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