Maldives Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
Maldives's health spending was 8.73% in 2025, ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 5.6% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Maldives's health spending stood at 8.73% in 2025, a decline of +0.52% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.73% by 2025. Maldives ranked 53rd globally.
Maldives’ health expenditure as a share of gross domestic product has risen modestly since the turn of the millennium, moving from 7.74 % in 2000 to 8.73 % in 2025, placing the nation 53rd in the world. The upward trajectory reached its apex in 2008 when spending peaked at 11.47 %, before falling to a trough of 6.78 % in 2003, reflecting the volatility of fiscal capacity in a small island economy. Over the 25‑year span, the average level has remained below the 8.77 % recorded by peers such as Bosnia and Herzegovina and Paraguay, suggesting that Maldives lags slightly behind comparable middle‑income countries in allocating resources to health. The recent increase to 8.73 % indicates a gradual recovery from earlier lows, driven by expanding tourism revenues and heightened awareness of climate‑related health risks. Continued diversification of the economy and sustained investment in health infrastructure will be essential to maintain this positive trend and narrow the gap with regional peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 8.69% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 8.73% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.73% | −0.52% | #53 |
| 2023 | 9.25% | +1.75% | #150 |
| 2022 | 7.50% | −1.35% | #118 |
| 2021 | 8.85% | −2.59% | #136 |
| 2020 | 11.44% | +3.94% | #173 |
| 2019 | 7.50% | +0.21% | #132 |
| 2018 | 7.29% | −1.86% | #130 |
| 2017 | 9.15% | −1.08% | #161 |
| 2016 | 10.23% | +1.55% | #174 |
| 2015 | 8.68% | +0.77% | #152 |
| 2014 | 7.91% | −0.24% | #137 |
| 2013 | 8.16% | −0.52% | #140 |
| 2012 | 8.67% | +0.75% | #152 |
| 2011 | 7.92% | −0.57% | #135 |
| 2010 | 8.49% | −1.61% | #146 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Maldives matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2011. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Maldives's health spending was 8.73% in 2025. Ranked 53rd globally. This represents a 5.6% decrease from the previous year.
Maldives's health spending peaked at 11.47% in 2008.
The lowest health spending in Maldives was 6.78% in 2003.
Maldives ranks 53rd globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Maldives's health spending is projected to reach 8.73% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of Maldives in 2025 was 8.73%. This ranks 53rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_maldives_health-spending,
title = {Maldives Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/maldives/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}