The United States spends nearly 17% of GDP on healthcare — far more than any other country — yet achieves worse outcomes on many measures. European countries typically spend 9-12% and achieve better life expectancy and infant mortality outcomes. This comparison highlights the efficiency frontier in health spending.
Key Data Points
Brazil, United States, India, Germany, Japan, Nigeria, United Kingdom -- Life expectancy, Infant mortality, Health spend (% GDP)
Brazil
76 years
United States
78.9 years
India
72.2 years
Germany
80.8 years
Japan
84 years
Nigeria
54.6 years
United Kingdom
81.4 years
Brazil
12.3 per 1,000 live births
United States
5.5 per 1,000 live births
India
23.3 per 1,000 live births
Germany
3.1 per 1,000 live births
Japan
1.8 per 1,000 live births
Nigeria
69.8 per 1,000 live births
United Kingdom
4.1 per 1,000 live births
Brazil
9.7%
United States
16.7%
India
3.3%
Germany
12.3%
Japan
10.7%
Nigeria
4.2%
United Kingdom
11.1%