Tax Burden (% of GDP) 2023

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

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

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
40 %
2
Namibia flag
Namibia
32.663 %
3
Nauru flag
Nauru
32.097 %
4
Denmark flag
Denmark
31.973 %
5
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
28.063 %
6
Sweden flag
Sweden
27.376 %
7
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
26.984 %
8
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
26.874 %
9
Greece flag
Greece
26.49 %
10
Norway flag
Norway
26.116 %
11
Austria flag
Austria
25.647 %
12
South Africa flag
South Africa
25.4 %
13
Finland flag
Finland
25.363 %
14
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
25.241 %
15
Italy flag
Italy
24.736 %
16
Samoa flag
Samoa
23.956 %
17
Georgia flag
Georgia
23.599 %
18
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
23.297 %
19
France flag
France
23.176 %
20
Iceland flag
Iceland
23.157 %
21
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
22.994 %
22
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
22.931 %
23
Hungary flag
Hungary
22.92 %
24
Portugal flag
Portugal
22.675 %
25
Belgium flag
Belgium
22.484 %
26
Botswana flag
Botswana
22.42 %
27
Armenia flag
Armenia
22.389 %
28
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
22.353 %
29
Israel flag
Israel
22.085 %
30
Malta flag
Malta
21.448 %
31
Estonia flag
Estonia
21.387 %
32
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
21.34 %
33
Croatia flag
Croatia
21.184 %
34
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
20.883 %
35
Morocco flag
Morocco
20.744 %
36
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
20.592 %
37
Fiji flag
Fiji
20.538 %
38
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
20.515 %
39
Tonga flag
Tonga
20.454 %
40
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
20.326 %
41
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
19.942 %
42
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
19.608 %
43
Senegal flag
Senegal
19.537 %
44
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
19.416 %
45
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
19.059 %
46
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
18.585 %
47
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
18.558 %
48
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
18.371 %
49
Turkey flag
Turkey
18.222 %
50
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
18.144 %
51
Poland flag
Poland
17.999 %
52
Albania flag
Albania
17.802 %
53
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
17.786 %
54
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
17.758 %
55
Chile flag
Chile
17.704 %
56
Colombia flag
Colombia
17.533 %
57
Kiribati flag
Kiribati
17.532 %
58
Ireland flag
Ireland
17.52 %
59
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
17.459 %
60
Zambia flag
Zambia
17.274 %
61
San Marino flag
San Marino
17.269 %
62
Latvia flag
Latvia
16.626 %
63
Vanuatu flag
Vanuatu
16.502 %
64
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
16.198 %
65
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
15.935 %
66
Romania flag
Romania
15.672 %
67
Jordan flag
Jordan
15.52 %
68
Thailand flag
Thailand
15.454 %
69
Spain flag
Spain
15.001 %
70
South Korea flag
South Korea
14.599 %
71
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
14.513 %
72
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
14.296 %
73
Mexico flag
Mexico
14.224 %
74
Malawi flag
Malawi
14.165 %
75
Philippines flag
Philippines
14.104 %
76
Andorra flag
Andorra
14.096 %
77
Kenya flag
Kenya
14.063 %
78
Brazil flag
Brazil
14.042 %
79
Nepal flag
Nepal
13.945 %
80
Togo flag
Togo
13.921 %
81
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
13.75 %
82
Singapore flag
Singapore
13.739 %
83
Canada flag
Canada
13.738 %
84
Rwanda flag
Rwanda
13.075 %
85
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
13.037 %
86
Uganda flag
Uganda
12.968 %
87
Belarus flag
Belarus
12.701 %
88
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
12.565 %
89
Ghana flag
Ghana
12.393 %
90
Russia flag
Russia
12.222 %
91
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
12.204 %
92
Kazakhstan flag
Kazakhstan
11.892 %
93
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
11.576 %
94
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
11.491 %
95
Uzbekistan flag
Uzbekistan
11.006 %
96
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
10.752 %
97
Germany flag
Germany
10.688 %
98
United States flag
United States
10.618 %
99
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
10.133 %
100
Argentina flag
Argentina
9.929 %
101
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
9.879 %
102
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
9.515 %
103
Angola flag
Angola
8.963 %
104
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
8.854 %
105
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
8.674 %
106
Panama flag
Panama
8.408 %
107
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
7.804 %
108
China flag
China
7.638 %
109
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
3.931 %
110
Somalia flag
Somalia
2.069 %
111
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
0.617 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Lesotho flagLesotho
  2. #2Namibia flagNamibia
  3. #3Nauru flagNauru
  4. #4Denmark flagDenmark
  5. #5New Zealand flagNew Zealand
  6. #6Sweden flagSweden
  7. #7Luxembourg flagLuxembourg
  8. #8United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
  9. #9Greece flagGreece
  10. #10Norway flagNorway

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #111United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates
  2. #110Somalia flagSomalia
  3. #109Ethiopia flagEthiopia
  4. #108China flagChina
  5. #107Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia
  6. #106Panama flagPanama
  7. #105Switzerland flagSwitzerland
  8. #104Guinea-Bissau flagGuinea-Bissau
  9. #103Angola flagAngola
  10. #102Madagascar flagMadagascar

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

Analysis & Context

In 2023, Lesotho leads the world with the highest Tax Burden (% of GDP) at 39.9998%, while the United Arab Emirates records the lowest at 0.62%. The global range showcases significant diversity in tax policies and economic structures. The average tax burden across the 111 countries analyzed is 17.64%, reflecting a broad spectrum of economic strategies and government funding mechanisms.

High Tax Burden: Policy and Economic Implications

Countries with a high Tax Burden (% of GDP), such as Lesotho at 39.9998% and Namibia at 32.66%, often prioritize extensive government services and social welfare programs. The presence of Denmark and Sweden in the top ten, with tax burdens of 31.97% and 27.38% respectively, underscores their commitment to comprehensive public services, including healthcare and education. These countries typically demonstrate a strong correlation between high tax rates and high levels of public welfare, which can contribute to higher standards of living but may also impact economic freedom by limiting disposable income.

Low Tax Burden: Economic Freedom and Growth

On the other end of the spectrum, countries like the United Arab Emirates and Somalia with tax burdens of 0.62% and 2.07% respectively, often leverage low taxes to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, utilizes its low tax rate to foster a business-friendly environment, crucial for its status as a global business hub. Similarly, China, with a tax burden of 7.64%, balances tax revenue with economic incentives to maintain its rapid development trajectory. However, this approach can lead to underfunded public services, necessitating alternative funding strategies for infrastructure and social programs.

Year-Over-Year Trends and Significant Changes

The past year has seen notable shifts in tax burdens across several countries. Lesotho experienced the most significant increase of 9.56% (a 31.4% rise), reflecting changes in fiscal policy aimed at enhancing government revenue. China, Macao SAR also saw a substantial rise of 6.18% (36.9%), possibly due to adjustments in tax structures to support regional development. Conversely, Norway experienced a decrease of 4.19% (-13.8%), which could indicate strategic tax reforms to stimulate economic activity amidst global economic uncertainties.

Geopolitical and Economic Drivers of Tax Burden

The variation in Tax Burden (% of GDP) is often influenced by geopolitical and economic factors. Countries like Luxembourg and New Zealand, with tax burdens of 26.98% and 28.06% respectively, manage to balance high taxation with robust economic performance due to stable political climates and diversified economies. In contrast, nations such as Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar, with lower tax burdens of 8.85% and 9.51%, may face challenges in expanding their tax base due to economic instability or limited industrial diversification. This diversity highlights the complex interplay between taxation, economic policy, and national development objectives.

In summary, the Tax Burden (% of GDP) in 2023 reflects a wide range of fiscal strategies and economic conditions. High tax burdens often support extensive social programs, while lower burdens can enhance economic competitiveness. The year-over-year changes further illustrate how countries adjust their fiscal policies in response to both internal and external economic pressures.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Burden (% of GDP) in 2023

Which country has the highest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2023?

Lesotho has the highest tax burden at 40% of GDP in 2023.

What is the average tax burden as a percentage of GDP among countries in 2023?

The average tax burden among the 111 countries is 17.64% of GDP in 2023.

Which country has the lowest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2023?

The United Arab Emirates has the lowest tax burden at 0.62% of GDP in 2023.

What is the median tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2023?

The median tax burden is 17.53% of GDP among the 111 countries in 2023.

Can you list the top 3 countries with the highest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2023?

The top 3 countries with the highest tax burden are Lesotho at 40%, Namibia at 32.66%, and Nauru at 32.1% in 2023.

What is the tax burden range among countries in 2023?

The tax burden ranges from 0.62% in the United Arab Emirates to 40% in Lesotho among the 111 countries in 2023.

Insights by country

1

Nauru

Nauru ranks #3 globally in 2023 with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 32.0966666666667 %. This figure is significantly higher than many countries, reflecting a unique economic structure where the government relies heavily on taxation due to limited resources and a small population. The high tax burden is driven by Nauru's reliance on phosphate mining revenues, which have decreased over time, leading to increased taxation to support public services and infrastructure.

2

Togo

Togo ranks #80 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 13.9214440832607 % in 2023. This figure is below the global average, indicating a relatively low level of taxation compared to many countries. Key factors influencing Togo's tax burden include its economic structure, which relies heavily on agriculture and informal sectors, limiting tax revenue potential, and ongoing efforts to reform its tax system to enhance compliance and broaden the tax base.

3

North Macedonia

In 2023, North Macedonia has a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 17.7577976488562 %, ranking #54 out of 111 countries. This figure is relatively low compared to the regional average in Southeast Europe, where many neighboring countries have higher tax burdens. The country's tax policy is influenced by a focus on attracting foreign investment and fostering economic growth, which has led to a more favorable tax environment aimed at stimulating business development.

4

Singapore

In 2023, Singapore ranks #82 globally with a Tax Burden of 13.7387885776561 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting Singapore's status as a low-tax jurisdiction compared to many developed nations. The country's tax policies are designed to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth, supported by a robust financial services sector and a strategic location as a trade hub in Southeast Asia.

5

New Zealand

In 2023, New Zealand ranks #5 globally with a tax burden of 28.0632737383432 % of GDP. This figure is significantly higher than the average tax burden in the Asia-Pacific region, reflecting a strong commitment to public services and welfare. Key drivers of this high tax burden include New Zealand's extensive social security system and investments in healthcare and education, which are funded through taxation to support its relatively small population.

6

Saudi Arabia

In 2023, Saudi Arabia ranks #107 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 7.80440222909766 %. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the country's reliance on oil revenues rather than taxation. The low tax burden is also influenced by Saudi Arabia's ongoing economic diversification efforts, aimed at reducing dependence on oil and increasing private sector participation.

7

United Arab Emirates

The United Arab Emirates ranks #111 globally with a Tax Burden of 0.616670519752557 % of GDP in 2023. This figure is among the lowest in the world, reflecting a strategic economic model that prioritizes low taxation to attract foreign investment and stimulate growth.

Key drivers of this low tax burden include the UAE's oil-rich economy, which generates substantial revenue for the government, allowing for minimal reliance on tax income. Additionally, the country's favorable business environment and free trade zones further enhance its appeal to international businesses.

8

Cambodia

Cambodia ranks #91 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 12.2035420550215 % in 2023. This figure is notably lower than the global average, highlighting the country's limited tax revenue capabilities compared to more developed nations. Key drivers of this low tax burden include a largely informal economy and ongoing challenges in tax administration, which hinder effective revenue collection.

9

Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire ranks #85 globally with a tax burden of 13.0371915910548 % of GDP in 2023. This figure is relatively low compared to many other countries, indicating a less extensive tax system than the global average. The country's tax structure is influenced by its developing economy, which relies heavily on agriculture and exports, limiting the government's capacity to implement higher tax rates.

10

Mauritius

Mauritius ranks #36 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 20.5916033847192 % in 2023. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting the country's strategic efforts to maintain a competitive tax environment. The relatively low tax burden can be attributed to Mauritius's status as a financial hub, which attracts foreign investment and encourages economic growth through favorable tax policies.

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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