China vs United Kingdom: Government Education Expenditure Comparison

Compare Government Education Expenditure (% of GDP) of China and United Kingdom over time using official World Bank Open Data.

⚡ Quick Comparison Summary

In 2023, United Kingdom recorded Government Education Expenditure (% of GDP) of 5.9% vs 3.9% for China (United Kingdom's Government Education Expenditure is 2.0% higher than China's.).

🇨🇳 China
3.9%
+181.1% since 1971
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
5.9%
+17.4% since 1971
⚖️ Difference / Gap
2.0%
Latest Year: 2023
Government Education Expenditure (% of GDP)
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2000 2025
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China vs United Kingdom All Annual Observations (1971 – 2023)

Complete annual observations of Government Education Expenditure (% of GDP) for China and United Kingdom reported by World Bank.

Year 🇨🇳 China Government Education Expenditure 🇬🇧 United Kingdom Government Education Expenditure Difference / Gap
2023 3.9% No data
2021 No data 5.9%
2020 No data 5.4%
2019 No data 5.3%
2018 No data 5.2%
2017 No data 5.5%
2016 No data 5.4%
2015 No data 5.6%
2014 No data 5.6%
2013 No data 5.5%
2011 No data 5.6%
2010 No data 5.7%
2009 No data 5.1%
2008 No data 4.9%
2007 No data 4.9%
2006 No data 5.0%
2005 No data 4.9%
2004 No data 4.7%
2003 No data 4.8%
2002 No data 4.6%
2001 No data 4.1%
2000 No data 4.0%
1999 1.9% 4.0% 2.1%
1998 1.8% 4.2% 2.4%
1996 1.8% 4.4% 2.5%
1995 1.8% 4.8% 3.0%
1994 2.0% 4.9% 2.9%
1993 1.7% No data
1992 1.6% 4.3% 2.7%
1991 No data 4.1%
1990 No data 4.1%
1989 No data 4.1%
1988 1.8% 4.3% 2.5%
1987 1.8% 4.4% 2.6%
1986 2.1% 4.4% 2.3%
1985 2.0% 4.6% 2.6%
1984 2.0% 4.9% 2.9%
1983 2.1% 5.1% 3.0%
1982 2.0% 5.2% 3.2%
1981 1.9% 5.3% 3.3%
1980 1.9% 5.1% 3.2%
1979 2.1% No data
1978 2.0% No data
1977 1.7% 6.1% 4.3%
1976 1.8% 6.4% 4.6%
1975 1.7% 6.3% 4.6%
1974 1.8% 5.4% 3.6%
1973 1.6% 5.4% 3.8%
1972 1.6% 5.2% 3.6%
1971 1.4% 5.0% 3.6%

Government Education Expenditure Comparison

Current Leader: In 2023, United Kingdom recorded Government Education Expenditure of 5.9%, while China recorded 3.9%, a difference of 2.0%.
1971 Baseline: China stood at 1.4% and United Kingdom stood at 5.0%.
1971–2023 Trajectory: China moved to 3.9% (+181.1% since 1971), while United Kingdom moved to 5.9% (+17.4% since 1971).

Historical Trends

Over the available reporting period from 1971 to 2023, China and United Kingdom followed distinct developmental paths. In 1971, China recorded 1.4% compared to 5.0% for United Kingdom. By 2023, the values evolved to 3.9% and 5.9% respectively.

Key Differences

Absolute Gap: Difference in 2023 is 2.0%.
Highest Observed Year: Peak observed was 5.9% (United Kingdom in 2023).
Growth Trajectory: Since 1971, China achieved +181.1% since 1971, while United Kingdom achieved +17.4% since 1971.

About Government Education Expenditure (% of GDP)

General government expenditure on education expressed as a percentage of GDP.

This comparison uses standardized data from World Bank Open Data. Historical records allow analysts to trace long-term development trajectories for China and United Kingdom.

Frequently Asked Questions — Government Education Expenditure

What is the Government Education Expenditure of China?

In 2023, China's Government Education Expenditure was 3.9% according to official World Bank data.

What is the Government Education Expenditure of United Kingdom?

In 2021, United Kingdom's Government Education Expenditure was 5.9% according to official World Bank data.

Which country has a higher Government Education Expenditure?

In 2023, United Kingdom recorded a higher Government Education Expenditure of 5.9% compared to China's 3.9% (a difference of 2.0%).

How has Government Education Expenditure changed over time for China and United Kingdom?

From 1971 to 2023, China's Government Education Expenditure changed by +181.1% since 1971, while United Kingdom's changed by +17.4% since 1971.

Explore China vs United Kingdom Interactively

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Data Source and Methodology

Source: World Bank Open Data. Indicator Code: SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS (Government Education Expenditure (% of GDP)). Values represent annual government education expenditure (% of gdp) for China and United Kingdom from 1971 through 2023. Missing reporting years are omitted without converting missing values to zero.