Netherlands Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Netherlands's government spending was 40.84% in 2025, ranked 18th globally. This represents a 2.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1973–2025.
Overview
Netherlands's government spending stood at 40.84% in 2025, a rise of +0.87% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 40.84% by 2025. Netherlands ranked 18th globally.
Netherlands’ government spending as a share of gross domestic product has risen steadily since the earliest World Bank record in 1973, when it stood at 34.88 % – the lowest point in the 52‑year series. The upward trajectory accelerated in the early 1980s, reaching an all‑time peak of 50.16 % in 1983, before moderating to a more sustainable level. By 2025 the share had settled at 40.84 %, ranking eighteenth globally and placing the country just below peers such as Belgium (41.63 %) and New Zealand (40.66 %). The long‑run pattern reflects the Netherlands’ expansive welfare state and consistent fiscal commitment to public services, while the post‑peak decline signals a gradual rebalancing of expenditures. Continued demographic aging and climate‑related infrastructure needs could pressure the ratio upward, but ongoing reforms aimed at efficiency and targeted spending are likely to temper any further acceleration.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 40.97% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 40.84% | - | - |
| 2025 | 40.84% | +0.87% | #18 |
| 2023 | 39.97% | +0.60% | #75 |
| 2022 | 39.37% | −2.43% | #94 |
| 2021 | 41.80% | −1.23% | #114 |
| 2020 | 43.02% | +5.53% | #116 |
| 2019 | 37.50% | −0.49% | #118 |
| 2018 | 37.99% | −0.30% | #121 |
| 2017 | 38.29% | −1.16% | #126 |
| 2016 | 39.44% | −1.17% | #125 |
| 2015 | 40.61% | −1.33% | #129 |
| 2014 | 41.95% | −0.50% | #125 |
| 2013 | 42.44% | +0.31% | #117 |
| 2012 | 42.14% | +0.25% | #118 |
| 2011 | 41.89% | −0.61% | #115 |
| 2010 | 42.50% | +0.31% | #112 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Netherlands matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Netherlands's government spending was 40.84% in 2025. Ranked 18th globally. This represents a 2.2% increase from the previous year.
Netherlands's government spending peaked at 50.16% in 1983.
The lowest government spending in Netherlands was 34.88% in 1973.
Netherlands ranks 18th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Netherlands's government spending is projected to reach 40.84% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Netherlands in 2025 was 40.84%. This ranks 18th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_netherlands_government-spending,
title = {Netherlands Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/netherlands/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}