North Macedonia Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
North Macedonia's government spending was 34.57% in 2025, ranked 39th globally. This represents a 3.6% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2005–2025.
Overview
North Macedonia's government spending stood at 34.57% in 2025, a rise of +1.19% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 34.57% by 2025. North Macedonia ranked 39th globally.
North Macedonia’s government spending as a share of GDP has risen steadily over the 20‑year series, moving from 28.89 % in 2005 to a peak of 34.92 % in 2020 before settling at 34.57 % in 2025, ranking 39th globally. The trough in 2016 at 27.78 % marks the lowest point in the record, after which fiscal outlays accelerated, reflecting expanded public investment and social programmes. Compared with peers, the country’s 2025 level is slightly below Malta’s 35.43 % and Spain’s 35.58 % but marginally above Lithuania’s 34.35 % and South Africa’s 34.31 %, indicating a competitive position among mid‑range spenders. The upward trajectory since the 2016 nadir suggests that, barring major fiscal consolidation or external shocks, government spending is likely to maintain or modestly increase its share of GDP in the near term, reinforcing its role in supporting economic activity.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 35.03% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 34.57% | - | - |
| 2025 | 34.57% | +1.19% | #39 |
| 2023 | 33.38% | +1.18% | #57 |
| 2022 | 32.20% | −1.13% | #68 |
| 2021 | 33.33% | −1.59% | #82 |
| 2020 | 34.92% | +5.24% | #89 |
| 2019 | 29.69% | +1.84% | #88 |
| 2018 | 27.85% | −0.15% | #82 |
| 2017 | 28.00% | +0.21% | #91 |
| 2016 | 27.78% | −1.01% | #88 |
| 2015 | 28.79% | +0.43% | #90 |
| 2014 | 28.37% | +0.12% | #86 |
| 2013 | 28.25% | −1.12% | #77 |
| 2012 | 29.37% | +0.39% | #88 |
| 2011 | 28.98% | −1.10% | #82 |
| 2010 | 30.09% | −1.25% | #80 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
North Macedonia matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2023. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
North Macedonia's government spending was 34.57% in 2025. Ranked 39th globally. This represents a 3.6% increase from the previous year.
North Macedonia's government spending peaked at 34.92% in 2020.
The lowest government spending in North Macedonia was 27.78% in 2016.
North Macedonia ranks 39th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
North Macedonia's government spending is projected to reach 34.57% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of North Macedonia in 2025 was 34.57%. This ranks 39th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_north-macedonia_government-spending,
title = {North Macedonia Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/north-macedonia/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}