Nepal Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Nepal's government spending was 19.44% in 2021, ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 3.6% decrease from 2020. Data from World Bank, covering 2004–2021.
Overview
Nepal's government spending stood at 19.44% in 2021, a decline of +0.72% from 2020. Nepal ranked 32nd globally.
Since 2004 Nepal’s government spending as a share of GDP has risen from 14.60 to 19.44 in 2021, placing it 32nd globally. The upward trajectory accelerated after the all‑time trough of 12.69 in 2013, reaching an all‑time peak of 21.70 in 2019 before settling slightly lower at the latest figure. This pattern mirrors the fiscal expansion observed in peer economies such as the Philippines, whose 2021 spending share stood at 19.14, suggesting regional pressures to fund infrastructure and social programmes. Over the 13‑year coverage period the average annual increase approximates 0.4 percentage points, driven by higher allocations to health, education and disaster resilience. Continued growth will depend on the government’s capacity to broaden the tax base and manage debt, while external shocks or fiscal consolidation could moderate the upward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 19.44% | −0.72% | #32 |
| 2020 | 20.16% | −1.54% | #34 |
| 2019 | 21.70% | +1.54% | #50 |
| 2018 | 20.17% | +3.31% | #51 |
| 2017 | 16.85% | +2.63% | #36 |
| 2016 | 14.23% | +0.24% | #20 |
| 2015 | 13.99% | +0.41% | #19 |
| 2014 | 13.58% | +0.89% | #20 |
| 2013 | 12.69% | −1.15% | #14 |
| 2012 | 13.84% | −0.10% | #21 |
| 2011 | 13.94% | −1.70% | #19 |
| 2010 | 15.64% | +1.04% | #24 |
| 2004 | 14.60% | – | #20 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Nepal matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2016. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Nepal's government spending was 19.44% in 2021. Ranked 32nd globally. This represents a 3.6% decrease from the previous year.
Nepal's government spending peaked at 21.70% in 2019.
The lowest government spending in Nepal was 12.69% in 2013.
Nepal ranks 32nd globally in government spending as of 2021.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The government spending of Nepal in 2021 was 19.44%. This ranks 32nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_nepal_government-spending,
title = {Nepal Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/nepal/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}