Timor-Leste Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Timor-Leste's government spending was 42.00% in 2025, ranked 15th globally. This represents a 20.0% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2010–2025.
Overview
Timor-Leste's government spending stood at 42.00% in 2025, a decline of +10.49% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 42.00% by 2025. Timor-Leste ranked 15th globally.
Timor‑Leste’s government spending as a share of GDP has fallen sharply from an all‑time peak of 83.61 in 2010 to a trough of 41.20 in 2021, before reaching 42.00 in 2025, placing the country 15th globally. This 49.6‑percentage‑point decline over 15 years reflects a sustained contraction of fiscal outlays amid limited revenue capacity and the fiscal consolidation required after the post‑independence boom. By 2025 Timor‑Leste’s spending level is virtually identical to that of Belgium (41.63) and only marginally below Luxembourg (42.30), suggesting convergence with higher‑income European peers despite divergent economic structures. The modest rebound from the 2021 low indicates a tentative fiscal easing, yet the trajectory remains flat, constrained by modest tax bases and ongoing development needs. Continued improvements in resource management and external financing will be essential if Timor‑Leste aims to raise its spending share and narrow the gap with peers.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 42.00% | - | - |
| 2025 | 42.00% | −10.49% | #15 |
| 2022 | 52.49% | +11.30% | #109 |
| 2021 | 41.20% | −10.99% | #112 |
| 2020 | 52.19% | +3.14% | #131 |
| 2019 | 49.05% | −7.89% | #135 |
| 2018 | 56.94% | −0.12% | #136 |
| 2017 | 57.06% | −13.04% | #142 |
| 2016 | 70.10% | −3.19% | #144 |
| 2015 | 73.28% | +5.92% | #145 |
| 2014 | 67.36% | +4.44% | #142 |
| 2013 | 62.92% | −15.23% | #132 |
| 2012 | 78.15% | +7.54% | #135 |
| 2011 | 70.61% | −13.00% | #130 |
| 2010 | 83.61% | – | #127 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Timor-Leste 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
Timor-Leste's government spending was 42.00% in 2025. Ranked 15th globally. This represents a 20.0% decrease from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's government spending peaked at 83.61% in 2010.
The lowest government spending in Timor-Leste was 41.20% in 2021.
Timor-Leste ranks 15th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Timor-Leste's government spending is projected to reach 42.00% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Timor-Leste in 2025 was 42.00%. This ranks 15th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_government-spending,
title = {Timor-Leste Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}