Italy Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Italy's government spending was 50.79% in 2025, ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 7.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1973–2025.
Overview
Italy's government spending stood at 50.79% in 2025, a rise of +3.51% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 50.79% by 2025. Italy ranked 3rd globally.
Italy’s government‑spending share of GDP has risen markedly over the 47‑year series, climbing from a low of 26.52 % in 1974 to an all‑time peak of 50.79 % in 2025, the third‑highest level among all World Bank reporting economies. The upward trajectory reflects successive fiscal expansions, notably after the global financial crisis and the COVID‑19 pandemic, when public outlays were bolstered to support health systems and economic recovery. By 2025 Italy’s spending ratio stands at 50.79 %, a figure that exceeds Greece’s 48.98 % and France’s 48.65 % while remaining well below Ukraine’s 79.67 % and the outlier Kiribati at 93.28 %. The long‑run increase from the 1970s trough to the current peak underscores a structural shift toward a larger state role in the economy, driven by demographic pressures and EU‑wide fiscal frameworks. Future movements will hinge on the balance between fiscal consolidation pressures and the need for continued public investment in social services and green transition initiatives.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 51.59% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 50.79% | - | - |
| 2025 | 50.79% | +3.51% | #3 |
| 2023 | 47.28% | −1.09% | #83 |
| 2022 | 48.37% | −1.28% | #105 |
| 2021 | 49.65% | −0.69% | #121 |
| 2020 | 50.34% | +8.05% | #128 |
| 2019 | 42.29% | −0.21% | #129 |
| 2018 | 42.50% | −0.44% | #131 |
| 2017 | 42.95% | −0.25% | #137 |
| 2016 | 43.20% | −0.33% | #134 |
| 2015 | 43.53% | −0.04% | #136 |
| 2014 | 43.57% | −0.18% | #128 |
| 2013 | 43.75% | +0.25% | #119 |
| 2012 | 43.50% | +1.67% | #122 |
| 2011 | 41.83% | −0.86% | #113 |
| 2010 | 42.69% | −1.34% | #114 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Italy matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1986. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Italy's government spending was 50.79% in 2025. Ranked 3rd globally. This represents a 7.4% increase from the previous year.
Italy's government spending peaked at 50.79% in 2025.
The lowest government spending in Italy was 26.52% in 1974.
Italy ranks 3rd globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Italy's government spending is projected to reach 50.79% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Italy in 2025 was 50.79%. This ranks 3rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_italy_government-spending,
title = {Italy Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/italy/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}