tax burdens. The UAE and Bahrain benefit from substantial oil revenues, allowing them to sustain government functions without heavily taxing citizens. Saudi Arabia (3.17%) follows a similar model. Such low tax burdens can attract foreign investments and promote economic freedom, but they also pose challenges in diversifying the economy and managing fiscal sustainability in the face of fluctuating oil prices.
Year-Over-Year Changes in Tax Burden
In 2016, some countries experienced significant shifts in their tax burdens. Iceland saw the largest increase at +14.64% (65.2%), reflecting policy changes aimed at bolstering revenue. Similarly, Mauritius increased its tax burden by +8.74% (101.0%), likely in pursuit of economic reforms. Conversely, Timor-Leste experienced a dramatic decrease of -21.08% (-58.3%), possibly due to reductions in tax rates or changes in GDP composition. Equatorial Guinea and Botswana also saw notable declines, which could indicate economic contractions or shifts in tax policy.
Economic and Policy Drivers
The variation in tax burdens across countries often reflects underlying economic structures and policy decisions. Nations like China, Macao SAR (27.84%) and New Zealand (27.27%) have diversified economies with robust service sectors, allowing for a balanced approach to taxation. In contrast, countries with lower tax burdens often rely on natural resource revenues, as seen in the UAE and Equatorial Guinea. Policy decisions, such as tax reforms in Mauritius or fiscal adjustments in Lesotho, further illustrate how governments can strategically alter tax burdens to achieve economic goals.
In conclusion, the Tax Burden (% of GDP) in 2016 underscores the diverse strategies countries employ to finance public services and manage their economies. High tax burdens often correlate with well-developed welfare systems, while low burdens may indicate reliance on alternative revenue sources. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for assessing economic policy and its implications for growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Burden (% of GDP) in 2016
Which country had the highest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2016?
Iceland had the highest tax burden in 2016, with 37.09% of its GDP collected as taxes.
Which country had the lowest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2016?
The United Arab Emirates had the lowest tax burden in 2016, with only 0.04% of its GDP collected as taxes.
What was the average tax burden as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2016?
The average tax burden across all 144 countries in 2016 was 16.59% of GDP.
What was the median tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2016?
The median tax burden in 2016 was 16.19% of GDP.
Which countries were in the top 3 for tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2016?
The top 3 countries for tax burden in 2016 were Iceland with 37.09%, Denmark with 33.49%, and Namibia with 29.67% of GDP.
What was the tax burden range among the countries in 2016?
In 2016, the tax burden ranged from a high of 37.09% in Iceland to a low of 0.04% in the United Arab Emirates.
Insights by country
Republic of Moldova
In 2016, the Republic of Moldova had a tax burden of 16.4301183204667 % of GDP, ranking #70 out of 144 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to many European nations, where tax burdens often exceed 30%. The country's tax structure is influenced by its ongoing economic challenges and efforts to stimulate growth, which have led to a more favorable tax environment aimed at attracting investment and supporting small businesses.
Bahamas
In 2016, the Bahamas ranked #85 globally with a tax burden of 14.1340479509128 % of GDP. This figure is relatively low compared to many countries in the Caribbean, where tax burdens often exceed 20%. The Bahamas' tax structure is influenced by its status as a tourism-dependent economy, which relies on indirect taxation rather than direct taxes to attract foreign investment and visitors.
Zimbabwe
In 2016, Zimbabwe had a tax burden of 15.4582805565972 % of GDP, ranking #76 out of 144 countries. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively modest tax collection compared to many nations. Contributing factors include economic challenges such as hyperinflation and a shrinking formal economy, which have hindered the government's ability to generate revenue through taxation.
Marshall Islands
The Marshall Islands ranked #61 globally with a Tax Burden of 17.3583439048563 % of GDP in 2016. This figure is relatively low compared to the global average, indicating a less intensive tax environment. The country's economic structure relies heavily on foreign aid and compact agreements with the United States, which influences its tax policies and revenue generation.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka ranked #114 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 11.4234897676172 % in 2016. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating a relatively limited capacity for government revenue generation compared to many other nations.
The low tax burden can be attributed to a combination of factors including a narrow tax base and challenges in tax compliance, exacerbated by economic pressures and a focus on growth rather than revenue collection. Additionally, Sri Lanka's post-civil war recovery phase has influenced fiscal policies aimed at stimulating economic activity.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria ranked #44 globally in 2016 with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 20.3330308112228 %. This figure is notably lower than the European Union average, indicating a relatively lighter tax load on its economy compared to many of its neighbors. Key drivers of this statistic include Bulgaria's flat tax rate policy, which has attracted foreign investment, and its ongoing efforts to maintain fiscal stability amidst economic reforms.
Myanmar
In 2016, Myanmar ranked #137 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 7.17585983640205 %. This figure is significantly lower than many of its Southeast Asian neighbors, reflecting a broader trend of limited tax revenue generation in the region. Contributing factors include a largely informal economy and ongoing challenges in governance and infrastructure that hinder effective tax collection.
North Macedonia
In 2016, North Macedonia had a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 16.9511578216024 %, ranking #66 out of 144 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to the European Union average, indicating a lighter tax load on its economy. The modest tax burden can be attributed to North Macedonia's efforts to attract foreign investment through competitive tax policies and a focus on economic growth in a transitioning market.
Central African Republic
The Central African Republic ranked #138 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 6.80758893701064 % in 2016. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting the country's challenges in revenue generation compared to more stable economies. Contributing factors include ongoing political instability, a lack of infrastructure, and a predominantly informal economy, which limit the government's ability to effectively collect taxes.
Malta
In 2016, Malta ranked #9 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 26.2493786095596 %. This figure is notably higher than the European Union average, reflecting Malta's robust public services and social welfare commitments. Key drivers of this tax burden include Malta's strategic position as a financial services hub and its investment in infrastructure and education, which necessitate higher taxation to support these sectors.
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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