Band 8+: 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 shows the percentages of total health expenses as a percentage of gross domestic product for twelve European countries in the years 2002, 2007, and 2012.

Overall, among the twelve countries, Switzerland has consistently spent the most, while Estonia has spent the least, and this trend has remained unchanged over the years.

In 2002, Switzerland was the most generous, spending around 11% of its revenue. This was followed by Belgium, France, and the Netherlands, which were 1% lower. In contrast, Estonia had the least expenditure as a percentage of GDP, at approximately 3%.

Moving to 2007, Switzerland, Belgium, and Estonia maintained their percentages, while France experienced a significant increase, bringing it closer to Switzerland.

By 2012, there were increases in spending for some countries such as Slovenia, Poland, Denmark, Lithuania, and Norway. Conversely, the Netherlands and Luxembourg saw decreases. Belgium and Spain maintained their proportions at 10% and 8%, respectively.