Bhutan Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
Bhutan's tax revenue was 12.28% in 2020, ranked 37th globally. This represents a 15.3% decrease from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1982–2020.
Overview
Bhutan's tax revenue stood at 12.28% in 2020, a decline of +2.21% from 2019. Bhutan ranked 37th globally.
Bhutan’s tax revenue as a share of GDP averaged 10.2 percent over the 38-year period from 1982 to 2020, rising from a low of 4.60 in 1990 to a peak of 15.80 in 2018 before moderating to 12.28 in 2020, ranking 37th globally. The 1990 trough coincided with a period of economic transition and limited formal sector activity, while the 2018 high reflected strengthened revenue administration and expanded indirect taxation. The most recent figure of 12.28 in 2020 places Bhutan just above peer nations such as Malawi at 12.13 and Costa Rica at 12.24, suggesting a moderate fiscal capacity relative to similar economies. Despite the decline from its peak, Bhutan has maintained a relatively stable tax effort compared to its historical performance. The trajectory of tax revenue will likely depend on the government’s ability to broaden the tax base, enhance compliance, and manage reliance on hydroelectric sector revenues, which are vulnerable to climate variability and regional market fluctuations. Sustained investment in administrative capacity and economic diversification could stabilize or increase tax collection in the coming decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 12.28% | −2.21% | #37 |
| 2019 | 14.50% | −1.31% | #53 |
| 2018 | 15.80% | +3.94% | #67 |
| 2017 | 11.86% | −0.03% | #35 |
| 2016 | 11.89% | −0.26% | #35 |
| 2015 | 12.15% | −0.36% | #36 |
| 2014 | 12.51% | −0.80% | #35 |
| 2013 | 13.30% | −0.29% | #39 |
| 2012 | 13.59% | +1.16% | #46 |
| 2011 | 12.43% | +0.24% | #36 |
| 2010 | 12.19% | +3.42% | #34 |
| 2009 | 8.77% | +0.74% | #14 |
| 2008 | 8.04% | +0.88% | #9 |
| 2007 | 7.16% | −1.44% | #7 |
| 2006 | 8.60% | +0.65% | #9 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Bhutan matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan's tax revenue was 12.28% in 2020. Ranked 37th globally. This represents a 15.3% decrease from the previous year.
Bhutan's tax revenue peaked at 15.80% in 2018.
The lowest tax revenue in Bhutan was 4.60% in 1990.
Bhutan ranks 37th globally in tax revenue as of 2020.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The tax revenue of Bhutan in 2020 was 12.28%. This ranks 37th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_bhutan_tax-revenue,
title = {Bhutan Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/bhutan/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}