Bhutan Education Spending
Government expenditure on education as % of GDP SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS
Bhutan's education spending was 7.85% in 2025, ranked 11th globally. This represents a 34.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1971–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's education spending stood at 7.85% in 2025, a rise of +2.00% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 7.85% by 2025. Bhutan ranked 11th globally.
Bhutan's education spending has demonstrated a steady upward trend over the past five decades, with a marked increase from 1.65% of GDP in 1972 to 7.85% in 2025. This 376% surge indicates a significant commitment to education by the Bhutanese government. Notably, Bhutan's education spending has surpassed that of several peer countries, including St. Vincent and the Grenadines, which ranks 13th globally with 7.25% of GDP allocated to education in 2025. In contrast to the global average, Bhutan has consistently prioritized education, with its spending levels remaining above the average for most of the observed period. The all-time peak in education spending of 7.85% in 2025 underscores the government's continued emphasis on education, which is likely to benefit the country's human capital and long-term economic growth. A decline in government revenue due to economic fluctuations or changes in national priorities may potentially impact Bhutan's education spending trajectory.
Data & projection
| Year | Education Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 8.31% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 7.85% | - | - |
| 2025 | 7.85% | +2.00% | #11 |
| 2023 | 5.85% | −1.62% | #104 |
| 2022 | 7.47% | +0.87% | #155 |
| 2021 | 6.60% | +1.13% | #154 |
| 2020 | 5.47% | +0.96% | #129 |
| 2019 | 4.51% | −1.97% | #97 |
| 2018 | 6.48% | −0.14% | #153 |
| 2017 | 6.62% | +0.21% | #160 |
| 2016 | 6.40% | −0.52% | #144 |
| 2015 | 6.93% | +1.47% | #151 |
| 2014 | 5.46% | +0.30% | #121 |
| 2013 | 5.17% | +0.85% | #110 |
| 2011 | 4.32% | +0.49% | #81 |
| 2010 | 3.82% | −0.60% | #62 |
| 2009 | 4.42% | −0.15% | #53 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw education spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's education spending was 7.85% in 2025. Ranked 11th globally. This represents a 34.2% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's education spending peaked at 7.85% in 2025.
The lowest education spending in Bhutan was 1.65% in 1972.
Bhutan ranks 11th globally in education spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's education spending is projected to reach 7.85% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The education spending of Bhutan in 2025 was 7.85%. This ranks 11th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_education-spending-gdp,
title = {Bhutan Education Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/education-spending-gdp/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}