Jamaica Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Jamaica's government spending was 27.47% in 2020, ranked 61st globally. This represents a 14.5% increase from 2019. Data from World Bank, covering 1988–2020.
Overview
Jamaica's government spending stood at 27.47% in 2020, a rise of +3.49% from 2019. Jamaica ranked 61st globally.
Jamaica’s government spending as a share of gross domestic product rose from 24.45 % in 1988 to a peak of 36.33 % in 2009, reflecting expansive fiscal responses to the global financial crisis and domestic debt restructuring, before retreating to a trough of 18.69 % in 1993 during a period of austerity and structural adjustment. Over the 33‑year span the average level has remained modestly above the lower‑middle range, and the 2020 figure of 27.47 % places Jamaica at 61st globally, closely matching Morocco’s 27.21 % and Korea’s 28.03 %. The post‑crisis decline after 2009 indicates a gradual rebalancing of public finances, yet the recent level remains higher than the early‑1990s trough, suggesting that fiscal consolidation has been partial. Continued improvement in tax collection, debt‑to‑GDP reduction and disciplined expenditure could steer the ratio downward, while external shocks or heightened social spending would likely reverse the current downward momentum.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 27.47% | +3.49% | #61 |
| 2019 | 23.98% | −0.81% | #64 |
| 2018 | 24.79% | −0.23% | #72 |
| 2017 | 25.02% | +0.26% | #73 |
| 2016 | 24.76% | +0.30% | #66 |
| 2015 | 24.45% | −1.23% | #68 |
| 2014 | 25.68% | +0.66% | #71 |
| 2013 | 25.02% | −2.49% | #64 |
| 2012 | 27.51% | −0.69% | #77 |
| 2011 | 28.20% | −0.70% | #78 |
| 2010 | 28.90% | −7.43% | #77 |
| 2009 | 36.33% | +5.24% | #88 |
| 2008 | 31.09% | +2.54% | #77 |
| 2007 | 28.55% | −0.07% | #64 |
| 2006 | 28.62% | +1.17% | #63 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Jamaica matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Jamaica's government spending was 27.47% in 2020. Ranked 61st globally. This represents a 14.5% increase from the previous year.
Jamaica's government spending peaked at 36.33% in 2009.
The lowest government spending in Jamaica was 18.69% in 1993.
Jamaica ranks 61st 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 Jamaica in 2020 was 27.47%. This ranks 61st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_jamaica_government-spending,
title = {Jamaica Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/jamaica/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}