Myanmar Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Myanmar's government spending was 13.78% in 2019, ranked 18th globally. This represents a 115.9% increase from 2018. Data from World Bank, covering 2003–2019.
Overview
Myanmar's government spending stood at 13.78% in 2019, a rise of +7.39% from 2018. Myanmar ranked 18th globally.
Myanmar’s government‑spending share of GDP has risen sharply from 3.06 % in 2003 to 13.78 % in 2019, placing it 18th worldwide in the latest year. The ascent accelerated after the 2005 trough of 2.81 % and peaked at 17.04 % in 2015, reflecting expanded fiscal activity during a period of political liberalisation and infrastructure investment. Over the 11‑year coverage window, the average share hovers near the mid‑teens, a level comparable to peers such as Singapore (14.17 %) and Angola (14.65 %). The early‑2000s low point coincided with limited state capacity and international sanctions, while the post‑2010 surge aligns with reforms that broadened tax bases and increased public‑sector projects. If fiscal consolidation measures are introduced and revenue mobilisation improves, the upward trajectory could moderate; however, continued reliance on public spending to drive growth may keep the share near its recent high.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 13.78% | +7.39% | #18 |
| 2018 | 6.38% | −10.54% | #3 |
| 2017 | 16.92% | +1.57% | #37 |
| 2016 | 15.35% | −1.69% | #25 |
| 2015 | 17.04% | +0.55% | #35 |
| 2014 | 16.49% | +2.46% | #34 |
| 2013 | 14.03% | +3.48% | #20 |
| 2012 | 10.55% | +7.74% | #8 |
| 2005 | 2.81% | −0.84% | #1 |
| 2004 | 3.64% | +0.59% | #1 |
| 2003 | 3.06% | – | #1 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Myanmar matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2009. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Myanmar's government spending was 13.78% in 2019. Ranked 18th globally. This represents a 115.9% increase from the previous year.
Myanmar's government spending peaked at 17.04% in 2015.
The lowest government spending in Myanmar was 2.81% in 2005.
Myanmar ranks 18th globally in government spending as of 2019.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The government spending of Myanmar in 2019 was 13.78%. This ranks 18th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_myanmar_government-spending,
title = {Myanmar Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/myanmar/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}