Tax Burden (% of GDP) 2024

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

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

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
35.419 %
2
Namibia flag
Namibia
33.872 %
3
Denmark flag
Denmark
33.358 %
4
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
29.521 %
5
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
28.637 %
6
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
27.416 %
7
Greece flag
Greece
27.381 %
8
Sweden flag
Sweden
27.226 %
9
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
26.889 %
10
South Africa flag
South Africa
25.878 %
11
Austria flag
Austria
25.78 %
12
Italy flag
Italy
25.605 %
13
Finland flag
Finland
25.328 %
14
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
25.276 %
15
Norway flag
Norway
24.542 %
16
Georgia flag
Georgia
24.258 %
17
Malta flag
Malta
24.078 %
18
Fiji flag
Fiji
23.946 %
19
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
23.942 %
20
Solomon Islands flag
Solomon Islands
23.274 %
21
Israel flag
Israel
23.242 %
22
Belgium flag
Belgium
22.96 %
23
France flag
France
22.778 %
24
Hungary flag
Hungary
22.743 %
25
Estonia flag
Estonia
22.668 %
26
Armenia flag
Armenia
22.366 %
27
Portugal flag
Portugal
22.347 %
28
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
21.869 %
29
Mozambique flag
Mozambique
21.846 %
30
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
21.796 %
31
Nauru flag
Nauru
21.42 %
32
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
21.018 %
33
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
20.985 %
34
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
20.672 %
35
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
20.532 %
36
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
20.221 %
37
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
20.09 %
38
Kyrgyzstan flag
Kyrgyzstan
19.615 %
39
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
19.142 %
40
Zambia flag
Zambia
18.83 %
41
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
18.757 %
42
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
18.683 %
43
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
18.648 %
44
Chile flag
Chile
18.265 %
45
Albania flag
Albania
18.015 %
46
Ireland flag
Ireland
17.942 %
47
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
17.862 %
48
Latvia flag
Latvia
17.647 %
49
Turkey flag
Turkey
17.624 %
50
Azerbaijan flag
Azerbaijan
17.301 %
51
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
17.281 %
52
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
16.855 %
53
Romania flag
Romania
16.206 %
54
Malawi flag
Malawi
15.598 %
55
Andorra flag
Andorra
15.569 %
56
Papua New Guinea flag
Papua New Guinea
15.544 %
57
Brazil flag
Brazil
15.41 %
58
Colombia flag
Colombia
15.22 %
59
Thailand flag
Thailand
15.175 %
60
Spain flag
Spain
14.934 %
61
Mexico flag
Mexico
14.824 %
62
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
14.703 %
63
Philippines flag
Philippines
14.37 %
64
Canada flag
Canada
13.715 %
65
Singapore flag
Singapore
13.56 %
66
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
13.46 %
67
South Korea flag
South Korea
13.294 %
68
Belarus flag
Belarus
13.039 %
69
Tanzania flag
Tanzania
12.74 %
70
Uganda flag
Uganda
12.626 %
71
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
12.43 %
72
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
11.63 %
73
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
11.333 %
74
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
11.139 %
75
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
10.945 %
76
Germany flag
Germany
10.891 %
77
Russia flag
Russia
10.872 %
78
United States flag
United States
10.769 %
79
Tajikistan flag
Tajikistan
10.711 %
80
Argentina flag
Argentina
10.429 %
81
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
9.451 %
82
Guinea-Bissau flag
Guinea-Bissau
8.304 %
83
Saudi Arabia flag
Saudi Arabia
8.091 %
84
Angola flag
Angola
7.588 %
85
Panama flag
Panama
7.178 %
86
China flag
China
7.018 %
87
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
3.398 %
88
Somalia flag
Somalia
2.239 %
89
United Arab Emirates flag
United Arab Emirates
0.648 %

↑Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Lesotho flagLesotho
  2. #2Namibia flagNamibia
  3. #3Denmark flagDenmark
  4. #4New Zealand flagNew Zealand
  5. #5Luxembourg flagLuxembourg
  6. #6China, Macao SAR flagChina, Macao SAR
  7. #7Greece flagGreece
  8. #8Sweden flagSweden
  9. #9United Kingdom flagUnited Kingdom
  10. #10South Africa flagSouth Africa

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #89United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates
  2. #88Somalia flagSomalia
  3. #87Ethiopia flagEthiopia
  4. #86China flagChina
  5. #85Panama flagPanama
  6. #84Angola flagAngola
  7. #83Saudi Arabia flagSaudi Arabia
  8. #82Guinea-Bissau flagGuinea-Bissau
  9. #81Switzerland flagSwitzerland
  10. #80Argentina flagArgentina

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

Analysis & Context

In 2024, Lesotho leads the world with the highest Tax Burden (% of GDP) at 35.42%, while the global range spans from 0.65% in the United Arab Emirates to Lesotho's peak. The global average tax burden stands at 18.08%, providing a benchmark for economic comparison across the 89 countries with available data.

Economic Structures and High Tax Burdens

The concentration of high tax burdens in countries like Lesotho and Namibia (33.87%) points to the influence of economic structures reliant on state intervention. In Denmark (33.36%), a robust welfare system necessitates high taxation to fund comprehensive public services, a common feature in Scandinavian economies. Similarly, New Zealand (29.52%) and Luxembourg (28.64%) maintain significant tax burdens to support social welfare and public infrastructure, reflecting their commitment to economic stability through governmental roles.

Minimal Tax Burdens and Economic Freedom

At the opposite end, countries like the United Arab Emirates (0.65%) and Somalia (2.24%) exhibit minimal tax burdens, often correlating with different economic models. The UAE's low tax burden is facilitated by substantial oil revenues, allowing for minimal direct taxation while maintaining public services. In contrast, Somalia's low tax burden may reflect economic instability and limited governmental capacity, resulting in reduced tax collection. Meanwhile, countries like Switzerland (9.45%) balance low taxation with high economic freedom, attracting business investments through favorable tax policies.

Year-over-Year Trends and Notable Changes

Examining year-over-year data reveals significant shifts in tax burdens. China, Macao SAR saw a substantial increase of 4.49% (19.6%), possibly indicating policy shifts toward greater state revenue collection. Ukraine's increase of 3.56% (20.4%) might be attributed to reforms aimed at stabilizing its economy amid geopolitical challenges. On the contrary, Nauru experienced a dramatic decrease of 10.68% (33.3%), potentially due to changes in its economic structure or international aid dynamics. Lesotho also saw a reduction of 4.58% (11.5%), reflecting adjustments in fiscal policy or economic conditions.

Regional Patterns and Policy Implications

Regional patterns in tax burden reveal the impact of policy decisions and economic contexts. In Africa, countries like Lesotho and Namibia have higher tax burdens compared to Angola (7.59%), highlighting varied governmental roles in economic management. In Europe, nations such as Denmark and Sweden (27.23%) demonstrate strong social safety nets funded by higher taxes. Conversely, Saudi Arabia (8.09%) and Guinea-Bissau (8.30%) reflect lower burdens, influenced by different economic priorities and capacities.

These insights into tax burdens across nations underscore the complex interplay between governance, economic strategy, and societal needs. High tax burdens often align with robust public services and economic stability, while lower burdens may indicate different developmental stages or economic models. Understanding these dynamics provides a clearer picture of how countries manage their economic resources in pursuit of growth and prosperity.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Burden (% of GDP) in 2024

Which country has the highest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2024?

Lesotho has the highest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2024, with 35.42%.

Which country has the lowest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2024?

The United Arab Emirates has the lowest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2024, with 0.65%.

What is the average tax burden as a percentage of GDP across all countries in the dataset for 2024?

The average tax burden as a percentage of GDP across all countries in the dataset for 2024 is 18.08%.

What is the median tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2024?

The median tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2024 is 18.02%.

Which countries are in the top 3 for the highest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2024?

The top 3 countries with the highest tax burden as a percentage of GDP in 2024 are Lesotho with 35.42%, Namibia with 33.87%, and Denmark with 33.36%.

How many countries are included in the tax burden dataset for 2024?

There are 89 countries included in the tax burden dataset for 2024.

Insights by country

1

Malta

In 2024, Malta has a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 24.0777855096016 %, ranking #17 out of 89 countries. This figure is notably higher than the European Union average, reflecting Malta's robust public services and social welfare programs. The tax structure is influenced by the country's strategic position as a financial services hub, attracting foreign investment while maintaining competitive tax rates.

2

Fiji

In 2024, Fiji ranks #18 globally with a Tax Burden of 23.9464341913943 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting a robust taxation system aimed at supporting public services and infrastructure development. Key drivers of this tax burden include Fiji's reliance on tourism revenue and a relatively small population, which necessitates higher tax rates to fund essential services and economic stability.

3

China, Macao SAR

In 2024, China, Macao SAR has a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 27.4162061856349 %, ranking #6 out of 89 countries. This figure is notably higher than the global average, reflecting Macao's unique economic structure driven by its tourism and gaming industries. The high tax burden supports extensive public services and infrastructure, which are essential for maintaining its status as a major tourist destination.

4

Mozambique

In 2024, Mozambique ranks #29 globally with a tax burden of 21.8458736303603 % of GDP. This figure is relatively high compared to many African nations, reflecting a commitment to increasing public revenue amid economic challenges. The tax burden is driven by the government's efforts to finance infrastructure projects and social programs, essential for addressing poverty and stimulating growth in a country with significant natural resource potential.

5

Uruguay

In 2024, Uruguay ranks #47 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 17.862010224025 %. This figure is relatively moderate compared to the global average, indicating a balanced approach to taxation in the region. Key drivers of this tax burden include Uruguay's stable economy and social welfare policies, which aim to support education and healthcare, reflecting the government’s commitment to social equity.

6

Lithuania

Lithuania ranks #28 globally with a tax burden of 21.8686469645785 % of GDP in 2024. This figure is slightly above the average tax burden in the European Union, indicating a relatively high level of public revenue generation compared to its neighbors. The country's tax structure is influenced by its commitment to social welfare programs and infrastructure development, which require substantial funding. Additionally, Lithuania's robust economic growth and increasing foreign investment have enabled the government to maintain this tax level while fostering a competitive business environment.

7

Mongolia

Mongolia ranks #52 globally with a Tax Burden of 16.8548718595202 % of GDP in 2024. This figure is relatively low compared to the global average, indicating a less intensive tax environment. Key drivers of this tax burden include Mongolia's reliance on mining revenues, which significantly impacts fiscal policies, and its ongoing efforts to attract foreign investment through favorable tax rates.

8

Turkey

In 2024, Turkey ranks #49 globally with a tax burden of 17.6239296509985 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting a relatively modest tax collection compared to many developed nations.

The tax burden in Turkey is influenced by a combination of economic policies aimed at stimulating growth and a large informal economy that limits tax revenues. Additionally, the government's focus on investment in infrastructure and social programs may further constrain tax increases, impacting overall fiscal capacity.

9

Zambia

Zambia ranks #40 globally with a tax burden of 18.8304899930412 % of GDP in 2024. This figure is relatively higher than several neighboring countries, indicating a more significant reliance on tax revenue. Key drivers of this tax burden include Zambia's efforts to enhance public service funding and infrastructure development, alongside its ongoing economic reforms aimed at improving fiscal sustainability.

10

New Zealand

In 2024, New Zealand ranks #4 globally with a Tax Burden (% of GDP) of 29.5208304137113 %. This figure is significantly higher than the global average, reflecting the country's robust public sector funding. Key drivers include a comprehensive welfare system and extensive public services, which are supported by a relatively progressive tax structure aimed at addressing income inequality.

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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