Uruguay Government Spending
Government expenditure as % of GDP GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS
Uruguay's government spending was 38.96% in 2025, ranked 25th globally. This represents a 5.2% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1972–2025.
Overview
Uruguay's government spending stood at 38.96% in 2025, a rise of +1.94% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 38.96% by 2025. Uruguay ranked 25th globally.
Uruguay’s government spending as a share of gross domestic product has risen steadily over the 53‑year series, moving from a low of 15.92 % in 1973 to an all‑time peak of 38.96 % in 2025, which also represents the most recent figure and places the country 25th globally. The long‑term upward trajectory reflects expanding public investment in health, education and social protection, especially after the early 2000s fiscal reforms that broadened the tax base. Uruguay’s 2025 level is comparable to its regional peers, slightly below Bulgaria’s 39.67 % and Czechia’s 39.58 % but above Latvia’s 37.41 %, suggesting a competitive fiscal stance within the group of higher‑spending economies. The early‑1970s trough coincided with a period of macro‑economic instability that constrained public outlays, while the recent peak aligns with post‑pandemic stimulus measures. Continued demographic ageing and pressure on public pensions could moderate future growth, but a sustained commitment to infrastructure and social programs is likely to keep the share near the current high level.
Data & projection
| Year | Government Spending | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 40.11% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 38.96% | - | - |
| 2025 | 38.96% | +1.94% | #25 |
| 2023 | 37.02% | +0.73% | #68 |
| 2022 | 36.29% | +4.56% | #85 |
| 2021 | 31.73% | −2.96% | #73 |
| 2020 | 34.69% | +2.62% | #87 |
| 2019 | 32.07% | +0.15% | #97 |
| 2018 | 31.91% | +0.67% | #99 |
| 2017 | 31.25% | −3.97% | #100 |
| 2016 | 35.22% | +5.65% | #116 |
| 2015 | 29.58% | −0.01% | #93 |
| 2014 | 29.58% | +0.31% | #91 |
| 2013 | 29.27% | +0.43% | #81 |
| 2012 | 28.84% | +1.11% | #86 |
| 2011 | 27.74% | −0.52% | #76 |
| 2010 | 28.25% | +0.05% | #75 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uruguay matched the Stagflation Risk pattern in 2020. Historically, 38% of countries showing this pattern (117 out of 307) saw government spending improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uruguay's government spending was 38.96% in 2025. Ranked 25th globally. This represents a 5.2% increase from the previous year.
Uruguay's government spending peaked at 38.96% in 2025.
The lowest government spending in Uruguay was 15.92% in 1973.
Uruguay ranks 25th globally in government spending as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.XPN.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uruguay's government spending is projected to reach 38.96% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The government spending of Uruguay in 2025 was 38.96%. This ranks 25th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uruguay_government-spending,
title = {Uruguay Government Spending},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uruguay/government-spending/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}