Tax Revenue (% of GDP) 2012

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.

135 data points•Updated 9/22/2026•Global Coverage•Tax revenue (% of GDP), World Bank (WB)•

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Complete Data Rankings

Rank
1	Timor-Leste	147.64 % of GDP
2	Lesotho	38.084 % of GDP
3	China, Macao SAR	36.8 % of GDP
4	Denmark	33.515 % of GDP
5	Namibia	32.933 % of GDP
6	Eswatini	29.058 % of GDP
7	Botswana	28.037 % of GDP
8	New Zealand	26.864 % of GDP
9	Sweden	26.782 % of GDP
10	Norway	26.243 % of GDP
11	Austria	26.183 % of GDP
12	Solomon Islands	26.177 % of GDP
13	Belgium	25.709 % of GDP
14	Malta	25.295 % of GDP
15	United Kingdom	24.998 % of GDP
16	Trinidad and Tobago	24.961 % of GDP
17	Greece	24.954 % of GDP
18	Italy	24.911 % of GDP
19	Luxembourg	24.428 % of GDP
20	Jamaica	24.333 % of GDP
21	South Africa	23.346 % of GDP
22	Cyprus	23.335 % of GDP
23	Georgia	23.089 % of GDP
24	Hungary	22.929 % of GDP
25	Fiji	22.893 % of GDP
26	France	22.609 % of GDP
27	Ireland	22.341 % of GDP
28	Morocco	21.965 % of GDP
29	Saint Vincent and the Grenadines	21.845 % of GDP
30	Slovenia	21.702 % of GDP
31	Israel	21.639 % of GDP
32	Iceland	21.227 % of GDP
33	Australia	21.028 % of GDP
34	Portugal	21.011 % of GDP
35	Barbados	20.562 % of GDP
36	Samoa	20.539 % of GDP
37	Bosnia and Herzegovina	20.478 % of GDP
38	Netherlands	20.326 % of GDP
39	Finland	20.202 % of GDP
40	Estonia	20.162 % of GDP
41	Croatia	20.13 % of GDP
42	Tunisia	20.115 % of GDP
43	Czech Republic	19.122 % of GDP
44	Chile	18.991 % of GDP
45	Mozambique	18.629 % of GDP
46	Bulgaria	18.385 % of GDP
47	Mauritius	18.364 % of GDP
48	Belize	18.363 % of GDP
49	Palau	18.139 % of GDP
50	Turkey	18.105 % of GDP
51	San Marino	18.016 % of GDP
52	Saint Kitts and Nevis	17.922 % of GDP
53	Zimbabwe	17.836 % of GDP
54	Serbia	17.815 % of GDP
55	Uruguay	17.792 % of GDP
56	Ukraine	17.633 % of GDP
57	Albania	17.588 % of GDP
58	Armenia	17.492 % of GDP
59	Vanuatu	17.382 % of GDP
60	Saint Lucia	17.154 % of GDP
61	Romania	17.145 % of GDP
62	Kiribati	16.833 % of GDP
63	Peru	16.547 % of GDP
64	North Macedonia	16.417 % of GDP
65	Marshall Islands	16.386 % of GDP
66	Cabo Verde	16.281 % of GDP
67	El Salvador	16.182 % of GDP
68	Poland	16.005 % of GDP
69	Lithuania	15.685 % of GDP
70	Malaysia	15.613 % of GDP
71	Republic of Moldova	15.595 % of GDP
72	Slovakia	15.499 % of GDP
73	Latvia	15.447 % of GDP
74	Thailand	15.441 % of GDP
75	Ghana	15.368 % of GDP
76	Mongolia	15.312 % of GDP
77	Lebanon	15.198 % of GDP
78	Nicaragua	15.009 % of GDP
79	Zambia	14.892 % of GDP
80	Honduras	14.747 % of GDP
81	Belarus	14.663 % of GDP
82	Burundi	14.533 % of GDP
83	Brazil	14.332 % of GDP
84	Gabon	14.061 % of GDP
85	Burkina Faso	13.89 % of GDP
86	Russia	13.755 % of GDP
87	Laos	13.605 % of GDP
88	Bhutan	13.589 % of GDP
89	Singapore	13.581 % of GDP
90	Jordan	13.543 % of GDP
91	South Korea	13.474 % of GDP
92	Kazakhstan	13.312 % of GDP
93	Colombia	13.227 % of GDP
94	Angola	13.22 % of GDP
95	Costa Rica	13.105 % of GDP
96	Dominican Republic	13.052 % of GDP
97	Argentina	12.953 % of GDP
98	Azerbaijan	12.779 % of GDP
99	Egypt	12.385 % of GDP
100	Philippines	12.306 % of GDP
101	Nepal	12.041 % of GDP
102	Bahamas	12.039 % of GDP
103	Germany	11.914 % of GDP
104	Uzbekistan	11.81 % of GDP
105	Spain	11.706 % of GDP
106	Canada	11.664 % of GDP
107	Togo	11.362 % of GDP
108	Cameroon	11.344 % of GDP
109	Guatemala	11.01 % of GDP
110	Mali	10.925 % of GDP
111	India	10.837 % of GDP
112	Côte d'Ivoire	10.619 % of GDP
113	Tanzania	10.433 % of GDP
114	Sri Lanka	10.111 % of GDP
115	China	10.089 % of GDP
116	United States	9.764 % of GDP
117	Paraguay	9.458 % of GDP
118	Ethiopia	9.378 % of GDP
119	Mexico	9.352 % of GDP
120	Malawi	9.316 % of GDP
121	Bangladesh	9.025 % of GDP
122	Switzerland	9.018 % of GDP
123	Equatorial Guinea	8.742 % of GDP
124	Cambodia	8.737 % of GDP
125	Congo, Democratic Republic of the	8.644 % of GDP
126	Madagascar	8.368 % of GDP
127	Central African Republic	8.172 % of GDP
128	Afghanistan	7.708 % of GDP
129	Congo	7.278 % of GDP
130	Sudan	6.894 % of GDP
131	Micronesia (Fed. States of)	4.941 % of GDP
132	Myanmar	4.524 % of GDP
133	Saudi Arabia	2.485 % of GDP
134	Bahrain	1.137 % of GDP
135	United Arab Emirates	0.347 % of GDP

↑Top 10 Countries

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

↓Bottom 10 Countries

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

Analysis & Context

In 2012, Timor-Leste led the world in Tax Revenue (% of GDP) with an astounding rate of 147.64%, showcasing the highest level of tax collection relative to its economic output. The global range for this metric spanned from a minimum of 0.35% in the United Arab Emirates to Timor-Leste's maximum. The average tax revenue across the 135 countries with available data was 17.57%, providing a baseline for comparison against individual country performances.

Economic Structure and Tax Revenue (% of GDP)

The diverse economic structures of countries significantly influence their Tax Revenue (% of GDP). For instance, Timor-Leste and Lesotho both report high percentages, at 147.64% and 38.08% respectively, due to unique factors like reliance on natural resource revenues and external aid funneled through government budgets. Denmark, with a rate of 33.51%, exemplifies a different model where high tax revenue reflects robust social welfare systems funded by comprehensive tax policies. In contrast, countries like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain maintain low tax revenue figures, 0.35% and 1.14% respectively, due to their reliance on oil revenues which reduce the immediate need for high tax rates.

Regional Disparities and Policy Impacts

Geographic and policy-driven disparities play a crucial role in shaping tax revenue outcomes. In Africa, countries like Lesotho and Namibia exhibit high tax revenue percentages, 38.08% and 32.93%, due to concerted efforts to enhance tax collection and manage public finances. Conversely, in the Middle East, nations such as Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates report minimal tax revenue percentages, reflecting their oil-based economies where tax revenue is not a primary source of government funding. These patterns highlight the impact of natural resources and policy decisions on tax structures.

Year-over-Year Trends and Key Movers

Analyzing year-over-year changes reveals significant shifts in Tax Revenue (% of GDP) for certain countries. Eswatini experienced the largest increase with a rise of 12.41% (74.6%), driven by improved tax administration and policy reforms. Similarly, Timor-Leste saw a notable increase of 12.16% (9.0%), largely attributed to the management of petroleum fund revenues. On the other hand, Kazakhstan faced the steepest decline, with a reduction of 4.95% (-27.1%), possibly due to economic adjustments and decreased resource revenues. These changes underscore the dynamic nature of tax revenue as countries adapt their fiscal policies in response to economic conditions.

Implications of High and Low Tax Revenue

The implications of high and low Tax Revenue (% of GDP) are profound, affecting economic stability and government capacity. High tax revenue, as seen in Denmark and Sweden with rates of 33.51% and 26.78%, respectively, supports extensive public services and welfare systems, contributing to social equity and economic resilience. Conversely, countries with low tax revenues, such as Myanmar and Micronesia, reporting 4.52% and 4.94%, may struggle to fund essential services, impacting development and growth. These disparities highlight the critical role of effective tax policies in fostering sustainable economic environments.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tax Revenue (% of GDP) in 2012

Which country had the highest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012?

Timor-Leste had the highest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012, with 148%.

Which country had the lowest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012?

The United Arab Emirates had the lowest tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012, at 0.35%.

What was the average tax revenue as a percentage of GDP among countries in 2012?

The average tax revenue as a percentage of GDP among countries in 2012 was 17.57%.

What was the median tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012?

The median tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012 was 16.01%.

Which countries were in the top 3 for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012?

The top 3 countries for tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012 were Timor-Leste (148%), Lesotho (38.08%), and China, Macao SAR (36.8%).

What was the range of tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012?

The range of tax revenue as a percentage of GDP in 2012 was from 0.35% in the United Arab Emirates to 148% in Timor-Leste.

Insights by country

Kazakhstan

In 2012, Kazakhstan ranked #92 globally with a tax revenue of 13.3120981501594 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the average tax revenue in Central Asia, reflecting the region's economic challenges. The relatively low tax revenue can be attributed to Kazakhstan's reliance on natural resources, which often leads to fluctuations in revenue generation based on global commodity prices.

Albania

In 2012, Albania ranked #57 globally with a Tax Revenue (% of GDP) of 17.5879265953551 % of GDP. This figure is lower than the average for Eastern Europe, indicating challenges in tax collection and compliance. Contributing factors include a transition economy with ongoing reforms, a relatively large informal sector, and efforts to improve public administration and fiscal policy.

Lesotho

In 2012, Lesotho achieved a remarkable global rank of #2 for Tax Revenue (% of GDP) at 38.0837569930604 % of GDP. This figure significantly surpasses the average tax revenue of many African nations, reflecting Lesotho's strong fiscal policies. The high tax revenue can be attributed to the country’s reliance on remittances from Basotho working abroad and a relatively efficient tax collection system, which supports its public services and development projects.

Belgium

In 2012, Belgium ranked #13 globally with a Tax Revenue (% of GDP) of 25.7090042684997 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than the European Union average, reflecting Belgium's robust tax system. Key drivers include a comprehensive welfare state and significant public investment, which necessitate higher tax revenues to support extensive social services and infrastructure projects.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica ranked #95 globally in 2012 with a tax revenue of 13.1052960487442% of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the average tax revenue percentage for Latin American countries, which typically hovers around 20%. The relatively low tax revenue can be attributed to Costa Rica's reliance on tourism and agriculture, which often generate less tax revenue compared to more industrialized economies.

Serbia

In 2012, Serbia ranked #54 globally with a tax revenue of 17.8145603317234 % of GDP. This figure is below the average tax revenue for countries in Europe, reflecting Serbia's ongoing economic challenges and transition from a socialist to a market-oriented economy. The relatively low tax revenue can be attributed to a combination of a large informal economy and tax compliance issues that have historically hindered revenue collection.

Chile

In 2012, Chile ranked #44 globally with a Tax Revenue (% of GDP) of 18.9910595532311 % of GDP. This figure is relatively higher than the regional average for Latin America, which often hovers around 15-17%. The robust tax revenue can be attributed to Chile's strong mining sector, particularly copper, which significantly contributes to government income, alongside a relatively stable economic environment and effective tax policies.

Israel

In 2012, Israel ranked #31 globally with a Tax Revenue (% of GDP) of 21.6388414511256 % of GDP. This figure is notably higher than the average tax revenue of many neighboring countries, reflecting Israel's robust economic framework. Key drivers include a diverse economy with strong high-tech and service sectors, alongside a commitment to public services and social welfare programs.

Saint Lucia

In 2012, Saint Lucia ranked #60 globally with a tax revenue of 17.1543882729725 % of GDP. This figure is relatively low compared to regional averages in the Caribbean, where many countries have higher tax revenue ratios due to diverse economies. The country's reliance on tourism as a primary economic driver, coupled with a small population and limited industrial base, contributes to its tax revenue challenges and overall economic structure.

Brazil

In 2012, Brazil ranked #83 globally with a Tax Revenue (% of GDP) of 14.3324110913977 % of GDP. This figure is notably lower than the average tax revenue in Latin America, indicating challenges in tax collection compared to regional peers. Factors contributing to Brazil's lower tax revenue include a complex tax system, significant informal economic activities, and ongoing efforts to reform tax policies to enhance compliance.

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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