Education Spending: Sweden
Sweden's education spending is currently 7.319 % of GDP as of 2022. # Sweden Education Spending Sweden allocated 7.
Current (2022)
7.319 % of GDP
-3.7% y/y
Peak (2020)
7.953 % of GDP
Low (1990)
5.22 % of GDP
Source
World Bank World Development Indicators
1979–2022 · 34 pts
Education Spending — Sweden
1979 — 2022
Education Spending — Sweden
Analysis# Sweden Education Spending
Sweden allocated 7.319% of its GDP to education in 2022, maintaining a historically elevated commitment to the sector. This figure sits below the all-time peak of 7.953% reached in 2020 but remains substantially higher than the 5.22% low recorded in 1990. Over the 43-year period from 1979 to 2022, Sweden increased education spending by 14.7% relative to GDP, reflecting a sustained priority for educational investment across decades.
A notable spike occurred in 2020, coinciding with pandemic-related educational disruptions and heightened demand for remote learning infrastructure. Since that peak, spending has gradually declined, falling to 7.319% by 2022. The recent downward trajectory—from 7.602% in 2021—suggests Sweden may be moderating education expenditure after the pandemic surge, though current levels remain well above long-term historical averages.
Historical Data
34 Rows| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 7.319 % of GDP | -3.72% |
| 2021 | 7.602 % of GDP | -4.41% |
| 2020 | 7.953 % of GDP | +3.78% |
| 2019 | 7.663 % of GDP | -0.45% |
| 2018 | 7.698 % of GDP | +0.79% |
| 2017 | 7.638 % of GDP | -0.03% |
| 2016 | 7.64 % of GDP | +1.95% |
| 2015 | 7.494 % of GDP | -1.77% |
| 2014 | 7.629 % of GDP | -0.24% |
| 2013 | 7.647 % of GDP | +0.95% |
| 2012 | 7.575 % of GDP | +18.23% |
| 2011 | 6.407 % of GDP | -2.38% |
| 2010 | 6.563 % of GDP | -3.26% |
| 2009 | 6.784 % of GDP | +6.28% |
| 2008 | 6.383 % of GDP | +3.17% |
| 2007 | 6.187 % of GDP | -2.92% |
| 2006 | 6.373 % of GDP | -2.18% |
| 2005 | 6.515 % of GDP | -2.37% |
| 2004 | 6.673 % of GDP | -1.82% |
| 2003 | 6.797 % of GDP | -1.65% |
Show all 34 rows
| Year | Value | Change % |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 6.911 % of GDP | +4.47% |
| 2001 | 6.615 % of GDP | -1.83% |
| 2000 | 6.738 % of GDP | -1.53% |
| 1999 | 6.843 % of GDP | -3.06% |
| 1998 | 7.059 % of GDP | +3.29% |
| 1996 | 6.834 % of GDP | +11.05% |
| 1995 | 6.154 % of GDP | +11.59% |
| 1993 | 5.515 % of GDP | +4.73% |
| 1992 | 5.266 % of GDP | -3.41% |
| 1991 | 5.452 % of GDP | +4.44% |
| 1990 | 5.22 % of GDP | -23.13% |
| 1981 | 6.791 % of GDP | +3.74% |
| 1980 | 6.546 % of GDP | +2.57% |
| 1979 | 6.382 % of GDP | — |
Related Data
Other Metrics
For Sweden
Compare Education Spending
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Demographics
People & population data