In 2023, Finland led global general government expenditures on social protection as a percentage of GDP, reflecting a priority on welfare within Nordic countries. France, Italy, and Denmark followed closely, signaling robust safety net systems in much of Europe. Countries like the U.S. and South Korea showed lower allocations, possibly highlighting policy differences or economic priorities. Year-on-year variations indicate growth in Norway and Iceland, while declines in Denmark and Hungary suggest shifting internal dynamics. Over five years, expenditures have generally trended upward, with notable increases in Estonia and Latvia.
Future trends to watch include potential budget reallocations due to economic challenges or demographic shifts, influencing public policy around social protection. Emerging economies may also increase expenditure as they develop welfare infrastructure.
Top countries in General Government Expenditures on Social Protection by Country
| # | 10 Countries | Percent of GDP | Last Year | YoY | 5-years CAGR | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Finland | 24.76 | 2023 | +0.53% | +0.43% | View data |
| 2 | 2 France | 24.11 | 2023 | +0.17% | +0.17% | View data |
| 3 | 3 Italy | 21.58 | 2023 | +0.56% | +0.87% | View data |
| 4 | 4 Denmark | 21.03 | 2023 | -0.61% | -0.78% | View data |
| 5 | 5 Norway | 20.37 | 2023 | +0.84% | +1.39% | View data |
| 6 | 6 Greece | 20.22 | 2023 | +0.45% | +0.44% | View data |
| 7 | 7 Austria | 20.05 | 2023 | -0.15% | -0.11% | View data |
| 8 | 8 Germany | 19.82 | 2023 | +0.25% | +0.49% | View data |
| 9 | 9 Sweden | 18.84 | 2023 | -0.48% | -0.75% | View data |
| 10 | 10 Luxembourg | 18.32 | 2023 | +0.33% | +0.35% | View data |
