Singapore Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Singapore's government spending was 15.80% in 2025, ranked 101st globally. This represents a 8.7% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
Singapore's government spending stood at 15.80% in 2025, a decline of +1.50% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 15.80% by 2025. Singapore ranked 101st globally.
Singapore's government spending has exhibited significant fluctuations over the past five decades. At 15.80% of GDP in 2025, the country's current government spending ratio ranks 101 globally, according to World Bank data. This figure is a far cry from the all-time peak of 27.00% in 1987, a year that marked the end of a prolonged period of economic boom in the country. Conversely, the trough of 10.92% in 1994, during a period of economic contraction, highlights the government's ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. Compared to its peers, Singapore's government spending ratio is lower than Switzerland's 16.28%, but slightly higher than that of Guinea-Bissau at 15.70%. The trajectory of Singapore's government spending has been largely influenced by the country's economic health, with a notable increase in spending during the 1980s. A shift towards fiscal consolidation or a significant economic downturn could alter the trajectory of government spending in Singapore.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 15.34% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 15.80% | - | - |
| 2025 | 15.80% | −1.50% | #101 |
| 2023 | 17.30% | +2.48% | #15 |
| 2022 | 14.82% | −1.46% | #11 |
| 2021 | 16.28% | −9.46% | #20 |
| 2020 | 25.75% | +11.57% | #50 |
| 2019 | 14.17% | −0.51% | #19 |
| 2018 | 14.68% | +0.39% | #24 |
| 2017 | 14.29% | −0.13% | #21 |
| 2016 | 14.42% | −1.51% | #22 |
| 2015 | 15.93% | +2.77% | #31 |
| 2014 | 13.15% | +0.78% | #18 |
| 2013 | 12.38% | −0.01% | #13 |
| 2012 | 12.38% | −0.39% | #15 |
| 2011 | 12.77% | +0.36% | #15 |
| 2010 | 12.41% | −1.89% | #13 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Singapore 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
Singapore's government spending was 15.80% in 2025. Ranked 101st globally. This represents a 8.7% decrease from the previous year.
Singapore's government spending peaked at 27.00% in 1987.
The lowest government spending in Singapore was 10.92% in 1994.
Singapore ranks 101st globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Singapore's government spending is projected to reach 15.80% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Singapore in 2025 was 15.80%. This ranks 101st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_singapore_government-spending,
title = {Singapore Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/singapore/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}