Latvia Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Latvia's government spending was 37.41% in 2025, ranked 27th globally. This represents a 9.4% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1994–2025.
Overview
Latvia's government spending stood at 37.41% in 2025, a rise of +3.22% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 37.41% by 2025. Latvia ranked 27th globally.
Latvia’s government spending as a share of GDP has risen steadily since the early 1990s, moving from an all‑time trough of 17.70 % in 1994 to a peak of 39.58 % in 2010, before settling at 37.41 % in 2025, which places the country 27th globally. The post‑Soviet fiscal consolidation of the 1990s set a low baseline, while the global financial crisis and subsequent stimulus measures drove the 2010 high point. Compared with peers of similar rank, Latvia’s 2025 level is marginally above Portugal’s 37.13 % and just below Macao SAR, China’s 37.29 %, reflecting a relatively expansive fiscal stance among small open economies. The 31‑year series shows a clear upward trajectory, suggesting that future spending will likely remain near the current high‑end unless structural reforms or demographic pressures prompt a rebalancing of public finances.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 37.91% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 37.41% | - | - |
| 2025 | 37.41% | +3.22% | #27 |
| 2023 | 34.20% | −2.16% | #61 |
| 2022 | 36.35% | −2.17% | #86 |
| 2021 | 38.53% | +2.31% | #106 |
| 2020 | 36.22% | +4.45% | #93 |
| 2019 | 31.77% | +1.11% | #95 |
| 2018 | 30.65% | +0.23% | #93 |
| 2017 | 30.43% | −0.26% | #96 |
| 2016 | 30.69% | −0.54% | #96 |
| 2015 | 31.23% | −1.05% | #99 |
| 2014 | 32.28% | +0.59% | #98 |
| 2013 | 31.69% | −0.24% | #87 |
| 2012 | 31.93% | −3.22% | #94 |
| 2011 | 35.15% | −4.43% | #98 |
| 2010 | 39.58% | +1.75% | #105 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Latvia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2017. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
The provided news headlines focus on Canadian defense spending, US military options, and global market reactions to AI and oil prices. These developments do not offer direct information or specific data points regarding Latvia's government spending, which currently stands at 37.41%. Therefore, a direct analytical connection to Latvia's fiscal policy cannot be established from these reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Latvia's government spending was 37.41% in 2025. Ranked 27th globally. This represents a 9.4% increase from the previous year.
Latvia's government spending peaked at 39.58% in 2010.
The lowest government spending in Latvia was 17.70% in 1994.
Latvia ranks 27th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Latvia's government spending is projected to reach 37.41% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Latvia in 2025 was 37.41%. This ranks 27th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_latvia_government-spending,
title = {Latvia Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/latvia/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}