Tonga Health Spending
Current health expenditure as % of GDP SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS
Tonga's health spending was 8.99% in 2025, ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 22.1% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
Tonga's health spending stood at 8.99% in 2025, a rise of +1.63% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.99% by 2025. Tonga ranked 42nd globally.
Tonga’s health‑spending share of GDP rose from 2.90 % in 2000 to 8.99 % in 2025, marking a 209 % increase over the 25‑year span and positioning the kingdom at rank 42 globally in the latest year. The all‑time peak of 8.99 % coincides with the 2025 data point, while the trough of 2.90 % reflects the baseline level at the start of the series. This upward trajectory surpasses the 8.95 % recorded by Korea and approaches the 9.08 % of Burkina Faso, indicating that Tonga’s health investment is now comparable to middle‑income peers despite its smaller economy. The sustained rise suggests expanding public commitment to health infrastructure and services, likely driven by demographic ageing and the need to address non‑communicable diseases. Continued fiscal capacity and policy focus on preventive care will be decisive in maintaining or further accelerating this growth path.
Data & projection
| Year | Health Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 9.55% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 8.99% | - | - |
| 2025 | 8.99% | +1.63% | #42 |
| 2023 | 7.36% | −0.59% | #116 |
| 2022 | 7.95% | +0.89% | #130 |
| 2021 | 7.06% | +1.50% | #101 |
| 2020 | 5.56% | −0.19% | #63 |
| 2019 | 5.75% | −0.38% | #95 |
| 2018 | 6.12% | +0.49% | #99 |
| 2017 | 5.63% | +0.40% | #85 |
| 2016 | 5.23% | +0.44% | #74 |
| 2015 | 4.78% | −0.41% | #62 |
| 2014 | 5.20% | +1.03% | #81 |
| 2013 | 4.17% | −3.97% | #45 |
| 2012 | 8.14% | +3.40% | #143 |
| 2011 | 4.74% | −0.08% | #67 |
| 2010 | 4.82% | +0.84% | #66 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Tonga matched the Fiscal Dominance Trap pattern in 2022. Historically, 72% of countries showing this pattern (278 out of 386) saw health spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Tonga's health spending was 8.99% in 2025. Ranked 42nd globally. This represents a 22.1% increase from the previous year.
Tonga's health spending peaked at 8.99% in 2025.
The lowest health spending in Tonga was 2.90% in 2000.
Tonga ranks 42nd globally in health spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Tonga's health spending is projected to reach 8.99% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The health spending of Tonga in 2025 was 8.99%. This ranks 42nd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_tonga_health-spending,
title = {Tonga Health Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/tonga/health-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}