Tax Revenue (% of GDP) 2006

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.

109 data pointsGlobal CoverageTax revenue (% of GDP), World Bank (WB)

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
Actions
1
Lesotho flag
Lesotho
33.92 % of GDP
2
New Zealand flag
New Zealand
31.986 % of GDP
3
Denmark flag
Denmark
31.893 % of GDP
4
Eswatini flag
Eswatini
31.709 % of GDP
5
Trinidad and Tobago flag
Trinidad and Tobago
30.258 % of GDP
6
Sweden flag
Sweden
29.153 % of GDP
7
Namibia flag
Namibia
29.072 % of GDP
8
Mongolia flag
Mongolia
28.71 % of GDP
9
Norway flag
Norway
28.563 % of GDP
10
Botswana flag
Botswana
27.526 % of GDP
11
Ireland flag
Ireland
26.819 % of GDP
12
Iceland flag
Iceland
26.583 % of GDP
13
Malta flag
Malta
25.833 % of GDP
14
United Kingdom flag
United Kingdom
25.665 % of GDP
15
Israel flag
Israel
25.309 % of GDP
16
Belgium flag
Belgium
25.288 % of GDP
17
Barbados flag
Barbados
25.286 % of GDP
18
Austria flag
Austria
25.194 % of GDP
19
Jordan flag
Jordan
24.555 % of GDP
20
Australia flag
Australia
24.47 % of GDP
21
South Africa flag
South Africa
24.378 % of GDP
22
Cyprus flag
Cyprus
24.312 % of GDP
23
Jamaica flag
Jamaica
24.014 % of GDP
24
Luxembourg flag
Luxembourg
23.93 % of GDP
25
Slovenia flag
Slovenia
23.469 % of GDP
26
Fiji flag
Fiji
23.386 % of GDP
27
Italy flag
Italy
23.243 % of GDP
28
Seychelles flag
Seychelles
23.208 % of GDP
29
Cabo Verde flag
Cabo Verde
22.742 % of GDP
30
France flag
France
22.66 % of GDP
31
Belarus flag
Belarus
22.223 % of GDP
32
Bulgaria flag
Bulgaria
21.812 % of GDP
33
Bosnia and Herzegovina flag
Bosnia and Herzegovina
21.69 % of GDP
34
Croatia flag
Croatia
21.456 % of GDP
35
Finland flag
Finland
21.425 % of GDP
36
China, Macao SAR flag
China, Macao SAR
21.134 % of GDP
37
Portugal flag
Portugal
21.134 % of GDP
38
Netherlands flag
Netherlands
21.114 % of GDP
39
Angola flag
Angola
20.884 % of GDP
40
Saint Kitts and Nevis flag
Saint Kitts and Nevis
20.85 % of GDP
41
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines flag
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
20.818 % of GDP
42
Lithuania flag
Lithuania
20.53 % of GDP
43
Greece flag
Greece
20.311 % of GDP
44
Estonia flag
Estonia
19.956 % of GDP
45
Hungary flag
Hungary
19.829 % of GDP
46
Chile flag
Chile
19.612 % of GDP
47
Republic of Moldova flag
Republic of Moldova
19.571 % of GDP
48
Morocco flag
Morocco
19.404 % of GDP
49
Uruguay flag
Uruguay
18.832 % of GDP
50
Czech Republic flag
Czech Republic
18.666 % of GDP
51
Georgia flag
Georgia
18.57 % of GDP
52
Tunisia flag
Tunisia
18.511 % of GDP
53
North Macedonia flag
North Macedonia
18.083 % of GDP
54
Romania flag
Romania
17.947 % of GDP
55
Saint Lucia flag
Saint Lucia
17.633 % of GDP
56
San Marino flag
San Marino
17.223 % of GDP
57
Ukraine flag
Ukraine
17.092 % of GDP
58
Poland flag
Poland
17.092 % of GDP
59
Bolivia flag
Bolivia
16.816 % of GDP
60
Slovakia flag
Slovakia
16.807 % of GDP
61
Belize flag
Belize
16.675 % of GDP
62
Russia flag
Russia
16.568 % of GDP
63
Latvia flag
Latvia
16.412 % of GDP
64
Spain flag
Spain
15.843 % of GDP
65
Egypt flag
Egypt
15.83 % of GDP
66
Mauritius flag
Mauritius
15.784 % of GDP
67
El Salvador flag
El Salvador
15.67 % of GDP
68
Peru flag
Peru
15.67 % of GDP
69
Thailand flag
Thailand
15.637 % of GDP
70
Honduras flag
Honduras
15.238 % of GDP
71
Lebanon flag
Lebanon
15.008 % of GDP
72
Sri Lanka flag
Sri Lanka
14.577 % of GDP
73
Malaysia flag
Malaysia
14.516 % of GDP
74
Armenia flag
Armenia
14.396 % of GDP
75
Dominican Republic flag
Dominican Republic
13.995 % of GDP
76
Costa Rica flag
Costa Rica
13.842 % of GDP
77
Zambia flag
Zambia
13.712 % of GDP
78
Nicaragua flag
Nicaragua
13.684 % of GDP
79
Canada flag
Canada
13.348 % of GDP
80
South Korea flag
South Korea
13.202 % of GDP
81
Philippines flag
Philippines
13.127 % of GDP
82
Argentina flag
Argentina
12.879 % of GDP
83
Ghana flag
Ghana
12.535 % of GDP
84
Guatemala flag
Guatemala
12.051 % of GDP
85
Singapore flag
Singapore
11.831 % of GDP
86
Maldives flag
Maldives
11.756 % of GDP
87
United States flag
United States
11.31 % of GDP
88
Bahamas flag
Bahamas
11.248 % of GDP
89
Mali flag
Mali
11.198 % of GDP
90
India flag
India
11.129 % of GDP
91
Germany flag
Germany
10.932 % of GDP
92
Burkina Faso flag
Burkina Faso
10.778 % of GDP
93
Côte d'Ivoire flag
Côte d'Ivoire
10.33 % of GDP
94
Togo flag
Togo
9.833 % of GDP
95
Equatorial Guinea flag
Equatorial Guinea
9.669 % of GDP
96
Madagascar flag
Madagascar
9.202 % of GDP
97
Switzerland flag
Switzerland
9.056 % of GDP
98
China flag
China
8.929 % of GDP
99
Nepal flag
Nepal
8.78 % of GDP
100
Bhutan flag
Bhutan
8.599 % of GDP
101
Paraguay flag
Paraguay
8.351 % of GDP
102
Ethiopia flag
Ethiopia
8.263 % of GDP
103
Cambodia flag
Cambodia
7.125 % of GDP
104
Bangladesh flag
Bangladesh
7.043 % of GDP
105
Afghanistan flag
Afghanistan
6.968 % of GDP
106
Congo, Democratic Republic of the flag
Congo, Democratic Republic of the
6.373 % of GDP
107
Iran flag
Iran
6.218 % of GDP
108
Congo flag
Congo
5.295 % of GDP
109
Bahrain flag
Bahrain
1.166 % of GDP

Top 10 Countries

  1. #1Lesotho flagLesotho
  2. #2New Zealand flagNew Zealand
  3. #3Denmark flagDenmark
  4. #4Eswatini flagEswatini
  5. #5Trinidad and Tobago flagTrinidad and Tobago
  6. #6Sweden flagSweden
  7. #7Namibia flagNamibia
  8. #8Mongolia flagMongolia
  9. #9Norway flagNorway
  10. #10Botswana flagBotswana

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

Bottom 10 Countries

  1. #109Bahrain flagBahrain
  2. #108Congo flagCongo
  3. #107Iran flagIran
  4. #106Congo, Democratic Republic of the flagCongo, Democratic Republic of the
  5. #105Afghanistan flagAfghanistan
  6. #104Bangladesh flagBangladesh
  7. #103Cambodia flagCambodia
  8. #102Ethiopia flagEthiopia
  9. #101Paraguay flagParaguay
  10. #100Bhutan flagBhutan

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

Analysis & Context

In 2006, Lesotho led the world in Tax Revenue (% of GDP) with a remarkable 33.92%, while the global range spanned from a low of 1.17% in Bahrain to this high in Lesotho. The global average for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP was 17.91%, providing a benchmark for comparison across the 109 countries with available data.

Economic Structures and Tax Revenue Patterns

The disparity in Tax Revenue (% of GDP) between countries can often be attributed to differences in economic structures and government policies. Countries like Lesotho and Eswatini, which topped the list with tax revenues of 33.92% and 31.71% respectively, benefit from well-established systems that effectively harness resources from key sectors such as mining and agriculture. These sectors contribute significantly to the economic output, allowing these nations to maintain high tax revenue relative to their GDP.

In contrast, countries at the lower end of the spectrum, such as Bahrain with 1.17% and Congo with 5.30%, typically have economies that are less diversified and more reliant on non-tax revenues, such as oil. The low tax revenue percentages in these countries reflect minimal tax burdens and potential reliance on alternative revenue sources, such as state-owned enterprises and natural resource rents.

Policy and Governance Influences on Tax Collection

Government policy plays a crucial role in determining tax revenue outcomes. For instance, Denmark and Sweden, with tax revenues of 31.89% and 29.15% respectively, showcase the impact of comprehensive welfare state systems that require higher public funding. These countries have implemented progressive tax systems and efficient tax collection mechanisms, contributing to their high tax revenue percentages.

In contrast, Iran and Afghanistan, with tax revenues of 6.22% and 6.97% respectively, illustrate how political instability and less efficient tax systems can lead to lower tax revenue relative to GDP. These countries may face challenges in tax administration and compliance, limiting their ability to collect taxes effectively.

Year-over-Year Changes and Economic Growth

The year-over-year changes in Tax Revenue (% of GDP) highlight significant shifts in some economies. Eswatini experienced the most substantial increase, with a 9.11% rise, marking a 40.3% growth. This increase is indicative of successful economic reforms and enhanced tax administration capabilities. Similarly, Angola and Lesotho saw increases of 5.60% and 5.35%, respectively, reflecting improvements in economic performance and tax policy adjustments.

Conversely, Ghana recorded the largest decrease, with an 8.79% drop, equating to a 41.2% reduction in tax revenue as a percentage of GDP. This decline could be attributed to economic challenges or changes in taxation policy that reduced the tax base or collection efficiency. Other countries like Seychelles and Barbados also faced declines, albeit less dramatic, indicating potential economic contractions or policy shifts impacting their tax revenue collections.

Implications of Tax Revenue Levels

The level of Tax Revenue (% of GDP) has profound implications for a country's economic health and policy-making. High tax revenue countries, like New Zealand with 31.99%, can invest more in public services and infrastructure, supporting long-term economic stability and growth. These investments can foster a virtuous cycle of development, enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities for citizens.

On the other hand, countries with low tax revenues, such as Congo, Democratic Republic of the at 6.37%, may struggle to provide essential services and infrastructure, potentially stymieing economic growth and development. Such nations might need to focus on broadening their tax base and improving tax collection efficiency to enhance fiscal capacity and support economic advancement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Revenue (% of GDP) in 2006

Which country had the highest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006?

Lesotho had the highest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006, with 33.92%.

What was the average tax revenue as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2006?

The average tax revenue as a percentage of GDP across all countries in 2006 was 17.91%.

Which country had the lowest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006?

Bahrain had the lowest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006, with 1.17%.

What was the median tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006?

The median tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006 was 17.63%.

How many countries are included in the dataset for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006?

The dataset includes 109 countries for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006.

Which countries were in the top 3 for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006?

The top 3 countries for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2006 were Lesotho, New Zealand, and Denmark.

Insights by country

1

Dominican Republic

In 2006, the Dominican Republic ranked #75 globally with a tax revenue of 13.9947598935454 % of GDP. This figure is lower than the Latin American average, indicating challenges in tax collection compared to its regional peers. Contributing factors include a large informal economy and tax evasion, which hinder the government's ability to increase revenue generation.

2

Morocco

In 2006, Morocco ranked #48 globally with a tax revenue of 19.403590924953 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than many regional neighbors, reflecting a robust tax collection system compared to countries with lower economic performance. Key drivers of this tax revenue include Morocco's diverse economy, which benefits from agriculture, mining, and tourism, alongside ongoing reforms aimed at improving tax compliance and broadening the tax base.

3

Trinidad and Tobago

In 2006, Trinidad and Tobago achieved a remarkable global rank of #5 with a tax revenue of 30.2575876543509 % of GDP. This figure significantly exceeded the Caribbean average, reflecting the country’s robust energy sector, which is a major contributor to government revenues. Additionally, strategic fiscal policies aimed at diversifying the economy beyond oil and gas have bolstered tax collection efforts, enhancing overall economic stability.

4

Philippines

The Philippines ranked #81 globally with a tax revenue of 13.1273014401873 % of GDP in 2006. This figure is notably lower than the global average, reflecting challenges in tax collection efficiency compared to higher-ranking countries. Key drivers of this statistic include a large informal economy and tax policy issues that hinder revenue generation, alongside a reliance on consumption taxes rather than income taxes.

5

Nepal

In 2006, Nepal ranked #99 globally with a tax revenue of 8.77975841023477 % of GDP. This figure is notably low compared to regional averages, reflecting the challenges faced by many South Asian countries in mobilizing domestic resources.

The low tax revenue can be attributed to a large informal economy, limited administrative capacity, and ongoing political instability, which hinder effective tax collection. Additionally, a significant portion of the population relies on subsistence agriculture, further complicating revenue generation efforts.

6

Lithuania

In 2006, Lithuania achieved a global rank of #42 with a Tax Revenue (% of GDP) of 20.5300347997554%. This figure is notable as it is higher than the average tax revenue for the European Union, reflecting the country's commitment to public services and infrastructure. Key drivers of this tax revenue include Lithuania's growing economy and a relatively efficient tax collection system, which have been bolstered by policies aimed at attracting foreign investment.

7

Afghanistan

In 2006, Afghanistan ranked #105 globally for Tax Revenue (% of GDP) at 6.96759757507017 % of GDP. This figure is notably low compared to the global average, reflecting significant challenges in governance and infrastructure. The country's ongoing conflict and instability severely hindered tax collection efforts, while a largely informal economy limited the revenue base. Additionally, reliance on international aid further complicated the development of a robust tax system.

8

Australia

In 2006, Australia ranked #20 globally with a tax revenue of 24.4695693337421 % of GDP. This figure is above the average for many OECD countries, reflecting a robust taxation system compared to lower-ranked nations. Key drivers of this high tax revenue include Australia's diverse economy, which benefits from significant natural resource exports, and a progressive tax structure that emphasizes equity and public services.

9

Hungary

In 2006, Hungary ranked #45 globally for Tax Revenue (% of GDP) with a value of 19.8288097717827 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the average for EU countries, which typically hover around 40%. The relatively low tax revenue can be attributed to Hungary's transitional economy, which has faced challenges such as high public debt and a need for structural reforms to enhance fiscal stability.

10

Hungary

In 2006, Hungary's Tax Revenue (% of GDP) was 19.8288097717827 % of GDP, ranking #45 out of 109 countries. This figure is below the European Union average, highlighting the challenges Hungary faces in tax collection compared to its regional peers. The relatively low tax revenue can be attributed to a combination of a complex tax system and significant tax evasion, which has historically affected the country's fiscal health.

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

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