Trinidad and Tobago Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Trinidad and Tobago's government spending was 33.32% in 2019, ranked 104th globally. This represents a 6.3% increase from 2018. Data from World Bank, covering 2001–2019.
Overview
Trinidad and Tobago's government spending stood at 33.32% in 2019, a rise of +1.96% from 2018. Trinidad and Tobago ranked 104th globally.
Trinidad and Tobago's government spending has exhibited a relatively consistent upward trend over the past two decades, with a notable exception during the 2003 economic downturn when it dipped to an all-time low of 22.10% of GDP. The country's government spending as a percentage of GDP peaked in 2015 at 33.55%, a level that was surpassed by only a few countries, including Romania. In 2019, government spending stood at 33.32%, positioning Trinidad and Tobago as the 104th country globally in terms of government spending as a percentage of GDP. Bulgaria, a peer country, had a comparable spending level of 33.19% in the same year. The sustained increase in government spending suggests a strong role for the state in Trinidad and Tobago's economy. However, a significant economic shock or change in government priorities could alter this trajectory, potentially leading to a reassessment of the country's fiscal strategy.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 33.32% | +1.96% | #104 |
| 2018 | 31.36% | −1.69% | #95 |
| 2017 | 33.04% | −0.38% | #111 |
| 2016 | 33.43% | −0.12% | #108 |
| 2015 | 33.55% | +2.45% | #108 |
| 2014 | 31.10% | +1.66% | #96 |
| 2013 | 29.44% | +0.92% | #83 |
| 2012 | 28.52% | +1.20% | #83 |
| 2011 | 27.32% | −3.37% | #74 |
| 2010 | 30.70% | −2.32% | #82 |
| 2009 | 33.01% | +6.58% | #77 |
| 2008 | 26.43% | +1.92% | #61 |
| 2007 | 24.51% | −4.99% | #55 |
| 2006 | 29.51% | +6.85% | #67 |
| 2005 | 22.65% | +0.03% | #47 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Trinidad and Tobago matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2014. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Trinidad and Tobago's government spending was 33.32% in 2019. Ranked 104th globally. This represents a 6.3% increase from the previous year.
Trinidad and Tobago's government spending peaked at 33.55% in 2015.
The lowest government spending in Trinidad and Tobago was 22.10% in 2003.
Trinidad and Tobago ranks 104th globally in government spending as of 2019.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
The government spending of Trinidad and Tobago in 2019 was 33.32%. This ranks 104th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_trinidad-and-tobago_government-spending,
title = {Trinidad and Tobago Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/trinidad-and-tobago/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}