Bhutan Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Bhutan's government spending was 24.08% in 2020, ranked 45th globally. This represents a 44.8% increase from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1982–2020.
Overview
Bhutan's government spending stood at 24.08% in 2020, a rise of +7.45% from 2019. Bhutan ranked 45th globally.
Bhutan’s government spending as a share of GDP has risen steadily since the early 1980s, moving from a low of 14.48 in 1983 to an all‑time peak of 24.34 in 1996, before settling at 24.08 in 2020, which placed the kingdom 45th globally. The upward trajectory reflects expanding public investment in health, education and infrastructure, consistent with the country’s Gross National Happiness agenda. Over the 38‑year coverage period, the average level remains comparable to the 2020 figures of peer nations such as Japan (23.61) and Honduras (24.39), indicating that Bhutan now spends at a rate similar to middle‑income economies despite its smaller fiscal base. The modest decline from the 1996 peak suggests a maturing fiscal stance, yet the proximity to the peak underscores limited fiscal space for further large‑scale expansion. Continued diversification of revenue sources and prudent debt management will be crucial if Bhutan seeks to sustain or modestly increase its spending ratio without compromising fiscal stability.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 24.08% | +7.45% | #45 |
| 2019 | 16.63% | −2.76% | #33 |
| 2018 | 19.39% | +1.77% | #45 |
| 2017 | 17.62% | +0.01% | #43 |
| 2016 | 17.61% | −0.30% | #39 |
| 2015 | 17.91% | +0.88% | #41 |
| 2014 | 17.03% | −1.60% | #37 |
| 2013 | 18.64% | −0.25% | #39 |
| 2012 | 18.89% | −1.23% | #43 |
| 2011 | 20.12% | −0.02% | #44 |
| 2010 | 20.14% | −1.99% | #43 |
| 2009 | 22.12% | +0.57% | #48 |
| 2008 | 21.55% | +4.04% | #46 |
| 2007 | 17.51% | −0.86% | #30 |
| 2006 | 18.37% | −0.43% | #34 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's government spending was 24.08% in 2020. Ranked 45th globally. This represents a 44.8% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's government spending peaked at 24.34% in 1996.
The lowest government spending in Bhutan was 14.48% in 1983.
Bhutan ranks 45th globally in government spending as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The government spending of Bhutan in 2020 was 24.08%. This ranks 45th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_government-spending,
title = {Bhutan Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}