Bhutan Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
Bhutan's health spending was 4.88% in 2025, ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 10.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Bhutan's health spending stood at 4.88% in 2025, a rise of +0.47% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 4.88% by 2025. Bhutan ranked 133rd globally.
Bhutan's health spending as a percentage of its GDP has demonstrated a moderate growth trajectory over the past 25 years, with the latest figure standing at 4.88% in 2025. The country's health spending peaked at 4.88% in 2025, a milestone that places it relatively close to peer nations such as the United Arab Emirates, which topped the list with a health spending ratio of 4.96% in 2025. Conversely, Bhutan's lowest health spending ratio, 3.02%, occurred in 2011. This disparity suggests a noticeable increase in the country's investment in healthcare services since then. In comparison to other nations, Bhutan's health spending ratio remains somewhat below that of Egypt, Arab Republic of, which recorded a ratio of 5.05% in 2025. With an aging population and rising healthcare needs, continued investment in healthcare infrastructure and services will be crucial for Bhutan to maintain its trajectory and ensure that its healthcare spending ratio remains competitive with that of its peer nations.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 5.07% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 4.88% | - | - |
| 2025 | 4.88% | +0.47% | #133 |
| 2023 | 4.42% | +0.50% | #49 |
| 2022 | 3.92% | −0.87% | #37 |
| 2021 | 4.79% | +0.70% | #47 |
| 2020 | 4.08% | +0.71% | #31 |
| 2019 | 3.38% | +0.31% | #24 |
| 2018 | 3.07% | −0.04% | #18 |
| 2017 | 3.11% | −0.17% | #17 |
| 2016 | 3.28% | −0.16% | #16 |
| 2015 | 3.44% | +0.20% | #20 |
| 2014 | 3.23% | −0.12% | #19 |
| 2013 | 3.35% | +0.09% | #24 |
| 2012 | 3.26% | +0.24% | #23 |
| 2011 | 3.02% | −0.24% | #22 |
| 2010 | 3.26% | −0.04% | #24 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's health spending was 4.88% in 2025. Ranked 133rd globally. This represents a 10.5% increase from the previous year.
Bhutan's health spending peaked at 4.88% in 2025.
The lowest health spending in Bhutan was 3.02% in 2011.
Bhutan ranks 133rd globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Bhutan's health spending is projected to reach 4.88% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of Bhutan in 2025 was 4.88%. This ranks 133rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_health-spending,
title = {Bhutan Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}