Band 6+: The bar chart below shows current health expenditure totals as percentages of GDP* for various European countries for the years 2002, 2007 and 2012. Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant. You should write at least 150 words. * GDP (Gross Domestic Product) is the total value of goods that are made and services that are provided in a country.

The bar chart gives percentages of total health expenses of gross domestic product for twelve European countries for the years 2002,2007 and 2012.

Overall, among the twelve countries, Switzerland has been spending money the most while this number has been the lowest for Estonia and the trend has not changed in all years.

Firstly, it is noticeable that in 2002, Switzerland was the most generous country spending around 11 percent of its revenue. This trend was followed by Belgium, France, and the Netherlands 1% lower. However, the expenditure of GDP was the least significant in Estonia with 3% approximately.

Secondly, talking about 2007, the percentage remained constant for Switzerland, Belgium, and Estonia, while France’s had a substantial increase, becoming closer to Switzerland.

Finally, there were increases for some countries such as Slovenia, Poland, Denmark, Lithuania, and Norway in 2012. However, some countries showed decreases such as the Netherlands and Luxembourg. While proportions continued to remain same in Belgium and Spain, 10% and 8%, respectively.