Guatemala Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Guatemala's government spending was 13.68% in 2025, ranked 103rd globally. This represents a 1.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Guatemala's government spending stood at 13.68% in 2025, a rise of +0.18% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 13.68% by 2025. Guatemala ranked 103rd globally.
Guatemala’s government spending as a share of gross domestic product has risen steadily over the 35‑year span from 9.13 percent in 1990 to 13.68 percent in 2025, placing it 103rd globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after the all‑time trough of 7.56 percent in 1995, reaching an all‑time peak of 15.00 percent in 2020 before moderating slightly in the subsequent five years. Compared with peers of similar rank, Guatemala’s 2025 level exceeds Cambodia’s 12.95 percent but remains below Guinea‑Bissau’s 15.70 percent and Singapore’s 15.80 percent, reflecting a middle‑of‑the‑road fiscal stance in the region. The post‑peak decline suggests a cautious recalibration of fiscal policy, likely driven by efforts to contain deficits while sustaining public investment. Continued economic growth and prudent debt management could keep the spending ratio on a gradual upward path, whereas external shocks or fiscal tightening would be needed to reverse the current trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 13.65% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 13.68% | - | - |
| 2025 | 13.68% | +0.18% | #103 |
| 2023 | 13.50% | −0.49% | #6 |
| 2022 | 13.99% | +0.72% | #9 |
| 2021 | 13.28% | −1.72% | #14 |
| 2020 | 15.00% | +1.87% | #17 |
| 2019 | 13.13% | +0.14% | #12 |
| 2018 | 12.98% | +0.09% | #16 |
| 2017 | 12.89% | +0.10% | #16 |
| 2016 | 12.80% | +0.06% | #13 |
| 2015 | 12.74% | −0.55% | #13 |
| 2014 | 13.28% | +0.25% | #19 |
| 2013 | 13.03% | −0.14% | #18 |
| 2012 | 13.17% | +0.43% | #19 |
| 2011 | 12.75% | −0.11% | #14 |
| 2010 | 12.86% | +0.24% | #15 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Guatemala matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2024. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Guatemala's government spending was 13.68% in 2025. Ranked 103rd globally. This represents a 1.3% increase from the previous year.
Guatemala's government spending peaked at 15.00% in 2020.
The lowest government spending in Guatemala was 7.56% in 1995.
Guatemala ranks 103rd globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Guatemala's government spending is projected to reach 13.68% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Guatemala in 2025 was 13.68%. This ranks 103rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_guatemala_government-spending,
title = {Guatemala Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/guatemala/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}