Tax Revenue (% of GDP) 2005
Tax revenue as a share of GDP by country. Compare how much governments collect in taxes relative to economic output, using World Bank data since 2001.
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Complete Data Rankings
Rank | Actions | ||
|---|---|---|---|
1 |  Denmark | 32.99 % of GDP | |
2 |  New Zealand | 30.313 % of GDP | |
3 |  Sweden | 29.24 % of GDP | |
4 |  Lesotho | 28.574 % of GDP | |
5 |  Norway | 28.073 % of GDP | |
6 |  Iceland | 26.777 % of GDP | |
7 |  Barbados | 26.735 % of GDP | |
8 |  Trinidad and Tobago | 26.379 % of GDP | |
9 |  Namibia | 25.729 % of GDP | |
10 |  Seychelles | 25.659 % of GDP | |
11 |  Austria | 25.649 % of GDP | |
12 |  Belgium | 25.471 % of GDP | |
13 |  Ireland | 25.457 % of GDP | |
14 |  United Kingdom | 25.406 % of GDP | |
15 |  Malta | 25.341 % of GDP | |
16 |  Luxembourg | 25.336 % of GDP | |
17 |  Australia | 24.715 % of GDP | |
18 |  Israel | 24.522 % of GDP | |
19 |  Jordan | 24.415 % of GDP | |
20 |  Slovenia | 23.669 % of GDP | |
21 |  Jamaica | 23.216 % of GDP | |
22 |  Cyprus | 23.168 % of GDP | |
23 |  South Africa | 22.972 % of GDP | |
24 |  Eswatini | 22.594 % of GDP | |
25 |  France | 22.406 % of GDP | |
26 |  Italy | 21.879 % of GDP | |
27 |  Finland | 21.796 % of GDP | |
28 |  Fiji | 21.536 % of GDP | |
29 |  Ghana | 21.322 % of GDP | |
30 |  Cabo Verde | 21.077 % of GDP | |
31 |  China, Macao SAR | 20.98 % of GDP | |
32 |  Netherlands | 20.888 % of GDP | |
33 |  Bulgaria | 20.886 % of GDP | |
34 |  Croatia | 20.885 % of GDP | |
35 |  Greece | 20.793 % of GDP | |
36 |  Saint Kitts and Nevis | 20.662 % of GDP | |
37 |  Portugal | 20.598 % of GDP | |
38 |  Belarus | 20.15 % of GDP | |
39 |  Hungary | 19.919 % of GDP | |
40 |  Bosnia and Herzegovina | 19.886 % of GDP | |
41 |  Lithuania | 19.749 % of GDP | |
42 |  Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | 19.724 % of GDP | |
43 |  Estonia | 19.097 % of GDP | |
44 |  Czech Republic | 19.058 % of GDP | |
45 |  Morocco | 18.99 % of GDP | |
46 |  Tunisia | 18.878 % of GDP | |
47 |  Republic of Moldova | 18.485 % of GDP | |
48 |  North Macedonia | 18.425 % of GDP | |
49 |  Chile | 18.121 % of GDP | |
50 |  Slovakia | 18.081 % of GDP | |
51 |  Uruguay | 17.897 % of GDP | |
52 |  Saint Lucia | 17.64 % of GDP | |
53 |  Romania | 17.468 % of GDP | |
54 |  Mauritius | 17.027 % of GDP | |
55 |  San Marino | 16.935 % of GDP | |
56 |  Russia | 16.623 % of GDP | |
57 |  Georgia | 16.543 % of GDP | |
58 |  Ukraine | 16.529 % of GDP | |
59 |  Poland | 16.428 % of GDP | |
60 |  Bolivia | 16.215 % of GDP | |
61 |  Belize | 16.101 % of GDP | |
62 |  Thailand | 16.062 % of GDP | |
63 |  Latvia | 15.711 % of GDP | |
64 |  Spain | 15.458 % of GDP | |
65 |  Angola | 15.28 % of GDP | |
66 |  Lebanon | 15.168 % of GDP | |
67 |  Malaysia | 14.826 % of GDP | |
68 |  Zambia | 14.795 % of GDP | |
69 |  Honduras | 14.535 % of GDP | |
70 |  El Salvador | 14.511 % of GDP | |
71 |  Armenia | 14.336 % of GDP | |
72 |  Peru | 14.105 % of GDP | |
73 |  Egypt | 14.069 % of GDP | |
74 |  Sri Lanka | 13.733 % of GDP | |
75 |  Dominican Republic | 13.698 % of GDP | |
76 |  Costa Rica | 13.635 % of GDP | |
77 |  Canada | 13.299 % of GDP | |
78 |  Argentina | 13.103 % of GDP | |
79 |  Nicaragua | 12.9 % of GDP | |
80 |  South Korea | 12.808 % of GDP | |
81 |  Philippines | 11.924 % of GDP | |
82 |  Singapore | 11.577 % of GDP | |
83 |  Maldives | 11.569 % of GDP | |
84 |  Guatemala | 11.384 % of GDP | |
85 |  Mali | 11.185 % of GDP | |
86 |  Germany | 10.712 % of GDP | |
87 |  United States | 10.682 % of GDP | |
88 |  Burkina Faso | 10.45 % of GDP | |
89 |  India | 10.081 % of GDP | |
90 |  Bahamas | 10.002 % of GDP | |
91 |  Côte d'Ivoire | 9.872 % of GDP | |
92 |  Nepal | 9.179 % of GDP | |
93 |  Togo | 9.119 % of GDP | |
94 |  Switzerland | 8.992 % of GDP | |
95 |  Ethiopia | 8.724 % of GDP | |
96 |  Madagascar | 8.69 % of GDP | |
97 |  China | 8.452 % of GDP | |
98 |  Paraguay | 8.265 % of GDP | |
99 |  Bhutan | 7.944 % of GDP | |
100 |  Bangladesh | 7.136 % of GDP | |
101 |  Cambodia | 7.03 % of GDP | |
102 |  Iran | 6.658 % of GDP | |
103 |  Congo | 5.688 % of GDP | |
104 |  Congo, Democratic Republic of the | 5.618 % of GDP | |
105 |  Myanmar | 3.882 % of GDP | |
106 |  Bahrain | 1.162 % of GDP |
- #1Denmark
- #2New Zealand
- #3Sweden
- #4Lesotho
- #5Norway
- #6Iceland
- #7Barbados
- #8Trinidad and Tobago
- #9Namibia
- #10Seychelles
Analysis: These countries represent the highest values in this dataset, showcasing significant scale and impact on global statistics.
- #106Bahrain
- #105Myanmar
- #104Congo, Democratic Republic of the
- #103Congo
- #102Iran
- #101Cambodia
- #100Bangladesh
- #99Bhutan
- #98Paraguay
- #97China
Context: These countries or territories have the lowest values, often due to geographic size, administrative status, or specific characteristics.
Analysis & Context
In 2005, Denmark led the world in Tax Revenue (% of GDP) with a value of 32.99%, while Bahrain recorded the lowest at 1.16%. This data highlights significant global disparities in how much governments collect in taxes relative to their economic output. On average, the global Tax Revenue (% of GDP) was 17.26%, providing a benchmark for analyzing individual country performances.
High Tax Revenue Economies
The countries with the highest Tax Revenue (% of GDP) in 2005, such as Denmark and New Zealand (at 30.31%), reflect robust welfare states and comprehensive tax systems. These nations typically feature strong public sector services funded by high tax rates. For instance, Sweden, with a tax revenue of 29.24%, is known for its extensive social benefits, which are supported by high taxation. In Norway (at 28.07%), a combination of oil wealth and high taxes supports a generous welfare system, illustrating a model where natural resource income complements tax revenue.
Low Tax Revenue Economies
At the other end of the spectrum, countries like Bahrain and Myanmar (with 3.88%) demonstrate minimal reliance on taxation as a revenue source. In Bahrain, the significant reliance on oil revenues allows the government to maintain low tax rates. Myanmar, meanwhile, reflects an economy still developing its tax infrastructure. China, with a tax revenue of 8.45%, represents a growing economy transitioning from state-controlled models to more market-oriented practices, impacting its tax collection capabilities.
Influence of Economic Structure
Economic structure plays a crucial role in determining a country's Tax Revenue (% of GDP). In Lesotho (at 28.57%), the high tax revenue is partly due to customs revenue from the Southern African Customs Union. Smaller economies like Seychelles (at 25.66%) often rely on specific sectors, such as tourism, which can be heavily taxed. Conversely, Iran (with 6.66%) shows how reliance on oil exports can reduce the need for high domestic taxation.
Year-over-Year Trends and Significant Changes
The average year-over-year change in Tax Revenue (% of GDP) was 0.48%, or 2.6% growth, indicating a general upward trend in tax collection. Notable increases were seen in Trinidad and Tobago (up by 4.35%), driven by a booming energy sector, and Ukraine (up by 3.71%), reflecting post-Soviet economic reforms. Bahrain experienced the most significant decrease of -3.05%, as fluctuations in oil prices impacted government revenues. Similarly, Congo saw a decline of -2.13%, highlighting challenges in tax collection infrastructure.
Overall, the Tax Revenue (% of GDP) data for 2005 underscores the diverse fiscal landscapes across the globe, influenced by economic policies, resource dependencies, and structural factors. Understanding these dynamics is essential for interpreting how different countries manage their fiscal responsibilities and economic strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Revenue (% of GDP) in 2005
Which country had the highest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005?
Denmark had the highest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005, with 32.99%.
What was the lowest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP recorded in 2005 and which country had it?
Bahrain recorded the lowest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005, with 1.16%.
What was the average tax revenue as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2005?
The average tax revenue as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2005 was 17.26%.
What was the median tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005?
The median tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005 was 17.25%.
Which countries were in the top 3 for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005?
The top 3 countries for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005 were Denmark (32.99%), New Zealand (30.31%), and Sweden (29.24%).
How many countries were included in the dataset for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005?
The dataset for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2005 included 106 countries.
Insights by country
Australia
In 2005, Australia ranked #17 globally with a tax revenue of 24.7148112586711 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than the global average, indicating a strong public sector compared to many other nations. Key drivers of this revenue include Australia’s robust economy, characterized by diverse industries such as mining and services, and a progressive tax system that supports social welfare programs.
Madagascar
In 2005, Madagascar ranked #96 globally for tax revenue, with a value of 8.69015551764536 % of GDP. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, reflecting the challenges faced by many developing nations. Contributing factors include a largely informal economy, limited tax infrastructure, and high levels of poverty, which hinder effective tax collection and compliance.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
In 2005, Bosnia and Herzegovina ranked #40 globally with a tax revenue of 19.8860927318636 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the European Union average, indicating a potential gap in fiscal capacity compared to its regional peers. Contributing factors include the country's complex political structure and economic challenges stemming from the aftermath of the 1990s conflict, which have hindered effective tax collection and economic growth.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica ranked #76 globally with a Tax Revenue (% of GDP) of 13.6353970235132 % of GDP in 2005. This figure is below the global average, indicating a relatively lower capacity for generating revenue compared to peers. The country's tax policy has historically focused on indirect taxes, which may limit revenue generation, while its commitment to social programs places additional pressure on fiscal resources.
Russia
In 2005, Russia ranked #56 globally with a tax revenue of 16.6229096832565 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in tax collection efficiency compared to higher-ranked countries. Factors contributing to this performance include a reliance on natural resources, which can lead to volatile revenue streams, and ongoing structural reforms aimed at modernizing the tax system.
Nepal
Nepal ranked #92 globally in 2005 for Tax Revenue (% of GDP) at 9.17945342137588 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in tax collection compared to higher-ranked countries. Contributing factors include a large informal economy, limited administrative capacity, and ongoing political instability, which hinder effective tax policy implementation.
Hungary
In 2005, Hungary ranked #39 globally with a tax revenue of 19.919313955977% of GDP. This figure is lower than the European Union average, reflecting the challenges the country faced in tax collection and compliance. Key drivers of this statistic include Hungary's transition to a market economy, which has influenced its tax policies, and the need for structural reforms to enhance revenue generation.
Angola
In 2005, Angola ranked #65 globally with a Tax Revenue (% of GDP) of 15.2799733044768 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the global average, indicating challenges in tax collection compared to higher-performing nations. Key drivers of this statistic include Angola's reliance on oil revenues, which can create volatility in fiscal policy, and a need for improved administrative capacity to enhance tax compliance and broaden the tax base.
Morocco
In 2005, Morocco ranked #45 globally with a tax revenue of 18.9900493143229 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than several regional peers, indicating a relatively robust tax collection framework. The country's tax revenue is influenced by its diverse economy, which includes agriculture, mining, and tourism, alongside efforts to improve tax compliance and administration.
Ethiopia
In 2005, Ethiopia ranked #95 globally with a tax revenue of 8.72441638457737 % of GDP. This figure is significantly lower than the global average, indicating challenges in revenue generation compared to more developed nations. Contributing factors include a largely agrarian economy, limited industrialization, and ongoing political instability, which have hindered the government's ability to effectively collect taxes.
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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